Alsike clover seed prices fell from 90 cents per lb. The market for medium-red clovers has also been stagnant. But the market for yellow blossom clover seed has picked up, said Shmon, from 18 to 22 cents per lb. Markets for this legume seed may benefit if the U.S. government chooses a shorter set-aside program in the coming year, he said. Another bright spot in forage seed markets is turf grass seed, particularly proprietary varieties, said Zimmer.
Demand is strong from homeowners, sports facilities and landscapers of industrial parks.
But because of population pressures in major growing areas in Pacific Northwest states, turf grass expansion will happen in Canada, said Zimmer. Species that are hard to produce will continue to have high prices, he said. He predicted growers will see more contracts in the future as companies develop proprietary varieties and mixes for specific uses, such as preventing erosion, cleaning up soils on mining sites and for planting after forest fires. The fires in Montana last summer helped spur demand for native seeds, said Paul Gregory of Interlake Forage Seeds. He sees strong opportunities in the market with growing awareness about biodiversity.