Harvest season is wrapping up, and as always, this year’s growing season had its share of challenges. While we would have hoped for early-season rains followed by a dry harvest season, we received the opposite. Early-season drought stressed crops, before late-season rains arrived, making harvest difficult in many parts of Western Canada. This, combined with lower commodity prices and ever-changing trade dynamics, has kept growers wondering what’s coming next.
Fortunately, forage and turf seed crops will be a highlight on many Western Canadian farms this year, diversifying risk and increasing profitability during challenging times.
Crop Update #
Expectations were for a below-average perennial ryegrass and tall fescue crop in Western Canada due to dry conditions; however, yields were a pleasant surprise for many growers, as the crops were able to take advantage of some late-season rains and beat expectations, finishing close to average. Unfortunately, those same rains made harvesting difficult in some areas, resulting in higher-than-usual field losses in some areas.
New plantings struggled with drought early in the season, forcing some acres to be taken out of production, but ample moisture this fall has significantly improved their potential going into winter.
In the U.S., Minnesota yields were average; however, acres were down due to winterkill. In Oregon, perennial ryegrass and fine fescue yields were both below average, though tall fescue finished closer to average.
Market Conditions #
Seed movement has been solid this season, with distributors moving through their inventories and placing steady reorders. Turfgrass inventories are coming down across most species due to reduced acres and weaker yields, while forage demand remains strong and well matched with supply, supporting steady pricing.
Perennial Ryegrass #
Perennial ryegrass inventories are down, though there continues to be ample supplies of lower quality and variety not stated (VNS) seed still weighing on the market. Overseeding demand has been strong this fall, supporting good seed movement. Prices are expected to remain stable in the coming months, with strong demand for top-performing varieties driving demand for higher plantings in 2026.
Tall Fescue #
Tall fescue inventories remain stubbornly high compared to other turf species; however, most of the inventory is in lower quality varieties or variety not stated (VNS) seed. This lower-quality inventory continues to weigh on tall fescue prices, but movement of top-performing tall fescue varieties has been steady, at a small price premium to lower-quality inventory. Demand for high-quality tall fescue varieties is expected to remain strong, supporting higher plantings of in-demand varieties in 2026.
Alfalfa Update #
The Western Canadian alfalfa crop is still being harvested, but initial indications suggest it will yield an average or better harvest this year. Prices remain at historically high levels and are expected to remain stable this year, as demand continues to be strong and inventory remains low, providing growers with solid returns.
Red Fescue #
Red fescue yields in the Peace River region were significantly down this year due to extremely dry conditions. This will limit availability, although sufficient supplies of substitutes will cap price increases and keep red fescue values similar to those of other turf species.
Timothy Update #
The primary Western Canadian growing regions for timothy, in Alberta’s Peace River region and Manitoba’s Interlake region, were both extremely dry this past season, which significantly reduced timothy yields. Steady demand for certified timothy is expected to keep prices firm this coming year. Demand for certified timothy from domestic and international markets remains strong, driving increased demand for plantings of certified timothy in 2026.
Looking Ahead #
Western Canada forage and turf seed continues to be in demand, providing growers with profitable opportunities to diversify their farms this coming year. If you are interested in learning more about how forage and turf seed production could fit on your farm, reach out to a BrettYoung Seed Production Specialist to learn more.
