Smith Packaging Services
Did you know that we have a division devoted entirely to supplying seed packaging supplies? Since its inception, Smith Seed Services has been very involved with serving the local seed growers with a variety of services, including seed cleaning, hauling and storage. Providing seed packaging supplies is also one of those services. Over the years, as the demand grew, we were able to develop this part of the business into its own division. Now called Smith Packaging Services, this division now services wholesale customers locally, as well as to the greater domestic and international marketplace.
Smith Packaging Services provides affordable, quality bags, bulk totes, stretch wrap, and other packaging supplies especially suited for agricultural products, such as seed, animal feed, grains, and flour. Bags and supplies are also available for industrial and gardening products such as minerals, sand, chemicals, fertilizer, and soil.
In addition to stocking many standard and generic bags, Smith Packaging Services provides custom bags and can assist in all phases of bag design, while providing multiple printing options allowing customers to get high-quality custom packaging at an affordable price.
You can learn more about Smith Packaging by visiting their newly updated website, www.smithpackagingservices.com, where you will find in-stock inventory listings, bulk tote calculator, and clear descriptions of available bags and supplies.
Dry Fall Weather
We love it when all our new plantings look like the one depicted in this photo. For ideal planting and the best potential seed yield scenarios, Willamette Valley seed growers need fall moisture. This, year, it has not been ideal. Average rainfall in the Valley for September and October is around 4.5-5” of rain,. This year, it was about half. November’s numbers are also below average.
In a recent newsletter from the Oregon Seed Council, research and regulatory coordinator Steve Salisbury, cited concerns from some growers about the potential impact on tall fescue and perennial ryegrass seed yields. The newsletter article also cited that the dry weather affected herbicide and fertilizer applications. Some applications were less effective. The newsletter also quoted OSU Extension agent Nicole Anderson as saying, “This is the first time in more than a decade I’ve seen where crops like annual ryegrass were put in the ground in September and early October, and there is only fifty percent emergence on a very aggressive crop like that.” There are also reports of failed clover plantings. On the positive note, there appears to be less weed emergence and delayed slug activity.