April 2011

While we can’t comment on all the markets, we are hearing and feeling the impact of some bright spots out there. On the retail side, initial turf orders have been good. We also know that there is carryover lawn damage from fall which did not get repaired. We expect there will also be damage from this winter, once it is finally over!

On the forage side, some of the clover sales have been disappointing. Also, high grain prices appear to be adversely impacting pasture seedings. That said, again, initial movement has been fairly decent.

While you may not see it in your specific market, it is worth noting that international sales have been strong. This will affect excess inventories of both turf and forage crops. It also affects the attitude of those holding such inventories. As you may be aware, significant acreage reduction took place over the past two years for both turf-type tall fescue and perennial ryegrass acres. So both current and future inventories are seeing notable adjustments.

How does all this impact pricing? At minimum, it has kept prices very stable over the past four months. It appear this trend may also continue for most crops. In fact, we likely will see price increases in many crops, including turf-type tall fescue, turf-type perennial ryegrass, fawn and KY-31, orchardgrass, fine fescues, red clover and crimson clover