December 2002

Winter has clearly arrived early for much of the country. With snow on the ground over most of the northern half of nation, ice, freezing temperatures, and hardened ground, retail seed sales have ceased (at least for most of the country.) However, the major markets, especially in the North are staying strong, with even stronger futures. Creeping red fescue is over the $40/cwt level with new crop ’04 trading in the upper $40’s. Gone are the days of $30 creeper! Nor has Kentucky bluegrass backed down, as it takes at least $85 to buy new crop ’04. That said, there’s plenty of availability for buyers – as long as they will pay the price.

Another interesting commodity is perennial ryegrass. Although the seed may be there, reluctant hands are holding tight on both good-quality and off-quality, proprietary and variety not stated. There is a possibility that this might ease up through the winter months, but it may not. If spring is strong early, then mid $50s is likely for many proprietaries. If winter is both early and long, then we may see a softening. In the meantime, it looks like its going to be a cold hard winter with few deals and higher prices!