GRAIN MARKET ACTIVE

Evening Star, Issue 23503, 17 February 1940, Page 13

GRAIN MARKET ACTIVE

EXCELLENT WEATHER FCR HARVESTING SATISFACTORY POSITION IN CANTERBURY [Per United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, February 16. Wheat is still the chief line which is keeping the grain market busy, and it is likely to occupy the merchants’ attention until the end of this month. Growers have had l excellent weather for harvesting, and the grain continues to show satisfactory moisture tests. Reports now coming in from_ the Peninsula confirm the earlier indications that the cocksfoot crop will be considerably poorer, both in quality and quantity. There is not a great deal of seed offering yet, and, although more inquiry has developed lately,;the carry-over is sufficient for immediate needs. Merchants are offering growers from 6d to 9d.

Ryegrass has shown a firming tendency since reports have been received from Southland that the crops there have been damaged by bad weather. It is stated that, although good samples may be received from the more-favoured districts, the crops from coastal regions will have a certain amount of discolouration and that germination may be affected. Local merchants are offering up to 6s for perennial and up to 6s 6d for Italian white.

Clover is also firmer, values ranging up to 2s generally. The demand for seeds from the North Island has not been very evident yet, but it has another six weeks or so to develop.^ There has been no change in. the potato market. Merchants find themselves unable to offer more than £8 10s a ton on the trucks, and the growers seem content to await developments. Some North Canterbury growers report that their potatoes have been affected by the ground being padded by the heavy rains continual north-west wind’s following and drying the surface, but generally the crop is reported to be excellent.