Currency Volatility Afflicts Birdseeds

VANCOUVER - May 14/10 - SNS -- Birdseed ingredient markets registered a mixed performance during the past week, with volatility in exchange rates keeping end users relatively quiet.

SunParirie Grain's Lance Kalmbach notes, "The way the markets have been this week, it's a good thing the week is over. The continued financial problems in Europe combined with the strong U.S. dollar, lower DOW and crude oil have weighed heavily on grain prices. The Euro is trading at its lowest levels in over a year and a half and we are getting close to testing some major lows in a few of the commodities we trade.

"I don't like to sound pessimistic but If we break through some of these support levels, we could see prices sink even lower. It will be interesting how the markets will start the trade next week, as I believe that will give us an idea of at least some short term direction."