INDUSTRY TRENDS
must ensure these options fit their specific application .
Another way seed companies can combat the current shortage is by coating seeds with enhancements . For Barenbrug , this would include our Yellow Jacket technology . These coatings have a niche purpose , with ours improving seed survivability in high-stress environments in the peak of summer or hard-to-grow environments like interseeding . While this is an excellent strategy for meeting the needs of more customers than with raw seed alone in such a short market , raw seed may take precedent in applications that require immediate density and cover , like sod farms or the lowest height cuts of turf . When purchasing coated seed , do your homework on what ingredients are included in the product , as some may not provide any added value at all .
Recommendations I tend to make these days are from my perspective of a former turfgrass manager , not that of a seedsman . If you ’ re a manager who currently doesn ’ t have seed in hand and are looking for grass seed for annual needs , or are attempting to perform larger renovation projects , have a backup plan ready . What will you do if you cannot find any seed whatsoever ? Will you be able to adjust budgets to produce a stand of turf in the coming season that meets your needs ? Find out how much that scenario may cost and compare to a “ with seed ” budget . Does your project call for specifically adapted or unique genetics ? If those aren ’ t available , will you be willing to settle for others that may require more inputs ? In general , we see managers putting off larger projects until later seasons or shifting priorities to ensure enough high-quality fields are available to meet needs , even with the increased costs . Keeping ongoing , alternate-scenario budgets open and not pulling the trigger on large seed projects until the seed is in the warehouse can help answer questions from those to whom you report . Also , don ’ t give up on pursuing seed . Barenbrug is a global company , and we can use this to our advantage by sourcing seeds from other countries . While global seed is limited , we hope this might lead to mid-late season availability for various species .
– Micah Gould , market development manager , professional divisions , Barenbrug
Photo provided by Pure Seed
RAS | Pure Seed
When the country shut down , millions of Americans found a new appreciation for their lawn . Retail sales of grass seed and sod began to soar . Retail stores needed more seed to stock their shelves , which led to the acquisition of three professional seed companies . Fewer companies in the professional market , plus a low carryover from the previous crop due to high demand , started the impact on the industry ’ s supply .
2021 crop yields have been affected by environmental factors ; wildfires , ice storms , flooding , mice , excessive heat , and drought have caused all-time lows in production . Prior to the pandemic , the price of grass seed to the grower stayed relatively the same while other crop prices went up , leading farmers to take out a percentage of their grass seed acres to grow the other crops .
There have been several logistical bottlenecks that have added to the challenge of supplying seed to customers . Needing to rely on new crop to fulfill current orders creates delays due to harvesting , cleaning , testing , certifying , servicing and packaging .
Regarding shipping , the freight industry is experiencing massive delays along with inflated prices domestically and internationally .
Our advice is to be flexible , communicate , order ahead , and forecast with your supplier . Purchasing the right coated seed will also help your ability to acquire seed sooner . Certain coatings around the seed provide key nutrients to ensure the success of germination and health of the grass . Be sure to purchase good genetics – the longevity of your project will be determined on the varieties you choose to plant . Even in a seed shortage , varieties make a difference !
– McKayla Fricker , communications director , RAS | Pure Seed
DLF North America
It is impossible to turn on the news and not hear of the increasing supply chain issues facing the country . Everything from grocery stores and retail centers to manufacturers are all having issues getting things on their shelves and production lines . Ships continue to sit in ports waiting to be unloaded , and then finding a truck to pick it up and get it from point A to point B adds to the challenges .
The seed industry is no different in facing its own challenges . 2020 saw unprecedented demand as COVID
26 SportsField Management | December 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com