According to Gold Crop, westerwold seed is still not available and won’t be for the next two weeks. Italian Rye grass is available but will come under pressure, while forage crops like rape or a hybrid remain in good supply.

The next supply of westerwolds will be eating into next year’s crop. Farmers who are contemplating growing a crop following the ongoing spring barley harvest should let their merchants know as soon as possible. According to Patrick Cashman of Gold Crop, “it is better to sow something that is available now rather than wait for the seed stocks to come back”.

The window for growing these catch crops is closing. “We have been finding farmers are coming to us asking what they should do, we have no problem saying that decisions must be made based on what you already have,” said Patrick. He added that those who are actively working to solve the situation will solve it.

It is better to sow something that is available now rather than wait for the seed stocks to come back

“The important thing is that growing one of these crop is justified, if you have only a small gap to bridge than your best option might be buying in ration. If growing a forage crop is the better option for you and you haven’t done it before there are people there to help.”

Details released for fodder production incentive

Shortage of westerwold seed to persist for the next two weeks

Farmers who are contemplating growing a crop following the ongoing spring barley harvest should let their merchants know as soon as possible.