Few Changes in Birdseed Markets

VANCOUVER - Jul 27/07 - SNS -- North American birdseed ingredient markets ended the week little changed to firmer against relatively light end user buying interest. Processors in both Canada and the United States want to see some additional rainfall events to help secure yields and carry crops into harvest.

End users appear to be focussed on seeded area numbers for both crops and are prepared to ration inventories until after harvest before buying. Many are hoping harvest selling pressure will allow them to secure product at better average prices than would be the case if they covered needs through the new year at this moment in time.

SunPrairie Grain's Dan Sem issued a sunflower weevil alert to growers during the week. In it, he said, "As we move into the scouting of our sunflower fields we want to keep an eye out for a couple of things. Buyers have become a little more concerned with seed weevil damage as a whole. If we are applying a grass herbicide, it may be a wise decision to throw in an insecticide to take care of some pests that can reduce yields and bring some discounts at harvest. Along with seed weevil we will also be taking care of some banded sunflower moth that is getting very heavy in certain areas.

"Anyone growing confections needs to pay special attention to these pests, as the discounts are severe. We have also heard some reports up north of a little sunflower rust showing up, and we need to watch for the threshold on that. Please keep in mind that just because we have Cruiser Xtreme on these flowers does not mean we are protected at this stage of growth. Cruiser and Dynasty are protection at the early stage of growth in the plant. We have a nice crop coming, and we need to take care of it with a little planning and minimal cost."

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