In the News - February 2008
Will there be enough soybean seed to go around?
LITTLE ROCK - Soybean prices are soaring to record levels, and farmers are
excited about the prospects for 2008. Unfortunately, a shortage of seed may
dampen their enthusiasm.
Dr. Jeremy Ross, soybean specialist with the University of Arkansas
Cooperative Extension Service, said it could be a "free-for-all" for farmers as
they scramble to get the seed and varieties they need.
He said farmers should be talking to their seed dealers and co-ops about the
situation.
"I've heard that farmers that have already booked seed are being cut, and
they're not going to get exactly what they thought they were going to get, just
because the seed is not there," Ross said.
What happened? Why is there a shortage?
Ross says hot, dry conditions in the latter part of last summer caused
problems with soybean quality. This was especially true in Missouri and southern
Illinois where much of the seed for the Arkansas crops is grown.
"Many seed companies have had to go back and re-allocate a lot of their
soybean seed supplies, and so right now we're looking at a shortage of seed for
the 2008 planning window," Ross said.
"More than likely, you're not going to be able to get all the seed that you
really want or have had in the past," he said. "Producers may have to look at
some more alternatives, some seed varieties that may not be at the top of their
list."
Because of this situation, farmers need to ensure they get a viable crop the
first time they plant. If they have to replant, he noted, it's likely they won't
be able to find all the seed they want or need.
Ross recommends:
- Farmers avoid any stress on the crop, especially early in the
season to try to get the best stand
- In early to mid-April, farmers consider pushing back their planting
date a little until they can get warmer, dryer conditions
- Farmers consider seed treatments, especially fungicide and
insecticide treatments
- Seed in bulk containers be handled as little as possible to avoid
cracking the seed or damaging the seed coat, which can affect
germination and vigor
- Farmers make sure their planters are calibrated and they're using
recommended seeding rates and proper seeding spaces
Unfortunately, despite their best efforts to try to ensure a viable crop,
there's nothing farmers can do about the weather.
The extension service recommends that farmers start plant around April 15-20.
With a shortage of seed, farmers may want to resist their urge to plant early
and wait until the ground is good and warm.
For more information about soybean production, contact your county extension
agent or visit www.uaex.edu and select Agriculture, then
Soybean. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of
Agriculture.
February 1, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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