Benefits of Seed Production
Risk Diversification
Producing forage and turf seed allows producers to expand their rotations and diversify risk. Many of our
seed producers have incorporated forage and turf seed production as a regular part of their cropping plans.
Agronomic Benefits of Grass 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
- Late harvest splits up fall workload
Economic Benefits of 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. For example, consistent yields and prices over the last 5 years have allowed perennial ryegrass to bring the average grower more revenue per acre in Manitoba than wheat, oats or canola. The chart below shows estimated average revenues per acre in Manitoba over the last 5 years.
Profitability Estimates/Acre by Crop
