THE MAIZE MARKET

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 34, 20 May 1938, Page 2

THE MAIZE MARKET

PRICES REMAIN UNCHANGED SEASON’S CROPS SATISFACTORY Picking of the new season’s maize crops in the Opotiki .and Gisborne districts is now well under way, and the indications are that the yields will be very satisfactory in most eases. Crops generally in the Opotiki district' have ripened about a fortnight earlier than those on the Poverty; Bay flats, although crops in the latter district earlier than the previous year. The season in the Opotiki district lias been a very favourable one and with-an early spring crops were planted earlier than for some years past. Cobbing was too far advanced in the Opotiki district for the wet spell toi have a very detrimental effect on the cobs. Some crops are showing a faulty base, the grain being, rather scanty at this end of the cob. Very large cobs are in evidence and the fault will therefore not be so noticeable in the yield. In,, referring to. the Gisborne crop, the P.b! Herald states that while it is early yet ..to talk of : yields, better average production is expected in most instances than the average for the past two or three years, it is impossible yet to forecast the average bushel age to the acre, but as the grain appears to be better filled and more matured than usual, threshing results should disclose a definite improvement on last year’s per acre returns, which were comparatively light. • N The market for Gisborne maize lias been brighter lately, with a better inquiry. Regular supplies are going forward each week. There is no change in the price, which remains at 5s 3d per bushel, f.o.b. If the present demand continues, stocks of old maize should be cleared by the time the new crops arc ready for marketing. The re-entry of Wellington into the market for limited supplies for prompt delivery has assisted in the disposal of stocks. The supply in the Bay *of Plenty is reported to be just sufficient to cater for the Auckland demand.