GRAIN, SEEDS PRODUCE

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29264, 23 July 1960, Page 16

GRAIN, SEEDS PRODUCE

I Slight Rise In . JFTiite Clover

Values of small seeds have generally remained firm jn the last week and white clover, which has been in moderately • steady demand for several months has shown a further slight firming of about Id per lb. Italian ryegrass is still being sought by overseas buyers but some merchants said that inquiry seemed to be lessening- ■ • While trading this year has never reached any great peak in volume, there has been a practically continuous run df business in white clover. Prices have shown a slow progressive firming which has levelled off over the last two months.

Christchurch . merchants said yesterday that, while no definite

information was available on the situation of the United Kingdom and Continental harvests, which are now getting under way, it could be inferred that prospects for yields are below normal. The main small seeds producing areas in Britain last year, were affected by drought in the spring and summer and with a relatively dry winter pastures did not show full recovery. This would make for lower yields this harvest. In addition, many pastures had to be replaced after the drought and resowings after poor strikes were fairly heavy in some areas. United Kingdom -merchants cleared big stocks of most varieties and as a result began to buy earlier than usual this year from New Zealand and other exporting countries. The continued trading at present during the home harvest time is probably an acknowledgement that lower quantities of local seed will be available.

One merchant said- that the strong demand for Italian ryegrass in the last few weeks was possibly because ryegrass on world markets was not plentiful, although not scarce, and Italian at a cheaper rate than short rotation was a good- buy for quick feed. Potato Market Quiet In the potato market business is slack, with North Island merchants showing little interest. Very small shipments have been made to Auckland and Wellington, although the smaller ports have been receiving moderate quantities. Prices have shown a further easing and Suttons No. 1 grades are returning between £29 and £3O a ton to the grower, with preferred whites at about £27 to £2B and others at £26 to £27. The slackness of the North Island buying is attributed by local merchants to the disposal of stocks which were being held by merchants and' wholesalers in the North Island in case of a shortage. Auckland wholesale prices for South Island potatoes were quoted at £36 to £46 a ton on Thursday and £4O to £46 on Monday. Prices to. Grower The following prices for small seeds were announced as a guide *to growers by the president of the Christchurch Grain. Seed and Produce Merchants’ Association (Mr W. J. Bews): — Ryegrass.—Mother perennial. 23s 3d per bushel: p.p, 22s 6d; uncertified, 17s 6d; Mother Hl, 28s; standard, 275. White Clover.—Mother 99/90, 4s 4d per lb; p.p., 4s 2d; mother 98/90, 4s 3d: p.p. 4s Id Cowgrass.—Certified 2s fid per lb: uncertified. 2s 3d. Browntop.—Certified, 4s per lb; uncertified, 3s 9d. Montgomery * Red Clover.—Certified. 3s 9d per lb:- uncertified. 2s 9d. In announcing these prices Mr Bews said that they were those which could be justified by trading conditions, and did not take into .account day-to-day fluctuations of a speculative nature.