Forage and Turf Seed Production Market Update – July 2025

Start your (combine) engines! Turfseed harvest is just around the corner for Western Canadian growers. 

Last fall, optimism was high for a bumper turfgrass crop in Western Canada, with fields entering winter in excellent condition—the best seen in years.  However, dry conditions and winterkill have brought yield expectations down.

Fields entered the winter in excellent condition, but limited snow in the eastern prairies led to winterkill, especially in areas with little wind protection.This was followed by dry spring conditions across many areas, further reducing the crop’s potential. As a result, turfgrass yields in Western Canada are now expected to be average at best.

In the U.S., Oregon growers are also lowering their expectations. What was once expected to be a bumper crop, is now predicted to be just an average turf seed harvest.  In Minnesota, approximately 25% of acres have been taken out of production due to severe winterkill, with reduced yield potential on many remaining fields.

Despite the uncertainty in global trade, it is encouraging that no major trade restrictions have affected Canadian forage and turfgrass seed in key markets, and seed movement has been steady.  Turfgrass supplies remain ample, which has continued to pressure prices for some species, but consumption has been strong.  Forage demand has been steady, with balanced supplies helping to maintain stable pricing.

Perennial Ryegrass #

Perennial ryegrass inventories remain high, but lower acres and reduced yield expectations across multiple production regions have limited price pressure and should keep values stable in the near term as the fall overseeding market keeping seed movement steady

There’s been a lot of off-contract tall fescue planted in Oregon, which has slowed efforts to reduce seed inventories and put more pressure on prices. As a result, some sellers are are reducing prices to move stock, and this has many buyers are holding off taking significant positions, hoping for even lower prices. Despite this, demand for BrettYoung’s high-quality tall fescue varieties has stayed strong, helping keep sales steady.

Stable demand and low inventory levels continue to provide excellent returns for alfalfa seed growers. Alfalfa performs better under dry conditions compared to turfgrasses and benefits from a longer growing season so the Western Canadian alfalfa seed crop still has good yield potential. Prices are expected to remain stable, ensuring solid returns for growers.

Drought in the Peace River region has significantly cut expected yields of red fescue. This will limit availability, although sufficient supplies of substitutes may cap price increases. 

Dry conditions in key growing areas of Western Canada are expected to lead to lower yields. Strong demand for certified Timothy should keep prices firm.