| | With grass and legume seed production being out of the “Mainstream” in terms of crops being grown, it is at times hard to find updated information in what is happening in the industry. However, there are sources of information, besides talking to local buyers and processors, available on the internet. With a world economy in place, local market conditions are now influenced not only by local factors, but also by comparable crops being grown throughout the world.
First, one has to remember that the worlds’ production regions, for grass and legume seed, are limited. No sense in looking for grass/legume seed production in Japan, as there is virtually none. Therefore, to start your search, one only has to remember the primary production area, mainly: Oregon (USA), Canada (Western Provinces), and the EU (mainly Denmark). Other areas produce various seeds, but to a limited extent (New Zealand, white clover)
With Oregon dominating the grass and legume seed production and markets, information can be had at various internet sites.
| Oregon production is summarized annually out of Oregon State University (OSU), and can be found at: http://cropandsoil.oregonstate.edu/group/seed-crops This report not only gives acres, but also yields for the main crops, total production, average prices, and value of the industry to the Oregon economy. Historical data can also be obtained. |  |
Seed movement out of Oregon, a good indicator of seed demand, can be obtained from the Oregon Grass Seed Bargaining Association website: http://cdnseed.org/international-trade/trade-statistics/ Seed movement for the main species are reported quarterly by the association. Average prices are also available.
USA trade data can be obtained by going to the USDA Foreign Agriculture site (FAS):
https://www.fas.usda.gov/gats/default.aspx This site is a little tricky to maneuver around but once you discover how to set your parameters, a lot of trade information can be obtained.
It is also advised to check out websites of various USA companies, especially those sites with newsletters, such as Smith Seeds. Remember, other regions of the USA are also heavily involved in grass and legume seed production (Kansas – brome grass, Missouri – tall fescue, California – alfalfa, Idaho/Washington – bluegrass).
Another source of USA grass and legume seed information is the Census of Agriculture, done every 5 years, with 2007 data being the latest available. 2012 was the latest census conducted, but data has not been released yet. http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/index.php
EU annual data can be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/markets/seeds/index_en.htm
The data is typically a year behind, and you have to translate some of the species. Data is broken out by country, but that means there are 27 countries worth of data. You will also have to know the “Latin” names of the various crops. |  |
Alberta Agriculture continues to post updated grass and legume seed information at their website: http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/app21/infopage?cat1=Crops&cat2=Grass %26 Legume Seed while historical prices can be found at the Alberta Financial Services Corporation website: http://www.afsc.ca/Default.aspx?cid=82&lang=1
The Canadian Seed Trade Association provides yearly Canadian trade data. http://cdnseed.org/ Data is provided on a crop year basis (July to June)
Although grass and legume seed production in recent years has taken a backseat to wheat and canola production, many growers still find it profitable to grow these crops. Information will continue to be a major decision making tool in regards to growing… or not. Stay up to date and continue to seek out new information as it becomes available.
Note: internet sites at the time of writing (May, 2013) were all active.
Prepared by David Wong, Market Specialist, Ag-Info Centre, Alberta Agriculture & Rural Development (310-3276) |
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