Statewide
No kidding, seed is in short supply for 2013 due to reduced hybrid seed production in both 2011 and 2012. An increased in expected acres will further shorten supplies. This has created the highest grain sorghum seed cost we have ever seen.
Action Tips for Grain Sorghum Seed:
- If you anticipate needing grain sorghum seed in 2013 I urge you to check with your preferred seed dealer now. Supply is declining and prices are subject to change (they won’t be going down!). The longer you wait, the less selection you will have.
- Be cautious about moving to a maturity of grain sorghum seed that is not appropriate for your production system. In Central & South Texas if all you can find is early maturity hybrids, then call another dealer. In the High Plains, don’t book a medium-long or long season hybrid for dryland just because that’s all you can get.
- Evaluate your seeding rate. For grain sorghum seeding rate targets in your area, consult the three different United Sorghum Checkoff Program grain sorghum pocket guides that cover Texas here. {These include editions for South & Central Texas, West Texas (South Plains, Concho Valley, Rolling Plains), and the High Plains (Texas Panhandle)}. Many producers in Texas still plant more seed than they need, sometimes at the expense of grain yield. I would rather pick a preferred hybrid and reduce the seeding rate by 20% to stretch a limited supply of seed than go with something I am not familiar with or is less appropriate.
Here is a sampling of grain sorghum seed prices from four seed companies with Texas sales. This represents both regional and national brands. Prices are the same across Texas.
- Company #1: Concep III treated seed only (allows use of Dual Magnum herbicide), $109/bag. Gaucho or CruiserMaxx treated, about $159/bag. Three of six primary hybrids sold out, 1 is thin, 2 with modest supply. Discount 6% if paid by 12/31, 4% discount if paid Jan. – Feb.
- Company #2: $100 to $135/bag, depending on hybrid. Add $18/bag for Concep III. Gaucho treatment about $13-15/bag. Other premium comprehensive seed treatments somewhat higher than Gaucho. Seed supply is extremely short, and some hybrids are sold out. No pre-pay discounts as seed supplies are too short.
- Company #3: All hybrids are $172-184/bag which have Concep III and CruiserMaxx. They don’t sell grain sorghum seed any other way. All medium maturity hybrids sold out (at least in High Plains), but some supplies left of medium-early and medium-long. 7% cash discount if paid by Jan. 18, and quantity discounts available.
- Company #4: $102/bag for older lines, $110/bag for newer lines, all Concep III treated. Up to $64/bag for Poncho treatment. Seed supplies low and company will re-allocate remaining seed stocks in early January. Call about discounts.
