Seed Movements, Awards & More Legume Videos

Seed Movement

Willamette Valley seed shipments have remained steady throughout the month, as distributors continuing a just-in-time purchasing trend. Those involved in operations and logistics have had to rise to the occasion, and have done a great job.

With light inventories at the distributor level, we anticipate continued good movement this next month, especially to our customers in the lower half of the US, as well as those northern customers who still have time before the first frost. We also expect that this latest shot of moisture running up the eastern half of the country will boost consumption.

Additionally, reports of armyworms, drought and disease damage set the stage for reseeding sales, albeit some of these may not come till next spring.

For distributors and consumers, prices are significantly lower than recent years with little expectation of imminent increases. We would expect these lower prices to also encourage increased consumption over the next 9-12 months.

Oregon Crops

Its that time of year for Oregon to get fall-seeded crops in the ground. This year, there is less appetite for perennial grasses, as many companies are reducing acres to compensate for carryover seed. With low wheat prices, limited contract options, and the desire for short term rotations, we are seeing growers plant brassicas, such as turnips and clovers. Finding the right balance between production and carryover, as many of you know seems to be a continuous challenge for agriculture.

With most 2024 crops harvested, we can report general yields. Annual ryegrass and crimson clover were above average, turnips were average, and the following crops were below average: tall fescue, orchardgrass, white clover, red clover, peas and radish.