Consumption for this product has decreased as other species seem to be eroding its market share and consumers seem to be experiencing less need for perennial ryegrass and when using it, doing so more efficiently.


Hopefully, markets will be stable. But with the competition out there, I would suggest a wait and see attitude. I believe we will see a wider spread of prices due to variations in quality, as Poa annua continues to be a problem with production in the PNW. New products being developed by turfgrass breeders feature advantages in color and drought and disease resistance, but the biggest hurdle for the production farmer is Poa annua, which continues to become a bigger and bigger concern.


My words of caution are to know your supplier and ask to see the tests of the seed you are buying, even if it is in a blend. Many new varieties have hit the market, but haven't had the testing, or the improvements over the previous generation products. Improvements like those found in Barbados perennial ryegrass: grey-leaf spot resistance, rust and pythium resistance.


Another problem that has been occurring is the proliferation of Variety Not Stated or VNS. Tis is a product that may be claimed to be a tried and true variety, but there is no assurance that it is what the seller says it is. No farmer would plant something in his field without knowing it will bring him some return, so I think it is safe to say NO VNS is planted with the intention of harvesting.


In summary on perennial ryegrass: production acreage has not increased, and inventories are higher than expected. Prices should remain stable, with a chance of softening if movement isn't strong in the early fall of 2018.


In conclusion, remember seed isn't harvested until July and a lot can happen between mid-May and that harvest. Tese assumptions are made based on everything remaining optimal. I encourage you to stay in touch with your supplier. Give them the information on your needs in terms of quantity, quality, and time frame as early as you can, so they can cover those needs. Your supplier should be your partner because when you succeed, they succeed.


Jacklin Seed by Simplot Provided by Glenn C. Jacklin, Simplot – Jacklin Seed Production Manager


In the Bluegrass production areas of the irrigated Mid- Columbia Basin in Washington State, and the dryland production areas of the North Idaho growing region, we are expecting average to good yields at this time. Te fields went into fall with good re-growth and good moisture levels, setting themselves up for a good spring. Winter in the production area was fairly normal, with adequate cold temperatures for the bluegrass varieties to vernalize with the cold induction.


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Our spring was cooler with above average rainfall in all locations, and the fields came out of dormancy in good shape. Due to the cool and wet conditions, growers were challenged to get fields sprayed and weeds under control, so fields were sprayed a bit on the late side, but overall looked good and clean by May 24. Weather has warmed up, most fields are now heading up, with some in the earlier production areas already pollinating at the time of this writing. Head numbers look good, and we expect a good crop to come our way.


Acres are moderately up in both production areas, but with the processing warehouses empty, and the distribution pipeline virtually empty, we look for pricing of this species to remain firm and inventories tight well into the fall and winter as processing plants push to get seed cleaned.


Jonathan Green, Inc. Provided by Greg Hagan, Cascade International Seed Company Our grass seed market and supply prediction for individual crops is as follows.


Perennial ryegrass acres may be down a little from the 2017 crop and it is looking like a normal crop as far as yield is concerned. Te major problem will be quality, as Poa has infested many acres even in fields that were very clean last year. Te industry has a carryover of seed; however, the quality may not be the best.


Te 2017 crop of tall fescue was a little tight and there is very little carry over. However, there was an increase in acres in the spring of 2017 and that will help. I expect an average yield. Weed problems are a concern, with annual ryegrass and Poa present in most fields. Te price will be a little higher; the supply should be okay.


Tis closeup view shows the seed heads. Photo by Steve Trusty TPI Turf News July/August 2018


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