In general seed supplies of the major grasses should be adequate. Overall big bluestem seed production was average. There were some isolated areas that incurred drought that affected local crops but industry wide, big bluestem seed production was average. Indiangrass seed production in several areas was above normal, while in other areas average to limited areas of drought with poor production. Industry wide there appears to be a small surplus. Sideoats grama seed production was steady this year with most of the production coming from one company, being raised under irrigation. That company generally dictates the sideoats market, with demand determining the ultimate price. Little bluestem seed production was average at best this year. Though supplies of little bluestem are average, demand continues to be high, maintaining higher prices. Switchgrass seed demand has declined over the last several years but it has taken production a while to slow down, resulting in a market flooded with switchgrass seed. It appears this year, the supply and demand have finally adjusted themselves and supplies will be good and without any extreme surplus.

Forb seed is so variable from region to region it is next to impossible to predict. Most of my sources don't see any real shortages of any species. However, demand remains steady, therefore pricing should be similar to last year.

The seed companies all anticipated reduced demand this year and adjusted their harvests accordingly, unlike 10 years ago when the market was flooded with seed and we saw extreme drops in prices due to some growers unloading their stores. Prices for big bluestem, indiangrass and sideoats grama all have dropped 10% to 15% from last year's prices. Big bluestem prices should range from $8.50 to $10.00 per PLS pound. Indiangrass should be about the same and sideoats between $6 and $8. Switchgrass prices are nearly the same as last year, perhaps slightly higher, $3 to $3.75 per PLS pound. Some varieties perhaps higher. Little bluestem seed continues to be in high demand and production hasn't increased significantly, putting pressure on the supply. This all adds up to prices being only slightly lower than last year. Little bluestem prices range from $14 to $16 per PLS pound.