CEREAL CROPS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26784, 29 May 1948, Page 3

CEREAL CROPS

A QUIET WEEK INQUIRY FOR COCKSFOOT The market for grain has been quiet this week, and only a few of the later harvested crops are coming to hand. All types of oats are meeting with a good inquiry from the North Island, but merchants are not in a position to supply, as the demand is much in excess of the stocks available. The total yield of all types of grain was less than usual this year, and the shortage was accentuated by the unusual demand for oats, barley, and ryecorn feeding purposes. Chaff continues to have a steady inquiry, and merchants are receiving supplies large enough to meet orders. Lines of lower grade are not sought after. The yields of potatoes have been exceptionally heavy, and the quality is good. Merchants hope that there will soon be enough shipping available to relieve the congestion in local stores which was caused by the embargo on tho shipment of potatoes to the North Island. The stay order, has now been lifted Although no easing of values was apparent, business In seeds had a quieter tone this week. As a general rule, merchants continue to show more interest in the higher testing and choice quality lines rather than those of inferior quality, which arc being neglected. White clover is still sought after, and there has been a keen inquiry for cowgrass and Montgomery red clover The values of all these" lines have firmed. Perennial, ryegrass, short ratation Ryegrass, and Italian ryegrass (which has tested well) have all had some demand, but there has been little variation in values. Cocksfoot, which a year ago was the Cinderella ” of the market, is now meeting with a good inquiry, and the price for both certified and uncertified seed has increased.

The values for crested dogstail and Chewings fescue appear to have become stable at recent rates. The new season’s crop of browntop has been harvested, and is ready for dressing, and the tests of some lines should come to hand shortly.