CROP AND MARKET PREDICTIONS Compiled by Suz Trusty
Each year, Turf News invites suppliers to provide their input on the turfgrass seed and/or vegetative stock crop outlook based on: Teir assessment of the impact of weather conditions on crops to-date and on the anticipated impact of weather conditions predicted in their area; Trends they are seeing in their market; Te production they are anticipating in terms of quality and quantity; And their assessment of anticipated pricing for those crops as: stable, higher or lower.
Industry comments for the seed and vegetative stock crop outlook were provided from mid-May to the end of May. Please note that weather conditions can impact final yields, and that seed harvests in July and August may differ from the forecasts shared here. In addition, there are multiple factors, other than weather conditions, that impact the crop and the overall market within the sod industry. Turf News welcomed input from your seed and vegetative stock sources on these factors as well. Tough no one can accurately predict the future, these industry perspectives provide insights into the outlook for these valuable crops.
Turf News thanks all those who provided the information for this article. Tat input is arranged in alphabetical order, by the respondent’s company name.
Barenbrug USA Provided by Bo Lacy, CGCS, Production Manager
Te crop outlook for 2018 looks to be a normal crop year. Pre-emergent pesticides have been applied to keep weed pressure low. Fertilizers were applied to keep plants healthy. Weather dependent, we should have a good crop coming off soon.
Tis year, 18 percent more tall fescue was planted in the Valley than last year and 20 percent more annual ryegrass. We’ll have to see where prices end up.
Bethel Farms Provided by Mike Pope, Harmony Outdoor Brands
We do see very short inventories of St. Augustine in Texas, Florida and the gulf. Zoysiagrass is tight in Florida.
Te biggest issue we have seen this year is transporting our turf to market—not demand or inventory. Tis is a national issue for all growers. Our network members have expressed grave concerns.
Editor’s Note: Turf News is looking for input from all industry members on the transportation issue; especially those related to finding and/or developing solutions. If you have information to contribute, please contact your editors.
GO Seed Provided by Duane Klundt, Vice President of Turfgrass Sales
After three years of above average rainfall in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), we are finally experiencing a more normal year (What is normal anymore?). With that being said; the crops are looking their best. All the fall
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GO Seed’s Birmingham tall fescue is growing in this production field in Salem, OR. Photo courtesy of GO Seed
plantings have established well, and the fertilizer and chemical applications were applied in a timely manner. Te warmer than normal temperatures potentially could deliver a good crop of seed this year.
With seed prices already at some of the highest levels ever seen, it is more than likely that they will stabilize for this coming season. Competition for grass seed production acres is still very fierce and we have not seen a substantial acreage increase in some time.
My opinion on the crops are as follows:
Kentucky Bluegrass continues to be in tight supply, with the elite types limited in availability. High prices on common bluegrass and the higher land costs will keep prices stable to higher yet this fall. Inventories of the high-end Kentucky bluegrass varieties are almost exhausted, and it should make for an interesting fall as companies jockey for position for cleaning. Te increased demand for seed, especially sod quality, will present a very tough challenge, and all I can say is please be patient with your supplier.
TPI Turf News July/August 2018
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