THE GRAIN CROPS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8367, 1 March 1913, Page 2

THE GRAIN CROPS

estimates too high. CONDITIONS IN THE SOUTH. Press Association, CHRISTCHURCH, February 28. The Government statistician’s estimated average of thirty bushels of wheat to the acre is on the übeial side though it has to be remembered that’ there will bo very little damaged grain, this year’s crop having been Serves ted under generally favourable conditions. The total crop is estimated to produce 5,i09,9D0 bushels, which is not sufficient for requirements, but there must have been a fairly large carry over of last year s wheat. Tne estimate of 38.35 bushels of oats per acre is undoubtedly too high, the South Island crops being very much lighter than they were last year* . , The Southland crops are estimated at 41.73 bushels per acre, but there will be few southern farmers who will agree with this, as the crop' is unusualiy light,over a large area of country. Barley is estimated at 36.33 bushels, and potatoes at 6.74 tons, but the latter is mere guess work, seemg_ that the main crops are not yet ready for digging. Condensed reports of the enumerators that have been published do not bear out the high estimates of yields of grain crops. . The local wheat market is very firm, but there has not been much gram offering during the week, in consequence of rains having interrupted threshing operations. Oats are, if anything, weaker, and Is lid is now the outside price offered for Gartens. Tlero is very little business doing in this cereal. A few lots of peas have-been marketed: 2s 9d and 3s having been paid for partridge, and 4s for Prussian blues.