Wheat Report Described As Disquieting

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31984, 10 May 1969, Page 12

Wheat Report Described As Disquieting

Disappointment that the new variety of wheat, 1020.01, would not be released until next year was expressed by the chairman of the agriculture section of North Canterbury Federated Farmers (Mr A. L. Mulholland) yesterday. Mr Mulholland, who was addressing the section’s annual conference, was commenting on the decision of the Wheat Research Committee, which comprises representatives of all parts of the wheat industry. Mr Mulholland described some aspects of the report, printed earlier this week, as disquieting. Referring to the “obvious concern” of bakers at the risk of a decline in the growing of Hilgendorf, Mr Mulholland said there was an inference that other wheats might be discounted in price to. encourage more Hilgendorf. Mr Mulholland said he was adamant that Aotea must be ' retained as the basic standard for wheat, and that the price of $1.45 be maintained at all costs.

Discussing the concept of payment for wheat on quality, Mr Mulholland said: “This may be all right, but what we are concerned about is the level that is fixed on quality, because if it is fixed too critically it could amount to a drop in price.

"Why should we be. so subject to the feelings of the bakers? We are in business, just as they are.” . Wheat Surplus In his annual report, Mr Mulholland said it was reasonably certain that at least 60,000 tons (2,200,000 bushels) would be surplus. Although there were large surpluses . In traditional wheat-growing countries, the Wheat Board was reasonably confident that it could make sales ait a fair price. Wheatgrower represented

tives had recommended that negotiations begin immediately for two reasons—that as much as possible be cleared before the Northern Hemisphere harvest, and that by selling now less increment would have accrued, thereby cutting down on use of the retention fund.

“It must be borne in mind that an .increment paid on surplus milling wheat would be a charge on the fund. To dispose of the whole of the surplus now would not be wise, and the board intends to negotiate part of it initially,” Mr Mulholland said. Much valuable experience was gained by the Southland wheal pool in disposing of its sprouted stocks last year, and this would provide a sound basis on which the board’s efforts to find markets would be based. The net return to the Southland grower had to be considered very satisfactory at $1.03 a bushel.