April 2024 #
Spring is here, and our perennial crops are starting to wake up from a bizarre winter in Western Canada. There was very little snow to insulate the crops these past few months, and abnormally warm weather kept soil temperatures relatively high. These unfamiliar conditions have been generating questions about how newly established stands will look this spring, and while there is some uncertainty, we are still hopeful our crops will come out of the winter in good shape.
Conditions in Oregon this winter were favourable, with most fields receiving good moisture over the colder months to set them up nicely for this coming season. Acres will be down in the region, reducing turf seed inventories next season, which should help keep prices close to current levels.
Seed movement has been strong over the last few months as distributors have taken seed into position for the spring season. Distributors are keeping inventories low, which may make for strong in-season demand if conditions are favourable this spring.
Forage and turf seed prices have been holding up well against other commodities, which have slid in the past few months. Prices for most species are expected to remain steady this season, providing good profit opportunities for growers.
Perennial Ryegrass #
Perennial ryegrass prices have remained relatively steady. Inventories are still high in Oregon and Europe, and there’s pressure from sellers looking for quick movement. The 2024 crop will be smaller as acres are down more than 20% in Oregon and Europe, and uncertainty around the crop in Minnesota and Western Canada. A strong sales season could tighten up supplies.
Tall Fescue #
Tall fescue demand continues to grow, and prices have remained relatively steady. Oregon is the only major producer of tall fescue, and their inventories are high, putting some pressure on prices. Acres are down more than 20% for this crop too, which will reduce inventories this coming season.
Alfalfa #
Alfalfa continues to see strong demand for certified seed. Common seed markets are trading well below certified seed, providing a significant advantage for growers switching from common to certified alfalfa seed production.
Red Fescue #
Conditions remain dry in the Peace River region, which isn’t promising for red fescue yields this coming season. Red fescue demand continues to be slow. Prices remain at similar values to other turf species, but ample supplies of kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass have limited distributors’ interest to switch back to red fescue for some mixes.
Timothy #
Timothy demand has started to pick up in North America. Supplies are tight, and acres are down so prices are expected to remain steady.
