| | Note: prices provided are grower prices, quoted by processors to growers after cleaning and dockage.
Overall, the grass and legume seed sector remains relatively quiet, with no new sales or major price movements. Quotes remain just that, a quote, with few sellers. Some new orders for fall are being thrown around, but no one is biting. Although grain and oilseed markets have taken a big hit in the past month, projected revenues from these crops still remain attractive, which will limit grass and legume seed production for the next couple of years.
In the turf seed end of things, creeping red fescue quotes have firmed up to the 55 cent/lb range, with fall prices at still at 60 ¢/lb. Certified Boreal creeping red fescue is finding European interest, and prices are commanding a very strong 10 ¢/lb premium.
In the forage grass seed sector, prices remain unchanged from last report. Common meadow brome grass seed quotes remain in the $1.60-$1.70/lb range, with Certified Fleet meadow brome at $1.90. Inventories of meadow are low. Common smooth brome grass seed quotes are in the $1.20 to $1.30/lb range. Certified Carlton is commanding a 15 to 20 ¢/lb premium. Common timothy is quoted in the 35 – 40 ¢/lb range, with certified Climax timothy at 50 to 60 cents/lb. However, there have been few sales. Spring sales should tell the story.
On the legume side of thing, sweet clover quotes remain at 25-30 ¢/lb, with alsike clover quotes around 35 - 37¢/lb. Good quality red clover quotes are between 85¢/lb and $1.00/lb, but good quality seed is scarce. Common alfalfa seed prices are quoted in the $1.20 to $1.25/lb range.
In summary, the industry continues to be slow, and is still awaiting the fallout from the very strong prices in the grains and oilseed sector. With spring around the corner, seed movement should be a good indicator of the near term market prospects for all grass and legume seed. |
|