Crop Comments
The 2026 Willamette Valley harvest was generally smooth, despite a few localized rain and hail events that affected some windrowed seed. Annual ryegrass yields were typically 10-15% lower than average, with turf fescue yields also trending down.
Higher fuel costs appear to have driven increased no-till planting this fall. The early-seeded fields established well, while dry conditions from mid-September through much of October delayed the emergence of later planted crops. Slugs, cutworms, and voles have also created challenges, particularly in older fields.
With recent rainfall and continued pest management efforts, hope remains for a successful 2027 crop, and as represented by this photo, early November is one of the prettiest times in the Valley.
A Tale of Two Seasons
In our industry, harvest time and crop availability are not always completed in the same season.
For example, while crops such as crimson clover, turnips, annual ryegrass, bluegrass and orchardgrass are often harvested out West by July, much of that harvested seed, along with tall fescue and other crops, may not be cleaned until winter. Perennial ryegrass, clovers, radish and other crops are harvested late enough that cleaning doesn't even begin till late summer/fall. Decisions on what gets cleaned first depend on carryover inventory, seed quality, cleaner capacity, and market demand.
By November, most summer and fall shipments are complete, and inventory levels have been updated to reflect cleaned seed, shipments, and bookings. What remains uncertain are the variables that shape spring availability: seed still awaiting cleaning, unpredictable weather-driven demand, and limited visibility into next year's production acres. As a result, despite appearances, suppliers often cannot provide definitive answers about spring inventory. Outside of obvious surpluses or shortages, many key supply variables are still unfolding.
So if your supplier hesitates when asked about spring availability, "we don't know yet" may simply be the most accurate answer.
New Salesmen
We are pleased to welcome two new sales team members to our team.
Nathan Winters joined the company earlier this year and is a member of our International Sales Team. Based in Oregon, Nathan works from our main office and supports customers across key international markets. Grayson Godley has recently joined our Domestic Sales Team.
Grayson will service and support our customers from his home in Georgia. Both will be attending the upcoming Western Seed Association Convention. If you are attending, be sure to introduce yourself.
