2021 was an unprecedented year with seed. Increased consumer demand, extreme drought and heat, pest infestations, and supply chain/freight issues caused industry wide shortages and price increases last year. Of course, the question for this year is… what can we expect for 2022?
As we look forward to this season, it’s important to know what’s on the horizon. We’ve connected with Austin Lanzarone, our Turf Director for Seed, to find out what you need to know about this year’s crop.
From Austin:
Oregon has been struck with a long cool winter with large amounts of rain this spring, giving much needed life to our crops. Crops went into winter looking fairly poor with little rainfall to establish new plantings and assist with regrowth on existing fields. This weather pattern is good however has allowed the plants to becoming stemmy which can inhibit proper seed yields in some areas.
1. Tall Fescue (TF)
Crop looks good with expected yields to have a slight decrease given the stemminess of the species. Yields are speculated to be down 10 to 20 percent.
2. Perennial Ryegrass (PRG)
Crop looks great in Oregon with little yield drag expected. Plantings in MN and Canada are behind due to cold weather and snow cover. This crop is always a questionable each season and coincidences with weather patterns. Expect yield declines in these areas with weed infestations (Barnyard grass).
3. Kentucky Bluegrass (Irrigated)
Irrigated areas tend to go to high-end elite varieties of KBG. Midnights, P105 types (aggressive) etc. These crops are always consistent with yields and cleanliness (Alkali grass being the exception). Even though these areas tend to be consistent yields are minimal with these types of varieties typically 800 to 1,200 pounds per acres.
4. KBG (non-irrigated)
Non-irrigated production areas are reserved for common, shamrock, America types that produce good yields under these conditions. Crops went into winter looking poor with heavy weed infestations present today (Poa Annua). These species took a wild swing this year in the market starting at Dealer costs close to $1.10 per lb. and landed in excess of $2.25 per lb. in the heat of the season last fall. (Dealer Cost) Growers are not spending the time and money to rogue out weeds as Tall Fescue and PRG bring higher premiums to the market. Crop is expected to be down yield wise.
5. Bentgrass
This species is fairly stable yield wise with some fields hindered by Poa Annua. No change is expected on this market.
6. Fine Fescues
Creeping red, Hard, Chewings fescues are expected to be average at best. This market was in short supply last year with major seed dealers coating crop to get by. More to come on this as the story develops. I would suspect prices will remain consistent at the $2.00 plus per lb. range (dealer cost)
7. Annual Ryegrass
Crop looks good with no major change in price points expected until new crop comes in.
A Dedicated Partner
The Central team has been working diligently to make sure that our warehouses have the product you need now and for later this season. We are currently stocked with seed.
Better yet, Central helps you grow your sales by keeping costs down with our seasonal, early-order, and commitment programs. During the month of June, you can take advantage of our Pre-Season Seed Program to combat industry-wide freight increases and guarantee product availability. Grow your bottom line with discounts and extended dating. To amplify your success, ask your Central rep or local branch for pricing and more details on the program.
Rely on Central to help, whether it’s questions about specific varieties, mixtures and blends, the newest innovations, or finding the right solutions for a problem area.
We stay at the leading edge of the industry and we’re ready to help you grow!
About Austin
Austin Lanzarone has nearly 20 years of experience in the Green Industry and a degree in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Kentucky. Austin’s career has been heavily focused in the grass seed industry and includes experience with procurement, distribution, key account management, and sales. He is an excellent resource for all things seed and is ready to help you grow.