GRAIN AND PRODUCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25173, 13 March 1943, Page 3

GRAIN AND PRODUCE

PURCHASE OF POTATO SURPLUS

POLICY OF GOVERNMENT The short spell of fine weather resulted in a number of samples of wheat being offered by growers in the Central Otago, Taieri, Milton, and Balclutha districts, and where the grain was up to standard it was readily accepted by millers. The quality of the Otago wheat appears to be better than that from Canterbury, where several lines are on the thin side. Some of the Canterbury wheat is weighing below 601 b to the bushel, and the wheat from Otago in several instances is above this standard. It can now be stated that the yields of wheat throughout the South Island will be below those of last year. Th® crops in several districts are not yielding up to expectations, consequent on disease and the heads not being properly fil Little business Is .being transacted in the fowl wheat market. Prices are unchanged at up to 6s 6d per bushel, sacks extra, ex store, for small lots. Flour, Bran, etc. Flour; 200’s, £l3 15s . 6d; 100 s, £l4 12s 6d; 50’s, £l4 17s 6d; 25’s £ls 7s 6d. Bran. £5 5s per ton of 20001 b Pollard. £6 15s per ton of 20001 b. Oatmeal: 2001 b sacks. £25 10s 6d per ton- 251 b loose, £27 0s 6d; 251 b packed in sacks of eight, £27 10s 6d. Poor Demand for Oats Few lines of oats are being offered from the country, as threshing has not been genera), growers considering it wiser to put their oats in stack for the time being The absence of demand from the North Island continues. The nominal quotation is 3s 7d, f.0.b... s.i., for A Cartons, and 3s 5d for Bs, f-0.b., s.i. These prices are equivalent to 2s 7a ana 2s 5d respectively on trucks, country sidings, sacks extra. Price for Surplus Potatoes The position regarding the main crop of potatoes has been clarified with the recent announcement by the Minister of Marketing. A definite maximum retail price has been fixed, and also an actual price to farmers. It has already been stated that for the month of March the price for Arran Chiefs has been fixed at £8 ,per ton, and for King Edwards £8 10s„ and for the month of April the price is 15s per ton less. The prices are free on board, sacks in, and farmers have to pay the cost of railage, sacks, handling, etc. These prices, however, apply only where farmers can find a purchaser for their tubers. ... „ With the heavy crops of potatoes available this season, it is not likely that merchants will be able to buy all the potatoes offering, and this will, of course, result in a surplus during March and April at any rate. The market has gone from bad to worse. The Government has now announced that it is not its intention to buy surplus stocks from month to month, and that these will only be taken by it at a fixed price frf £7 15s per ton fo.b.. s.i.. for Sutton’s Supreme and King Edward, and £7 5s for other varieties. at the end of the normal season. The trade assumes that this will be August or September. Inquiries for Seeds The autumn demand from the North Island for seeds hes brought forward inquiries for certified perennial and Italian ryegrass, cocksfoot, and certified ■white clover and dogstail. Values, with the exception of those for white clover, remain unchanged. The market for all clovers continues weak. Various Commodities Wholesale prices are as follows: Chaff: Good bright oaten sheaf. £6 to £6 5s per ton. sacks extra, ex truck, to £6 10s to £7, ex store; weak demand. Fowl wheat, 6s 3d to 6s 6d per bushel, ex store, according to quality and quantitv. Butter: Bulk. Is per lb. Bacon, Is 3d per lb. Hams. Is 2Jd per lb; boneless, Is 4d. Egg Prices The Government fixed wholesale prices are as follows:—Heavv, 2s 4d her dozen: standard. 2s 2d: medium. Is lid; pullfts, Is 7d. The retail prices are 2s 7d, 2s sd, 2s Ud, and Is 9d respectively.