FIRM MARKETS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27514, 7 October 1950, Page 3

FIRM MARKETS

Montgomery Red And Cowgrass OVERSEAS BUYERS ACTIVE Good growing weather is being experienced throughout Otago, though in the Central area rain is still needed. Even on the coastal strip a few more showers would be appreciated. Both Montgomery red clover and cowgrass are still receiving the attention of exporters, and it is apparent that the very wet harvesting conditions experienced at Home have had a detrimental effect in seed producing areas there. Buyers are still confining their attention to seed of high purity, germination and good colour. Uncertified seed as well as certified lines are in demand. White clover remains firm, though there is little variation in values, but the quantity of seed now on offer is distinctly limited. By the time the new season’s white clover is harvested in February there is every likelihood that there will be a complete clearance of stocks. It is many years since this has happened. Short'rotation and Italian ryegrass continue in short supply, with very few high quality lines on offer. Perennial rye, both certified and uncertified, is more readily obtainable, with prices steady at recent rates. , .. Crested dogstail, cocksfoot and timothy are all in short supply, and the market continues firm. It is likely to remain so for the remainder of the season. Chewing’s fescue and browntop are both moving off steadily at prices considerably in excess of those ruling in previous seasons. The demand for table potatoes is now at its peak, and as a result stocks in store have been reduced .appreciably. New potatoes will be available in greater quantity next month, and will, of course, affect sales of old ones. It is not expected that there will be any surplus of potatoes in Dunedin by the end of the y< The fact that fairly large shipments of oats have been made overseas, together with the small quantity- held at this port, has tended to firm the market, and inquiries from North Island buyers are now more general. Trading in this cereal, however, is more or less finished for the year so far as Dunedin merchants are concerned. „ , There is a steady demand for fowl wheat, wih local stocks sufficient to meet all immediate requirements.