Mountain View Seeds recently provided a seed crop update.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Overall, growing conditions have been favorable for grass seed production. Mild temperatures and adequate precipitation have us expecting adequate yields on most crops. However, the critical stages of pollination and seed development remain, and accurate assessments of crop yields can’t be made at this time. As the season progresses, we’ll have better indication of seed production.
- Fine Fescue – the crop is maturing well. However, first-year stands were impacted from the dry spring in 2023, leaving many fields with less than full stands. Combined with the reduction in acres, overall pounds for 2024 will be less than 2023.
- Bentgrass – Bentgrass fields have recovered from the difficult growing conditions in 2023. Fields look healthy and growers have been working hard to remove any contaminants. Full yields are expected at this point.
- Perennial Ryegrass – fields look good. Favorable weather has allowed growers timely applications of crop inputs. Early seed heads are immerging, and average seed yields are expected. Acres have been significantly reduced for 2024 harvest.
- Tall Fescue – the crop is growing well. Beneficial moisture has us expecting good yields in dryland and irrigated production areas. Acres of tall fescue have also been reduced for the 2024 harvest.
Columbia Basin
Acres of grass seed in the Columbia Basin have been significantly reduced. The fields that remain look good and are progressing well. Irrigators have been going for some time and growers are giving their full attention to managing the crop for yields and quality.
Minnesota
A lack of snowfall this past winter had many perennial ryegrass seed producers in Minnesota concerned there would be significant winter kill. However, the crop recovered better than expected and acreage loss is estimated at around 20%. It is too early to get an indication of seed yields but with less acres being harvested than the previous year there will be less seed available.
Canada
Producers in Manitoba faced many of the same concerns as Minnesota growers. Nonetheless, the crop came through the winter better than expected and fields continue to be evaluated for quality and yield. Acreage of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass remain relatively flat across Canada. The drought in the Peace River of Alberta continues to be a threat to the creeping red fescue crop there. When combined with the reduction in acreage, the creeping red fescue crop is expected to be limited.