Mixed Finish For Birdseeds

VANCOUVER - Aug 2/13 - SNS -- Birdseed ingredient markets finished the week on a mixed note, with markets in the United States weaker over the lack of negative news.

By contrast, Canadian markets were unchanged to firmer against worries about supply availability across the coming marketing year. Some market participants are worried about weather conditions.

While they are not threatening to yields or quality, the combination of late planting and lack of growing degree days will be of concern if it continues, cautions the U.S. based National Sunflower Association, "as some of the crop may not be mature before the first fall freeze. More rain will be needed in August and September in some areas in order for the crop to reach full yield potential.

"Crop conditions are generally favorable at this time. However, with a cool weather pattern expected to persist for the first two weeks of August, the market will become more concerned about a lack of maturity to oilseed crops when the first freeze warnings turn up.