Order Forage Seeds Early - Allan Vyhnalek Newscolumn Week of February 18, 2008
Spring frost, summer drought and competition for land have reduced the supply of many forage seeds for spring. If seed is needed for planting, get an order in early. Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist provides the information used in this week's column.
Alfalfa should have enough seed to meet demand, but some varieties will be in short supply. So-called cheap seed is less available, and this cheap seed will be closer in price to the premium varieties than it has been in a long time. Since savings might be small, consider buying the very best varieties available.
Other legumes, such as clover and birdsfoot trefoil, as well as native legumes, are also in short supply. If pasture renovation is planned, be sure to get seed while it is still available.
Native warm-season grass supply is also tight, but most species should be able to meet demand. However, specific varieties are very short. If variety selection is important, check out all options soon.
Summer annual grasses such as millets and forage sorghum will be tight, but there should be enough seed to meet average demand.
Possibly the tightest market will be for cool-season grasses, especially orchardgrass. The market for bromegrass and some wheatgrasses will be tight as well.
The bottom line is that ordering early will gain specific varieties or even the exact species of seed needed. Don't expect to walk into a seedman's office to purchase and pick up seed next spring or summer. By then, it might all be gone.
Announcements:
- February 25 – Grain Marketing Workshop – Community Room, Courthouse, Columbus, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. p;Cost Free – but you need to register by calling the ooffice; 563-4901.
- February 26 – Private Pesticide Applicator Training, CCommunity Room, Courthouse, Columbus, 7:00 p.m. No pre-registration needed. Be sure to enter the East Basement door of the Courthouse.
For more information or assistance, please contact Allan Vyhnalek, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Extension in Platte County. Phone: 402-563-4901 or e-mail AVYHNALEK2@unl.edu .
