Benefits of Seed Production
Agronomic Benefits of Turf Seed Production
- Early harvest splits up fall workload
- Increases organic matter, helps improve less productive or questionable soils
- Some species have tolerance to salinity, alkalinity and acidity
Agronomic tip - turf crops are high moisture and nitrogen users. Many producers have had success following turf crops with soybeans or peas.
Agronomic Benefits of Legume Seed Production
- Improves soil tilth
- Low input user
- Nitrogen fixation
Economic Benefits of Legume Seed Production
Seed production can be a very profitable part of your rotation. Compared to most cereal crop options, turfgrass seed production has an excellent profitability track record. The chart below shows the average contribution margin from 2006 through 2009 crop years for perennial ryegrass, hard red spring wheat and oats. Over this period, perennial ryegrass has provided on average 33% higher contribution margin compared to hard red spring wheat, and a 37% higher contribution margin compared to oats.
Chart notes:
*Contribution margin per acre calculated using the following figures:
- Approximate average historical pricing levels from 2006 through 2009
- Average yields as reported by producers to Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation
- Variable costs (seed, fertilizer, crop protection, fuel, machinery operating and insurance) of $190/acre for perennial ryegrass, $160 for hard red spring wheat and $115 for oats
Margin numbers are approximate and are not meant for budgeting purposes.
Contracting with BrettYoung
Due to the perennial or biennial nature of many of the production species, it's important to plan production well in advance of expected harvests. Based on forecasts from partners around the glove, BrettYoung targets specific products and quality levels for production to meet long-term market demand. Production contracts with producers are a vital part of securing supply for future market needs.
BrettYoung offers several types of production contracts on forage and turfgrasses, as well as legumes and native species. BrettYoung guarantees the purchase of all of the production, offers prices that are competitive and profitable, and has a team of agronomists who are there every step of the way to help you maximize yield, quality and ultimately profits.
If you are interested in producing seed or have seed production you are interested in selling, please contact a Sales Agronomist for the latest offers. Contact and territory information is listed on the back cover.
Agronomy Services
BrettYoung's agronomists are there every step of the way to help you get the most out of your seed production fields. With the support of our Sales Agronomists, yields of perennial ryegrass have increased 50% since 2002 and efforts are being made to continue to improve crop yields and quality. In fact, an initiative is underway to identify and promote specific practices that promote consistently higher yields of Brettyoung's major production species.
BrettYoung's agronomists will help you with the entire production cycle. Some of the services you can expect are in the chart below:
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a long-lived, cool season, perennial legume. It is the most commonly grown forage legume used for livestock production in Western Canada.
Alfalfa seed production occurs throughout the prairies and is exported all over the world. It requires the use of leafcutter bees for adequate pollination.
Field Selection
Alfalfa is adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but yields best in well drained soils. Starting with a clean field free of perennial weeds is very important. Glyphosate applications in the years preceding alfalfa will help eliminate perennial weeds. Shelter from the wind should be considered as this will benefit the bees during pollination.
Weed Control
Alfalfa's low seeding rate and wide row spacing offer little competition to weeds. However, there are few chemicals registered for use in alfalfa. Our agronomists can help identify potential chemical control options.
Seeding
Treat the alfalfa seed with a quality inoculant just prior to seeding. Seed alfalfa between 0.5 lb/acre and 1 lb/acre in 24 inch to 36 inch rows. It can be seeded alone or with a cover crop. Flax or cereal crops are recommended as cover crops. Seed alfalfa no deeper than 1/2 inch into a firm, fine seedbed.
Disease Control
Alfalfa can be susceptible to leaf and stem diseases. Scout fields regularly to identify diseases and apply appropriate fungicide.
Pollination
Leafcutter bees are necessary for optimum seed set in alfalfa. Management of bees is very labour intensive and requires a substantial initial capital expenditure. Many seed growers use contract beekeeper services to pollinate the crop.
Harvesting
After pollination, alfalfa seed takes about five to six weeks to mature. Swathing can occur when most of the seed pods are black or brown in colour. Straight combining is a popular option because it helps reduce seed losses. In order to straight cut, the crop must be desiccated with an approved chemical or by a hard frost. Ideal seed moisture is 10.5%.
Seed Yield
Alfalfa seed yields in Western Canada can range significantly, from 100 lbs/acre to well over 700 lbs/acre. Geographic location and weather conditions during pollination have a large effect on seed yield.
Clover
Clover species are short-lived perennial legumes that are produced in all parts of the prairies. They are used to grow good quality forage in both domestic and international livestock programs.
As a legume, clover is used in green manure applications to help build nitrogen levels in the soil. The main species of clover grown for seed in Western Canada are red, sweet and alsike.
