Summer Annual Seeds Scarce this Spring

By: Lynn Stillwell, Agriculture Extension Agent, Livestock

March is here and spring is in the air. Soon summer grasses will be greening up for a new grazing season. If your pasture rotation usually includes summer annuals such as Pearl Millet you may be out of luck or out of cash.

Remember that drought we had last summer? With the mild winter that’s brought several inches of rain, last year’s drought may have slipped your mind. However, if you go to purchase seed this year a sore reminder will be applied to your wallet. Seed prices for summer annuals have skyrocketed, due to the severe drought in Texas causing a shortage in seed production and supply. Current prices for Pearl Millet seed range from $78 for a 50lb bag of seed to a whopping $100 online. Its only March, and Red River Crabgrass is already sold out most places until fall or offering it for an astronomical $325 for a 50lb bag.

With seed prices skyrocketing due to shortage, if you plan on having summer annuals for grazing this Livestock Agent suggests you stock up now because prices are only going to climb. If you cannot afford to spend 78-100 a bag for Millet or other seed you may need to better manage your perennial pastures, invest in poly wire and do intensive rotational grazing to get the most out of you pastures this spring and summer. No one wants to have to feed your winter hay supply in July. For more information on pastures or rotational grazing contact the Cooperative Extension Office 910-592-7161.