Market Update
Similar to what we reported last month, seed movement continues to be steady with positive movement downstream from distributors to dealers. Much of North America experienced a real winter, with a full breakout to spring still lagging. April is always a coin toss. We expect good movement if the weather cooperates. This steady movement has helped maintain, if not strengthen wholesale supply prices. KY-31 is a good example, as it continues to inch up. Forage fescue and tetraploid perennial ryegrass inventories continue to shrink as does improved timothy.
Crop Observations
Although overall moisture levels are down roughly eight inches since October, most crops are progressing normally and look strong for this point in the season. Vole pressure appears lighter and less widespread than what we experienced last year, offering some welcome relief. Ideal spring weather has created excellent conditions for fieldwork, allowing timely spraying and fertilizing. All in all, crops are off to a promising start—and looking good!
Three Hundred and Sixteen
That's the number of active projects on our Halsey research farm, alone, not counting other locations. From ryegrass to fescue, crimson to chicory, peas, perennials, annuals, grasses, and legumes, we are plotting and planning for the future. Thanks to the hard work of Dr. Don Floyd, who built our program from the ground up, his crew, and our newest addition, Garett Heineck, we anticipate the rollout of multiple new high-performance varieties spread across multiple species. Soon-to-be released varieties including Red Rover red clover, Busy Bee crimson clover, Fivestar forage annual ryegrass, Raptor chicory.
How about you? What's on your wish-list for new genetics? We'd love to know.