Field Selection
Clover should be established with a nurse crop such as wheat, flax or oats. Canola is not recommended as a nurse crop as volunteer seeds may germinate in the year of production causing concern with export regulations.
Clover yields best in well drained soils. When selecting fields it is important to review the herbicide history as chemical residues can affect germination. Select a field that is clean and free of perennial weeds such as Canada thistle.
Weed Control
Herbicides are available to control broadleaf and grassy weeds. However, there are few chemical choices available. Once established, clover offers significant weed competition.
Seeding
Clover seed must be inoculated with the proper rhizobacteria. Conventional seeding equipment can be used. Clover must be seeded into a moist, firm seedbed. Recommended seeding rates range from 1 - 5 lbs/acre.
Pollination
Clover must be cross pollinated to produce seed. Consistent yields are obtained by introducing colonies of honeybees to the field. Native pollinators such as bumblebees also aid in seed production.
Harvesting
Clover can be either swathed or desiccated and straight combined. Seed can shatter easily, so proper harvest timing is critical. Seed can safely e stored at 11% moisture.
Seed Yield
Red clover yields range from 100 - 500 lbs/acre with a five-year average of 275 lbs/acre.
Alsike clover yields range from 200 - 600 lbs/acre with a five-year average of 400 lbs/acre.
Sweet clover yields range from 100 - 500 lbs/acre with a five-year average of 300 lbs/acre.
Annual Ryegrass
Annual ryegrass is planted in the spring and harvested in the fall with many of the same management practices as wheat. It grows well in most areas of Western Canada and can tolerate excess moisture. Annual ryegrass should be one of the first crops planted, preferably into a firm seedbed at about 1/2 inch deep.
Annual ryegrass is mainly used for annual hay or grazing applications, but it is also used for quick ground cover in some turf mixtures.
Field Selection
Annual ryegrass responds well to moisture and nitrogen. It is adapted to different soil types, ranging from light textured sandy soils to heavy soil clay soils. It is important to select a clean field that is free of residual herbicides such as TreflanTM or EdgeTM.
Weed Control
Wild oats and quackgrass are the worst weed problems. Wild oats and broadleaf weeds can be controlled with herbicides but there is no in-crop control for quackgrass.
Seeding
Conventional seeding equipment can be used. Air drills, air seeders, press drills and hoe drills all work well.
Harvesting
Annual ryegrass must be swathed. Days to maturity for annual ryegrass is comparable to spring wheat.
Annual ryegrass is usually harvested 7 - 10 days after cutting. Either conventional or rotary combines can be used. Annual ryegrass is considered dry at 11% moisture, but can be harvested at 14% and dried in an aeration bin. Heat cannot be used as it can affect germination.
Residue
Straw residue can be an added bonus for cattle producers. It can be removed for livestock feed or bedding. Depending on fall moisture, regrowth can be used for fall grazing or hay.
Seed Yield
Yields range from 1,000 - 1,800 lbs/acre with a five-year average of 1,200 lbs/acre.
Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass is a short-lived perennial grass with a shallow fibrous root system. It is a low growing bunch type grass with short leafless stems. Perennial ryegrass is one of the most widely used grass species in the world. The main uses are for overseeding on golf courses in the southern United States, and in turfgrass mixes around the world.
Managed as a biennial crop, it is seeded on year and harvested the next, resulting in one year of seed production. It is typically under-seeded with wheat, oats or barley.
Field Selection
Perennial ryegrass responds will to moisture and nitrogen. It is adapted to different soil types, ranging from light textured sandy soils to heavy clay soils. The field must be free of residual herbicides such as Edge, Treflan and others. It is important to review the herbicide history of the field before planting. As well, a field that has had glyphosate applications and is clean of quackgrass is essential.
Weed Control
Wild oats, cleavers and quackgrass are the worst weed problems. Wild oats, cleavers and other broadleaf weeds can be controlled with herbicides; however there is now in-crop control for quackgrass.
Seeding
Conventional seeding equipment can be used. Seeded at 8 lbs/acre, air drills, air seeders and hoe drills work well.
Harvesting
Perennial ryegrass must be swathed, usually in late July to early August. It is earlier than most crops so it can help split up the harvest. Harvesting usually takes place about seven days after cutting depending on weather. Dry is 11%, but ryegrass can be harvested at 14% or 15% and dried in an aeration bin. Heat cannot be used as it can affect germination.
Seed Yield
Perennial ryegrass yields in Manitoba and Saskatchewan have ranged from 600 to over 1,600 lbs/acre net clean seed, with a five-year average of 800 lbs.
