GOOD DEMAND FOR MOST SMALL SEEDS

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30823, 7 August 1965, Page 23

GOOD DEMAND FOR MOST SMALL SEEDS

Overseas inquiries for small seeds are still keeping the local market at a buoyant level and, although prices in the last week or 10 days have not increased, they have remained steady at the best levels for many moi ths. Merchants said yesterday that harvesting conditions in the United Kingdom had not been favourable and there were constant inquiries for New Zealand seeds. However, business was being transacted at buyers’ price levels and attempts to raise prices by New Zealand sellers resulted in a lack of inquiry. Interest has also been shown in New Zealand garden peas—for the first time in several years, apart from occasional inquiries for very small lots. However, here again, prices were at buyers’ levels. Merchants anticipated the United Kingdom inquiry would continue at about its oresent strength for some time. One merchant also thought that the current

North American drought could induce some American interest if any of the small seed production areas were affected by the dry conditions Over the last few years there appeared to have been a world surplus of small seeds, one merchant said. However, there were indications that this world surplus was beginning to drop. At present Australian lucerne seed is being imported into New Zealand and merchants said that this would have the effect of steadying the relatively high prices being paid at present for local lucerne seed. As a guide to growers the following price range was issued yesterday by the president of the North Canterbury Grain. Seed and Produce Merchants’ Association (Mr H. Holmes): Ryegrass.—Mother perennial. 16s 6d a pound: p.p., 16s. Mother Hl, 225; uncertified. 16s. Mother Italian, 16s 6d; uncertified, 13s 6d. White Clover. —Mother 3s 2d a pound: p.p., 3s Id. Cowgrass.—Mother, 2s ,5d a ! pound: uncertified, 2s 3d. Montgomery Red Clover.— Mother, 3s 6d a pound; uncertified, 3s. Cocksfoot. —Mother, 85/85, 4s a pound. Lucerne.—Mother, 6s 3d a pound: uncertified. 4s 6d. Mr Holmes emphasised that values quoted for ryegrass and white clover were based on a 99/90 purity and germination and free from Rumex species to comply with the United Kingdom Seeds Act.