GRAIN, SEEDS, PRODUCE

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29366, 19 November 1960, Page 15

GRAIN, SEEDS, PRODUCE

More Inquiry For Seeds

After several weeks of inactivity a little life has appeared in the small seeds trade in the last day or so but the modest amount of business done has been at definitely lower levels. Merchants hope that the slight improvement in overseas inquiry will continue. About a month ago there was a decline in inquiries from the United Kingdom and with business tapering off the nominal level of values became unstable and then eased. London eports indicated that United Kingdom buyers were reticent to buy at the then level of prices beetuse cf the improved prospects of the coming Nev Zealand crop ano its possible effect on seed stocks carried ove'.

With the slight improvement in the market, the present level of values is well below the last quotations last month. White clover has slipped by 7d to Sd per lb over that time, with rye'grasses back by 3s to 4s per bushel.

Although these represent a sharp easing, the market this year held to a very sound level for more than six months during which time the great bulk of the exportable crop was sold. Seed stocks remaining unsold in New Zealand at present are not large. An interesting feature of the market this year has been the effect of the Government tenders. Throughout the year the tender has often coincided with a quiet period in overseas trading and on at least two occasions acted as a stabilising influence in tying up a considerable quantity of seed. A further Government tender of moderate proportions closes on Monday, In the last few days there have been odd sales of white clover and perennial ryegrass to the United Kingdom. Other varieties of seed remain quiet. Review of Crops

Wheat crops this year have made very good growth with the favourable weather and soil moisture, but complaints of mildew in Aotea and general complaints of yellow dwarf virus causing yellowing have been common. Although it is expected that some of the crops affected badly will show reduced yields and some pinching of the grain, it is anticipated that over-all yields this season in Canterbury will again be good. Spring sown crops are looking particularly well in all areas, especially wheat sown on the heavier land. Peas are doing well and it has been an excellent season for them so far. Oats are making good growth and barley crops have .germinated well. A big area has been shut up this year for ryegrass and white clover production and indications are for a considerable increase on last year, provided, that the weather remains favourable for the next six weeks. In MidCanterbury it is expected that entries for ryegrass certification, which closed yesterday, will show an increase of about 50 per cent. Plantings of potatoes have virtually ended and indications are that the South Island acreage will show an increase, although not very large, on last year. In the North Island a smaller over-all acreage is likely, although out-of-conitnact early main crop growers may build the total up. Prices to Growers The following prices were announced yesterday as a guide to growers by the president of the Canterbury Grain. Seed and Produce Merchants’ Association (Mr W. J. Bews):— Ryegrass.—Mother perennial. 22s per bushel; p.p., 21s; uncertified, 17s: Mother Hl, 255: standard, 245; Mother Italian. 255: standard, 245. White Clover. —Mother 99/90. 3s lOd per lb; p.p.. 3s 9d; mother 98/90. 3s 9d; p.p..’3s 3d. Browntop.—Certified, 4s per lb. Montgomery Red Clover. —Certified. 3s 6d per lb: uncertified, 2s 9d. In announcing the above prices. Mr Bews emphasised that they should be regarded as nominal. »