Forbes Reports Trade Issues Over Nyjer

From Forbes Magazine:

A shortage of the popular nyjer (NIGH-jur) seed is forcing backyard bird feeders to pay about $80 for a 50-pound bag, about $20 more than the retail price in December.

The owner of the Wild Bird Habitat stores in Lincoln and Omaha says the shortage is blamed on a trade issue between India and Ethiopia, the two countries that produce most of the nyjer.

Dave Titterington said India traditionally sets the price for nyjer seed and Ethiopia sells it for a little less. But a 30 percent crop loss in India reduced supplies, and Ethiopia increased its prices as a result.

Many are finding that their Nyjer seed is going down faster than ever as large flocks of pine siskins visit feeders all over the US including Texas and Florida. Many northern states are also experiencing huge flocks of common redpolls descending on feeders as well. Normally, these are welcome visitors, but with the cost of seed, many who feed birds are finding it hard to keep up with the demand at the feeders.