Volumen24.09

Seed Movements, Awards & More Legume Videos

September 2024

September Summary

Seed Movement

Willamette Valley seed shipments have remained steady throughout the month, as distributors continuing a just-in-time purchasing trend. Those involved in operations and logistics have had to rise to the occasion, and have done a great job.

With light inventories at the distributor level, we anticipate continued good movement this next month, especially to our customers in the lower half of the US, as well as those northern customers who still have time before the first frost. We also expect that this latest shot of moisture running up the eastern half of the country will boost consumption.

Additionally, reports of armyworms, drought and disease damage set the stage for reseeding sales, albeit some of these may not come till next spring.

For distributors and consumers, prices are significantly lower than recent years with little expectation of imminent increases. We would expect these lower prices to also encourage increased consumption over the next 9-12 months.

Oregon Crops

Its that time of year for Oregon to get fall-seeded crops in the ground. This year, there is less appetite for perennial grasses, as many companies are reducing acres to compensate for carryover seed. With low wheat prices, limited contract options, and the desire for short term rotations, we are seeing growers plant brassicas, such as turnips and clovers. Finding the right balance between production and carryover, as many of you know seems to be a continuous challenge for agriculture.

With most 2024 crops harvested, we can report general yields. Annual ryegrass and crimson clover were above average, turnips were average, and the following crops were below average: tall fescue, orchardgrass, white clover, red clover, peas and radish.

Recognitions

Smith Seed Services has had an active export business for decades. And as some of you know, exporting seed is no easy tasks. Recently, our export team, led by Dan Weaver and Gonzalo Ducos received a prestigious award from the United Kingdom. As Dan aptly pointed out, this award was received on behalf of the entire company.

Also, earlier this summer, Dustin Withee was presented with the Person of the Year Award by Oregon Seed Association as a recognition of his contributions to the seed industry.

Way to go!

A man at a podium smiling
Three men and one woman holding a framed document in front of a world map.

Legume Study

Have you ever wondered what morphologically distinguishes a variety as either being multi-cut or single-cut? Well you might just enjoy our latest video showing the growth of two very different berseem clovers - Lightning and Balady 1.

It will likely not answer all your questions, but might at least fuel your curiosity. Click on the picture or visit our Resource page here.

Plants in black fabric containers. One plant is much taller than the others. Overlayed with the words "Berseem Clover Comparison: Multi Vs. Single-Cut"