Fewer acres mean higher seed prices
10 Jul, 2008 By: Ron Hall LM Direct!Thousands of acres that had been planted for production of turfgrass seed in the United States and Canada are now growing wheat, corn, canola and a variety of other food crops.
Farmers, like all business people, seek the maximum financial return on their investments. With the prices of food commodities soaring many have plowed out their turf seed fields.
What does this mean to end users including golf course superintendents, landcare professionals and sports turf pros?
Be prepared for higher seed prices, said Steve Tubbs, president of Turf Merchants, Inc., at a recent Field Day at Summit Seeds in Manteno, IL.
How high? They won’t match the run-ups that turf pros are experiencing in other commodities such as fertilizer. But, depending upon the species and variety, expect “moderate” increases, say marketers.
Tubbs said tens of thousands of acres of perennial ryegrass production have been replaced by other crops. Even so, there shouldn’t be a shortage because the industry still has a sizable carryover.
“Perennial ryegrass is till the cheapest thing in town,” said Tubbs.
There will be significantly less Kentucky bluegrass seed. Reduced acreage resulting in a smaller crop is the primary factor in the price of sod-quality seed going to $4 a pound. “Will it stop at $4? I don’t know,” said Tubbs.
Look for supplies of Kentucky bluegrass to tighten heading into the fall planting season, reported Glenn Jacklin, director of operations/production at Jacklin by Simplot Seed.
The situation is different for turf-type tall fescue where acreage is up due to increased demand. Marketers are expecting a good crop with good quality.
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