Urgent Seed Update: Tall Fescue & Ryegrass Crop 2012
2012 is going to be a seed year! All information coming from the seed houses in Oregon are consistent and point to price increases, specifically for perennial ryegrass and tall fescue.
Turf Type Tall Fescue: Here is what I’m hearing from key people in the seed production industry concerning turf type tall fescue:
“There will be more buyers than sellers. Prices have increased by 50% since November.” Cascade Seed, OR
“With less carryover, demand for early seed shipments may push the price even higher.” Ampac Seed Company
After a few years of excess tall fescue inventory, most seed houses have depleted their supplies of old crop and are waiting on the harvest to fulfill to new orders. The harvest is expected to be on time but acres are down from last year (a continued trend since 2008). Supply may sync with demand for new crop, but don’t look for that seed to arrive in the eastern half of the US until mid-September.
Perennial Ryegrass: As far as perennial ryegrass, there should be enough carryover, seed produced and supply. However, because of late rains and some disease issues (mainly rust) that will need to be treated, harvest will be slightly delayed. Acres are stable from last year but still down from 2007. Analyst predicts additional increases in the price of perennial ryegrass by 10 to 15 percent.
We want you to know that ATS is committed to being the seed supplier for the professional turfgrass industry. To do this we have taken an aggressive purchasing position on tall fescue, tall fescue with Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass going into fall seeding. My suggestion is pre-book and take your seed delivery early. If you are waiting for a lower price on new crop it will most likely not be there, and you will probably find yourself waiting on seed. Take advantage of our fall seed promotion going on through August 20th. Be sure to ask your local ATS representative about the program details.
Sincerely,
Roger D Crenshaw
ATS Sales Representative