Tall Fescue
Tall fescue is a long-lived perennial type grass with a deep root system. It is a cool season bunch grass that adapts well on poorly drained soils. In addition, tall fescue can tolerate salinity, alkalinity and acidity. Tall fescue is widely used in the turf markets and its used have grown with improved tolerance to heat and drought.
Tall fescue needs one year to establish with no seed production in the year of planting. Expected seed production can range from three to five years. The crop can be typically under-seeded to flax or planted without a nurse crop.
Field Selection
Tall fescue responds well to moisture and nitrogen. It is adapted to different soil types, ranging from light textured sandy soils to heavy clay soils.
The field must be free of residual herbicides such as Edge, Treflan and others. It is important to review the herbicide history of the field before planting. As well, a field that has had glyphosate applications and is clean of quackgrass is essential.
Weed Control
Wild oats, cleavers and quackgrass are the worst weed problems. Wild oats, cleavers and other broadleaf weeds can be controlled with herbicides; however, there is no in-crop control for quackgrass.
Seeding
Tall fescue is seeded at 4 lbs/acre and conventional seeding equipment can be used.
Harvesting
Tall fescue must be swathed, usually in mid to late July. It is earlier than most crops, which can help split up the harvest. When swathing fescue, some shattering will occur. Therefore, we recommend swathing at night or early in the morning.
Harvesting usually takes place about 5 - 7 days after cutting, depending on weather. Dry is 11%, but fescue can be harvested at 14% or 15% and dried in an aeration bin. heat cannot be used as it can affect germination.
Seed Yield
Tall fescue yields in Manitoba and Saskatchewan have ranged from 500 to over 1,200 lbs/acre net clean seed, with a five-year average of 700 lbs.
Timothy
Timothy is a medium-lived, cool season perennial bunchgrass with a fibrous root system. The crop performs very well under cool, moist condition.
Timothy seed is used to grow good quality forages for both domestic and international livestock programs.
Field Selection
Timothy is a low input crop that grows well on poorly drained, low productive soils. Timothy is fairly tolerant to flooding in the spring.
The field must be free of residual herbicides such as Edge, Treflan and others. It is important to review the herbicide history of the field before planting. Glyphosate should be applied in the years prior to seeding to help to eliminate perennial weeds.
Weed Control
Herbicides are available to control broadleaf weeds. However, there are few chemical choices available for controlling wild oats and green foxtail. Once established, Timothy does provide significant crop competition.
Seeding
Timothy is a very small seed that must be sown shallow into a firm seedbed. Cover crops such as wheat, oats and flax may be used. Generally, Timothy is seeded at 2 lbs/acre.
Harvesting
Timothy must be swathed, usually in early August. It is earlier than most crops, which can help split up the harvest. Harvesting usually takes place about 5 - 7 days after cutting depending on weather. Timothy is considered dry at 10%, but it can be harvested at 14% or 15% and dried in an aeration bin. Heat cannot be used as it can affect germination.
Seed Yield
Timothy yields have ranged from 200 - 600 lbs/acre net clean seed, with a five-year average of 350 lbs.
Residue
Timothy straw must be removed from the field at harvest. The straw has relatively good feed value for livestock.
Creeping Red Fescue
Creeping red fescue is a long-lived perennial but the seed production life of a stand is typically short, lasting one or two years. On rare occasions a third year may be harvested.
Creeping red fescue seed is used for turf, forage and reclamation purposes. The largest end use is for amenity purposes like lawns, parks, fairways and playgrounds.
Field Selection
Creeping red fescue must be established in fields as free of perennial weeds and other volunteer grass crops as possible. It can be grown on a wide range of soil types including clay, loam and sandy loam soils when moisture is adequate. It tolerates soil acidity well and is somewhat tolerant to soil salinity.
Creeping red fescue will tend to perform best in areas that receive high levels of precipitation, especially when the precipitation is received in the fall or early spring. It's extremely important to review your past cropping history and herbicide use as creeping red fescue seedlings can be seriously injured by residues of herbicides applied in previous years.
Weed Control
Quackgrass, cleavers and wild oats are the most difficult weeds in creeping red fescue. All of these difficult seeds can be controlled by herbicides. There is a wide selection of herbicides to control most broadleaf and grassy weeds.
Harvesting
Swathing is typically the third or fourth week of July and is generally 20 - 30 days after pollination. Timing of swathing is field dependent and seed head stage should be monitored often so as not to swath too early or too late. Seed moisture should be 12.5% or less before harvesting unless it is aerated without heat.
Seed Yield
Seed yields vary depending on the age of the field and moisture conditions. A typical average yield will be between 300 - 500 lbs/acre. Exceptional years can produce 1,000 lbs/acre plus.