Crop Comments
Red clover is being swathed and yields are expected to be lower than average, however acres are up so there will be enough seed. Farmers face difficult choices in deciding what to plant this fall. They are being told to plow many acres of tall fescue. There will also be fewer acres of perennial ryegrass, crimson clover and perhaps even annual ryegrasses. We expect to see many more acres of wheat. There will be more acres volunteered than normal along with some fallow ground.
Market Watch
Unless you’ve been on vacation and haven’t been checking the markets for the past few months you know that both the forage and turf seed markets have being going through some major price adjustments. Almost nothing seems immune, as the price pendulum swings the other way, putting significant pressure up every step of the buying chain. We are all pretty much counting on the predicted laws of supply and demand to define where the pendulum stops.
The one exception worth mentioning is the increased interest in cover crop seeds. Interest in “tillage” radishes and winter peas, for example are on the rise. We saw this last year and it appears that the interest is even greater this year
We’re Talking Persist!
Expect to see LOTS MORE about Persist Orchardgrass! Over this past year we have been gathering and compiling data, increased our marketing efforts, and simply looking for numerous avenues to tell folks about how good Persist is. As a result, we are receiving a significant increase in phone calls, e-mails and internet hits.Yet the bigger story is that those who have been using Persist over the past few years are proudly telling their own stories of why they like it. Here are samples of some recent testimonials:
“Persist is exactly what it claims to be...Planted Persist when it was first available approx. 4yrs ago. The first planted here is still doing fine.” - Amelia, VA
I cut this past Memorial Day & 5 acres made 51 rolls 5x4 in size. Persist is the only orchardgrass for me, planted it in the Fall of 07, worst drought here in 30 yrs. during the summer of 08, Persist suffered from lack of water but held the stand well & now is producing awesome hay for me. I am sold on it! I won’t ever sow anything else.” TV - Rockwood TN
“It survived drought of 07 very well so it should be able to handle anything” – Brian, TN
“Even with our high demand, our feed costs are down per horse.” – High Point, NC
To learn more about Persist how it can benefit you, your customers, and your farmers, contact us soon. Also be sure to check out the many updates we’ve added at PersistOrchardgrass.com.
Windham Winter Pea
There is a new alternative to Austrian Winter peas. The variety “Windham” yellow winter feed pea (Pisum sativum L.) is now available. Windham, developed by the USDA-ARS, was bred for winter hardiness, virus resistance and dwarf growth habit, providing easier harvest due to an upright canopy through harvest. Mature plant height is around 15-19”. Windham flowers are white and pods are straight, usually containing 4-6 seeds. Seeds are smooth and round with yellow cotyledons. Four to six basal branches are typically formed before entering the winter dormant period. Livestock producers should take note that Windham seeds are relatively small and high yields make Windham ideal for animal feed. Need more information? Just ask. We will have seed available later this month.
Ten Keys to a Profitable Forage Program
Key #2 - Establishment is Critical
Good forage production requires an adequate stand of plants. Mistakes during establishment often have long-term consequences. Use of high quality seed of proven varieties, timely planting, and attention to detail lead to establishment success.
From “Ten Keys to a Profitable Forage Program” www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage/Ten Keys.pdf