OTAGO PRODUCE MARKETS

Southland Times, Issue 23989, 2 December 1939, Page 3

OTAGO PRODUCE MARKETS

WHEAT CROPS HELPED BY RAIN FIRM DEMAND EXISTS FOR OATS (United Press Association) DUNEDIN, December 1. Good rains have fallen in most of the wheat-growing areas and they will materially help crops. In the chief growing areas about an inch fell, but in the Central Otago district further rains will be required within the next few weeks to ensure average yields. So far as Otago and Southland districts are concerned, crops are looking exceptionally well. The marketing of last season’s, wheat is now almost finished, but during the week some small lines were placed with millers to secure payment through the Wheat Committee of wheat sold before the end of November. The market for fowl wheat is steady, with an increase in the demand for best quality, which is now worth 5/10 a bushel, sacks extra, on the wholesale market. Stocks held at this centre are not heavy and they will be required before the new season’s wheat is available. Sales- ex stores are being made at 6/3 a bushel, sacks extra. There is not much life in the oat market and few inquiries are being received for spot delivery. The. market is firm because of dry weather in Canterbury. It is reported that in some areas oat crops are now a failure and forward buying is, as a result, now taking place. Sales of A Gartons have been made at 3/8 f.0.b.5.i., April to September delivery. Stocks in stores are on the light side,-but this is usual at this time of the year as all space is required for storing wool. CHAFF MARKET QUIET The chaff market is quiet, with few inquiries. Values are unchanged, best quality being worth £5/5/- a ton, sacks extra, ex store. Stocks on hand are sufficient to meet the demand. Business in the potato market is now confined to the new crop, with supplies of new potatoes increasing daily. Aucklands are selling wholesale at 3d per lb and locally grown at 3Jd to 4d. with increasing supplies, the market should show an easier tendency in z the next week or two. The retail demand for seeds. is inclined to slacken, as most farmers have obtained delivery of their requirements. Occasional orders are still coming in, but stocks of all varieties are now in short supply. The ryegrass market is firm and is difficult to obtain good germinating lines of either certified or ordinary seed. There is still a quantity of low-germinating ryegrass available, but merchants are not interested in this quality. The outlook for the new crop of ryegrass is not promising, as dry weather in Central Otago and the backward spring brought about a shortage of feed and caused farmers to turn their stock in to paddocks, instead of shutting them off for seed-saving purposes. Dry weather has also affected cocksfoot crops, but the market is firm. Stocks of white clover are shorter than has been the case for a number of years and prices have advanced. The cowgrass market is steady, following inquiries for export to England. The Montgomery red clover market is firm and quotations do not vary for crested dogstail, stocks of which are in short supply. The only seed for which there is little demand is brown top. Stocks are not heavy, but there is a lack of inquiry for export. UNION SUPPLIES It is reported that the steamer which was to bring the shipment of Canadian onions has been delayed and that it is not expected in Wellington until December 14. It would appear, therefore, that consignments for the local market cannot arrive until a few days before Christmas. In the meantime the local market is quite bare of supplies. Strawberries are arriving in increasing quantities, mostly from Central Otago and Outram, and satisfactory prices are being obtained. Supplies of cherries from Central Otago are on the increase and the quality of the fruit, for this time of year, is excellent. Another shipment of Samoan bananas reached the market during the week. The supply was not equal to the demand and bananas had to be rationed to retailers. Another shipment is due to arrive just before Christmas and it is doubtful if it will be here in time to be ripened for Christmas trade. A recent shipment of Australian oranges has now been sold. out of wholesale marts. Another shipment, a small one, is due to arrive in about a fortnight’s time. A small shipment of Jamaican grapefruit is expected on the market soon. A small shipment of Californian lemons reached the market today and had to be rationed to retailers as the supply was not nearly sufficient for the demand. Only small lots of New Zea-land-grown lemons are reaching the market. The tomato market is erratic. Prices eased considerably early in the week and supplies at once dropped away. Today, supplies were not so plentiful and there was a sharp advance in price. Only small lots of apples are reaching the market and . these are quickly taken up at high prices.