CROP OUTLOOK REPORT
Editor’s Note: Industry comments for the seed and vegetative stock crop outlook were provided in late 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. Tese industry perspectives, however, provide insights into the outlook for these valuable crops.
Questions were sent to suppliers to obtain information for this article. Tis is a compilation of their responses. Turf News thanks those suppliers named within the article for their participation.
Weather Impact Larry Humphreys, Landmark Turf and Native Seed Co., says, “A very dry summer/fall 2015 made most of the grass seed crops in western Oregon go into winter with little growth and for some time they looked pretty ragged. However a mild winter with adequate rain and what has been a warm spring with timely rains have helped the crops recover nicely.”
Paul Hedgpeth, Columbia River Seed, adds, “Crops in the entire Pacific Northwest are much ahead of schedule due to the region’s very mild winter. Active growing temperatures in the month of February set the wheels in motion for an early seed crop.”
Duane Klundt, Grassland Oregon, reports, “Weed control is an issue. Our mild winter and wet spring have made the Poa annua very robust and prolific this year. Te rains we had at a critical time during the application of weed control were a factor. Many of the producers have spent a lot of time and money walking and spraying to clean up their fields.”
Tobey Wagner, Sod Solutions, Mount Pleasant, SC, reports, “Te central and southern regions of the country have been wet, while the Midwest and Northeast have been unseasonably cool.” Andrew Blank, Cutting Edge Grass/Blank Industries, LLC, Hudson, MA, notes “rains were abundant in fall and winter” and calls temperatures, “a little cool for mid-spring.” But adds, “So far, it has been a good growing season in the Eastern half of the U.S.A.”
Pricing While overall, suppliers anticipate prices will remain stable, they do address points to consider. Klundt tags the price stability to high quality seed, noting prices may be a little softer if there are weed and crop issues in the purity test. Humphreys reports a larger than expected seed yield could cause some downward pressure. Phil Donahoe, SiteOne Landscape Supply, points to carry over, “Te strong dollar and weakening of exports have not allowed the movement of off quality product to the overseas market.”
TPI Turf News July urf News July/August 2016
Production Donahoe says, “Predictions on the 2016 crop were quite low going into winter last year with most growers expecting poor, weedy stands. Te health of most grass fields has been a pleasant surprise.”
Greg Hagen, Cascade International Seed Co., reports, “Te Kentucky bluegrass seed set appears heavy and an early harvest is expected. I expect a strong to average yield, but some varieties will be in limited supply. 2015 was a good year for fall planting perennial ryegrass and the fields look good. Overall yield should be normal. Tere’s no surplus of good, clean perennial ryegrass. Te yield on tall fescue appears light to me, probably due to dry conditions last summer and early fall. It just doesn’t seem to be heading out like normal. Te spring rains have helped and will provide good filled seed but not as many. Hard Fescue will remain limited in supply, but Creeping is in good supply. Good quality Chewings is still somewhat limited.”
Hedgpeth says, “Acres for the 2016 Kentucky bluegrass crop are up and should provide a better overall supply situation. However, carry over into harvest is extremely low and fall availabilities of all cultivars will still be challenging as processors struggle to supply the market demand.”
Blank anticipates improved quality and says, “Quantities of cool-season grasses should improve, but with limitations on Kentucky bluegrass based on acres available for harvest. Some larger blocks of acreage will be plowed out, as older material cycles out of production.” Donahoe adds, “Many weaker tall fescue fields were taken out of production last fall and this spring.”
Klundt reports, “Just in time inventory seems to be the new norm, and good clean seed is becoming harder to find as we lose formulations and face increased labor costs. It is getting even more important to know your seed supplier and to know the cleanliness of seed. Ask for sod quality exam on any product you purchase.”
Blank says, “Clients want the high performing NTEP material, and there will be pressure to get that clean and available for late summer and fall sales.”
Klundt says, “I would suggest you buy early in the fall and for your annual needs to assure that the quality and quantity you want is what you get.”
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