2003 Seed Availability: Supplies adequate; prices stable

Turfgrass suppliers are optimistic for seed availability in the months
ahead, even with dry weather in some production areas and lots of rain
in others.

The outlook is for stable prices and normal availability for most varieties.

Glenn C. Jacklin, location manager for Idaho/Washington/Oregon, Jacklin
Seed, says that proprietary Kentucky bluegrasses are in good condition
with average yields. He says quality looks good.

Jacklin also reports that quantities and availability for fine leaf
fescues should be fairly good as the industry works through overproduction.
There might be some tightness due to lower yields this year, however.

“Supply of proprietary seed Bermudagrass will be adequate,”
reports Dr. Charles Rogrs, Seeds
West, Maricopa, AZ. “Proprietary varieties fared better (than
common) because growers are generally willing to spend more money on production
to get a quality crop.”

Expect a tighter supply and higher prices for perennial ryegrass, however.

“Growers, unhappy with the pricing below the cost of production,
eliminated 30,000 acres of certified production,” says Tom Stanley,
Southwest Manager of Turf
Seed Inc.

For details on this season's seed availability and price by cultivar,
including links to marketers, click on one of the articles below:

• Bermudagrass
• Buffalograss
• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Tall Fescue
• Fine Fescue
• Perennial Ryegrass
• Zoysia