ARGENTINE CROPS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 149, 13 March 1918, Page 8

ARGENTINE CROPS

Interest is imparted to Argentina, 'crop news by the announcement cablcd recently that the Allies havo contracted for .the purchase of the--surplus whoat, ctc., produced this season in tho republic, up to a maximum of 2,500,000 tons. If the Entente takes the entire excess of wheat, tho quantity obtained will represent anything from 14,000,000 quarters to 18,000,000 quarters, equal to 112,000,000 to 144,000,000 bushels or probatily quito as much of the cereal as could be spared out of the Australiancrop for 1917-18. Atmospheric conditions are stated to have been very favourable throughout the season, and the likelihood is that tho grain, although not quits up to Australian f.a.r|., will bo made to suit the requirements of consumers in. Great Britain, France, and Italy, whither most of it will presumably be shipped, Latest mail advices from Bueiios Aires mention that in addition some 750,000 quarters or thereabouts can be spared by Uruguay, whilst Brazil also has had a good harvest. By drawing upon her neighbours, Argentina could supplement apprcci- • ably her exportation surplus. Tlio 111 st eifeot of tho action of the Allies was to arrest a sharp dccline in quotations in the South American markets. It is considered probable that part or the purchase -will be taken in maize, ot which also the republic has a big oversupply. . .. t ■ ;■