PRODUCE MARKETS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 234, 1 July 1939, Page 4 (Supplement)

PRODUCE MARKETS

Easy Winter Influences

Feed-Stuffs

POTATO SUPPLY PROBLEM A Christchurch report dealing very fully with the potato situation, was published on the financial page last Wednesday ; this report adds confirmation to the estimates given in this column on June 3, when the produce trade was reviewed for May.

Since then, potatoes have finned 30/- to £2 a ton —from an exceedingly high price, to oue still higher. Gone now are all thoughts of exporting, either to Argentina or Australia, the present worry is how long will supplies last for our own consumption. On Monday and Tuesday, in just two days, of this week, prices rose 10/- a ton. Whites and Dakotas were quoted at £l2 a ton, 0.t., and Suttons at £l2/10/-. This means a North Island landed price of £l5 to £lO a ton—more than double that normally ruling. As an unfortunate coincidence for consumers, other vegetables are very dear this winter. Carrots have sold in North Island auction marts at as high as £lO a ton. In consequence of this, and because also of the strength of custom, potato consumption is being well maintained.

However, there is always the other side to the picture; last season South Island potato growers suffered severely from glutted markets. There were big crops and no export demand; the hopedfor Argentine market failing to mature. Pukekohe reports very good growth, and an early spring should see substantial supplies from there by mid-October. But that date is yet a long way.off. According to our June 3 estimate, the Dominion will require from this date (July 1), 44,000 tons of potatoes to provide normal consumption needs, up to the coming in of next season’s supplies. The South Island is to provide the whole tonnage, less perhaps 2000 to 3000 tons now in stock up here. Next Season’s Prospects. The current market will very probably have repercussions upon that for next season. Normally, low prices follow high, because of encouragement to producers to expand plantings. But prospects contrarywise are now seen. An unusual element entering the situation is seed shortage. Uncertified seed is exceedingly scarce in the North Island, for certified growers here really are dependent upon the south. There the price for “tables” is so high, that growers find it profitable to sell lagr certified, as well as uncertified, seed, as “tables.’’ This refers to the 4oz. to 6oz. seed that usually provides a considerable proportion of the seed sown, specially in Suttons. A good deal of small, uncertified seed was cleared out early in the season, sent to the islands as cheap eating potatoes. Then in the North Island, many crops were dug before maturity, because of fear of blight, and in consequence have provided no seed. Merchants are so short of seed. that they are in effect having to ration it to provide the requirements of usual clients. This will discourage newcomers to growing. , . , Should recourse be had to sowing seed of pig potato standards there is every prospect of poor yields. Finally, potatoes being dear in early summer will encourage early digging, of immature and consequently light crops. Thus next season’s supply will be eaten into. A second high price season may well follow this one. Onions. Imported supplies are expected at about the end of this month, but no definite word has yet been given by the. Go-' vernment officials handling importations. Meanwhile prices are up in the air; Pukekohe quoting at around 21/- a 1001 b. There is suspicion in some quarters that some growers are playing the market to the limit—holding on to stocks, to squeeze the last penny, feeling they can do this under protection of the onion control board. Some light would be welcomed upon this matter. Growers deserve a fair return. but consumers should not be held up by a monopoly, when imported supplies'could he available, specially when other vegetables are so dear. Hay and Mangels. Continued mild weather has brought an easing in demand for hay. Prices are. however, no easier, as growers are holding firmly. ' If anything, current prices are about 5/- up on end of May rates. O.t. to growers, Manawatu-Rangitikei values may be quoted as: — Lucerne, none available; but allowing usual premium, a good sample should be worth £6/10/- to. £6/15/-. Clover, good, £6 to £6/5/-; meadow, good and bright. £5 to £5/5/-; sound, but off colour, £4/5/-. . Threshed rye, none offering. Nominal value would be £3/12/6 for good sample. Mangels are scarcely obtainable, and for what are offered, high prices check demand. At 27/6 to 30/- a ton 0.t., these rule at 2/6 up on a month ago. The price is really too high. Better to feed dry meals, as these are cheaper a unit of food valuci Chaff and Oats. Chaff is in very quiet demand, because of the easy winter, so far. experienced. North Island supplies being long exhausted, the south is now relied upon, and shipments from there are selling at £8 15/- to £0 a ton, ex whip, Wellington. Purchased from produce stores up country, in retail quantities, the price is £6 16/- to £lO a ton. Garton’s oats for feeding purposes, same basis, sell at around 4/6 a bushel. This is not very dear. Pollard and bran are unchanged in price, and like other meal feed-stuffs, are in steady demand.

SHEEP COMMISSION

When Will Report Be

Presented? FORMIDABLE TASK The Southland Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union has set up standing committees to deal with specific problems, as follows Organization and finance, S members; dairying, 16; meat and wool, 17; grain and seeds, 9; fertilizers, 5; broadcasting, 5. A special committee of 11 members was set up to prepare evidence for submission to the Royal Commission on sheep-tarm-At a meeting of the Poverty Bay and East Coast Sheep Breeders’ Association, grave dissatisfaction was voiced at the Royal Commission’s constitution. lh e absence of any representative of North Island hill country was regarded as a great weakness. Also, it was considered desirable that an expert from the Department of Agriculture should have been appointAmong Hawke’s Bay farmers, with whom the Commission was discussed on my visit last week, like dissatisfaction was voiced. The Dairy Commission.