In Your Turf: Market Report, Growers Talk Turf

Mother Nature can deal a risky hand to turf growers no matter how the deck is cut. Temperamental weather conditions can trump careful planting, and extreme temperatures – in this year’s case, a dry spell – can fold a promising harvest. Turfseed farmers might wonder if they are gambling with tarot cards instead of the standard four-suit deck.

Unpredictability might be the only constant, but following last year’s exceptional crop, this year’s turfseed harvest remains strong and the market steady, with the exception of some swelling prices.

WORKING WITH WEATHER. Weather is one variable that determines the quality and quantity of a turfseed crop. This year’s hot temperatures prior to harvest minimized the yield somewhat, observed Dan Hemshorn, production agronomist, Seed Research of Oregon, Corvallis, Ore. He reported that this year’s yield falls 10 to 30 percent below average.

"The Pacific Northwest had some of the warmest weather on record in June when many of our cool-season grass seed crops were pollinating," Hemshorn noted. "This caused some of the earlier seed heads to mature quickly and become more prone to seed shatter at swathing time, reducing seed yields. Seed filling was dependent upon the amount of soil moisture present, and fields with less soil moisture had a lot more light seeds that will be removed when the seed is cleaned."

Though hot temperatures reduced perennial ryegrass and tall fescue yields, the market for these varieties will not suffer, assured Tom Stanley, marketing manager, Turf Seed, Hubbard, Ore. The turfseed supply will not leave contractors empty handed, he said.

"We will see rising prices on tall fescue due to a short Kentucky 31 crop," Stanley added. "It’s all been weather related," he explained, noting that last year’s Kentucky 31 crop produced about 130 million pounds of seed, while this year’s harvest leaves growers with between 50 and 60 million pounds.

Other varieties are not exempt from weather adversity, he continued. "I can’t think of any cool-season species that have completely escaped yield reduction due to weather. Bermudagrass production might be OK – that’s a warm species."

Despite a climbing thermometer, ideal harvest conditions prevented potential swathing delays and allowed windrows to "dry nicely to facilitate excellent combining conditions," Hemshorn added.

JUGGLING THE QUANTITY. The Kentucky 31 shortage leads buyers to tall fescue varieties for alternative turfseed. This variety’s drought-tolerant characteristics also are appealing to customers who plant in dry climates, Hemshorn detailed. As mentioned, this yield is slightly below average, but certainly will handle absorption from a weak Kentucky 31 crop, he noted.

Fine fescue crops closely mimic last year’s yield, but the large carry-over from last year has been consumed, leaving minimal inventory entering the 2000 season, so here, too, prices will climb, he predicted.

Besides this year’s forecasted popularity of tall fescues, turfseed demand trends fueled by continued strong housing starts and sod production favor Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, Stanley noted. "Bluegrass consumption is much stronger than it was a year ago."

Glenn Jacklin, senior vice president, Jacklin Seed-Simplot Turf and Horticulture, Post Falls, Idaho., predicted an overproduction of perennial ryegrass the next couple of years due to planting increases and AgriBioTech’s recent bankruptcy.

"That leaves a lot of inventory out there," Jacklin commented. "To what degree remains to be seen. The liquidation, the seed hitting the market – that picture will play itself out, but [ryegrass abundance] definitely will have a downward pressure on all markets."

A hefty perennial ryegrass supply will offer consumer benefits, Stanley pointed out. Specialty varieties will be available at reasonable prices – an attractive advantage for this year’s buyers, he added.

"These elite varieties are going to offer an exceptional value for the dollar spent because of the big supplies and the reduced price," Stanley explained. "They provide better turf quality and better disease resistance, which results in reduced pesticide use, and they are a darker green color.

"One of the varieties has improved salt tolerance, which is excellent for those who use effluent water for irrigation," he added.

PRICING ON DEMAND. Pricing is a little stronger this year, however, in a world market, cost depends on supply and demand, Hemshorn stressed. Promotional efforts by the Oregon Seed Council opened doors for turf sales in China, where moderate seed purchase orders trickle in each year, he said. Domestic purchases will support the market as well, despite heavier seed costs.

"Prices have increased at the grower level, and certainly the demand will be a function of what the market will bear as far as cost," Hemshorn explained.

Rod Ross, sales and marketing representative, Cibiko International, Halsey, Ore., noticed a slight decline in customer orders this year, and with a buffering Canadian creeper crop, the market could see some change, he said. "This year, with things being a little slower, it’s hard read the market," he noted. "I don’t see a dramatic downturn. Last year we had an above-average utilization of turf grass, and it’s rare to see that continue for two years in a row."

For the most part, a thriving economy creates a healthy demand, and this year’s seed supply will suffice.

SEEKING OUT QUALITY. Slightly steeper prices might influence buyers to shop for less expensive seed. But bargain seed is not such a deal when it compromises quality, Hemshorn warned. Contractors should request a seed analysis before purchasing to find out the true contents of their investment, he said.

"One should always be careful and evaluate a seed analysis to see that results meet their specifications and that seed is a certain quality so they have proof that it doesn’t have noxious weeds in it," he advised. "Sometimes there is confusion that certified seeds are perfect. They meet requirements, but still can contain noxious weeds."

Labels listing seed as "variety not stated" or "vns" are questionable and possibly can contain forage grasses, Stanley warned.

Hemshorn added that better seed increases chances of better establishment, so customers are wise to spend a few extra dollars. Quality seed more likely will sprout, no matter the hand Mother Nature deals.