Harrisburg – A combination of consumer demand and extreme temperatures in key U.S. cool season turf grass seed producing regions are leading to turf grass seed shortages and prices increases.
According to USDA, over 90% of the nation’s tall fescue, rye and orchard grass seed are produced in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Seed producers are expecting yields this year to be less than half due to drought and extreme temperatures in Oregon. Temperatures in the normally cool Willamette Valley set all-time records this June reaching 115 degrees in some areas. Rainfall during the critical spring growing period was down by 5.5 inches, according to the Oregon State University Cooperative Extension.
Pennsylvania users of cool season grass seeds are already seeing the shortages and price hikes as they prepare for the fall planting season.
“We are currently only going to receive 50% of the seed that we ordered of many turf species,” reported Andy Ernst of Ernst Conservation Seeds in Meadville. “The fires and drought in Oregon have significantly impacted the yield.”
If you are planning the installation of new lawns and turf grass this fall or next spring, be sure to account for these price increases in your bids and get your seed or sod early. This shortage is expected to continue at least through spring of 2022.
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Harrisburg – A combination of consumer demand and extreme temperatures in key U.S. cool season turf grass seed producing regions are leading to turf grass seed shortages and prices increases.
