is higher than normal. Tey will endeavor to maintain the quality expected for sod production fields grown, but at some point, it costs more money, so growers have to determine if it is a good return on investment. In other words, if they spend more money to produce a clean crop, can they get a higher value for it when they sell it? Lastly, on the question of pricing, production costs are higher than they have ever been, competition for acres is as strong as it’s ever been, and the markets are still relatively good. All of which makes us think prices will remain pretty stable.
PURE SEED Provided by Lucas Solis, Vice President of Pure Seed
Te crop is looking better than last year, with better spring moisture, but in mid-May, it is still too early to tell. Growers are happy with the amount of rainfall so far this spring. Te summer months will need to be dry to have a successful harvest season, however, the anticipated weather is calling for above-normal temperatures and rainfall.
Total production across major species is more than the prior year, but remains below average consumption, so supply will certainly be tight through early fall. Acre placement remains competitive with record high commodity prices and an assortment of options for growers to plant.
Tis production field of Mountain View Seed’s Stellar 4GL perennial ryegrass fits the description of a sea of grass.
As for the markets, in the consumer products space (retail) we are starting to feel the aftereffects of the Covid bubble winding down, as we all have. Now the cost of living is a little higher than before, so our volumes may be more similar, and demand may not be as robust as it has been these last two years. Cool, wet weather across most of the upper United States seems to have slowed down consumption, or is it the higher prices? Only time will tell on that, I am not an economist, I sell seed. Regarding the production again, quantity at this point will be better than last year, once we get through fall when processing will have caught up with harvest. As for quality, it is getting harder and harder every year for the farmers to maintain the standards that were set all these decades ago. Lack of rotations, loss of chemistry, and the higher price of labor are making it more difficult and more expensive each year to keep the production fields clean. Fields are not grown in a bubble, they are open to whatever is happening around them, and with the cooler weather this year Poa pressure
TPI Turf News July/August 2022
Te primary challenge with this coming crop is related more to low carry-in inventories, and logistical challenges. We are experiencing delays with outbound shipments and high surcharges. Export shipments are backed up with limited service to smaller markets and record high prices. With low inventory levels, and freight congestion, it will put added pressure on getting seed harvested, cleaned, packaged, and shipped in a very limited timeframe.
Acres are up slightly across North America in most major species. Perennial ryegrass has better acres, but the biggest increase in production was in Minnesota where seed yield is less stable. Tall Fescue continues to be grown largely in Oregon with the primary production increase being in Washington State. Tall Fescue Acres are up slightly, but still not near where they would be in a “normal” year. Kentucky Bluegrass is up as well, but also shows lower than average total production. Poa trivialis production is limited and its primary production region is under severe drought and experiencing water restrictions.
Prices are expected to remain high as well with supply being tight, and record high input costs such as fertilizer, fuel, and labor.
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