SEED MARKET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27526, 21 October 1950, Page 6

SEED MARKET

Quiet Week But Interest

General

The rain during last week-end was apparently general throughout the province and did an immense amount of good. It enabled farmers in dry areas to get on with work that was previously held up for the want of rain.

A particularly quiet w*eek has been experienced in seeds, although interest in all lines continues to be general. The market for Montgomery red clover and cowgrass appears to have steadied, and although there are buyers in evidence, no increase has been recorded in values. The demand throughout' has been confined to good quality lines of good colour, and the other grade lines have been more or less neglected. The white clover market remains firm, and the quantity of seed of export quality on offer -is not large. Small overseas orders are still being received, and there appears to be no prospect of any easing in values this year. The plot tests for pedigree grade white clover have now been received, with the result that a few lines in this category have been released. There is a keen demand for pedigree seed, and it is doubtful if the quantity available will be sufficient for requirements. The market for Timothy, cocksfoot and crested dogstail is unaltered, with prices on a high level. There is very little good quality seed available. Chewing’s fescue and browntop are also steady at recent rates. Buyers are in evidence for Italian ryegrass and short-rotation ryegrass, but only very odd parcels are coming on the market. Merchants appear to have their immediate requirements of perennial ryegrass, and little business is passing. Table potatoes are moving off steadily, and the heavy stocks of a month or two ago have now been largely cleared. The potatoes have kept well this year, and there has been little loss through deterioration. Good quality King Edward seed potatoes are being inquired for, but there appear to be ample stocks of other main varieties available. The chaff market is quiet, but values are firm as there are only sufficient stocks coming to hand to meet requirements. Inquiries for oats are' steady, but when local merchants complete their deliveries of seed lines this month trading will be finished for the year, as there are no supply stocks for shipment to the North Island.