Seed market strong

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33448, 1 February 1974, Page 12

Seed market strong

The small seeds market remains strong, although prices to growers are not as strong as those quoted earlier in the season.

The grass seed harvest, overall, is expected to be up on last year. Dry conditions earlier in the season have kept the Mid-Canter-bury crop at about the same level, but more has been harvested in the Christchurch district and North Canterbury. Bushel weights are generally low. Where the bushel weights in a normal season will run at 271 b to 281 b, this year they are

frequently around 201 b to 221 b. Merchants always expect the early light-land crop to run light to the bushel, but this year most crops are showing this characteristic. Principal overseas inquiry at the present time is coming from Australia. The white clover harvest has not come up to expectations. Earlier in the season, a satisfactory harvest waft predicted, but

yields have frequently proved disappointing. The dispatch of a big consignment of small seeds to Chile in November left merchants with very light stocks on hand. However, the supply of clover may not be as light as appears at first hand, as growers are believed to have useful stocks of old seasons crop on hand. This is a situation which occurs in years of high farm incomes. At present, white clover is worth around 78c a lb to the grower, and in some cases a little more.

Perennial ryegrass seed is funning at about $6.80 a bushel, with lines which have tested well ranging up to $7. Ariki is being quoted at $6.20, with good lines at a little higher money; Hl ryegrass $5.50; and Tama $5.80, with good lines to $6.

Field peas, particularly blues and whites, are meeting good overseas inquiry. They are wanted for human consumption. On the local market, feed grains are in demand. At this stage of the season it appears the local market will be able to take all that will be harvested.

White oats, which have been in short supply for months, are changing hands at $2 a bushel on the paddock, and in some cases a little more.

The harvest is not proving easy. Because of much changeable weather, there has been some problem with moisture content. But rain in December and early last month has brought benefits in that more hay is being harvested than was forecast earlier in the season, and the feed situation is better than it has been at this time of the season for some years.