Legume Seed Crops « Seed Production

Oregon State University

Oregon State University has recently released the 31st annual Seed Production Research Report in both hard copy and an online version. This publication has long been a forum for reports from a variety of seed production researchers, not only from OSU but also from affiliated institutions and agencies. For much of the Report’s existence, the publication has been edited and produced by Bill Young – now retired professor and extension agronomist in seed production. This year’s installment was edited by OSU Extension staff members Andrew Hulting, Nicole Anderson, Darren Walenta, and Michael Flowers.

The report is home to articles on a wide range of topics concerning the production of seed from species found in Oregon. Topics in this year’s edition include weed, insect and disease management; plant growth regulators; irrigation management; and seed testing. Here’s a link to the online version of the Seed Production Research Report:

2012 Seed Production Research Report

Articles at the linked site can be accessed by clicking on the title of the article.

A special local needs label has been recently approved for use of Palisade EC plant growth regulator for red clover and crimson clover seed crops in Oregon. This is timely because the window for application of the product on these crops is near.

For more information, here is a copy of the SLN label:

Palisade EC for Red Clover and Crimson Clover Grown for Seed

As always, follow the label when applying this or any other product. Mention of this product does not constitute an endorsement by Oregon State University.

Bill Young, OSU professor emeritus and extension agronomist in seed production, has recently updated Oregon’s grass and forage legume seed crop production statistics for the 2012 crop year. This report provides a wealth of useful information about quantity of seed produced, crop yields, and economic value of these seed crops in Oregon.

Here is a summary of the findings from Dr. Young:

In brief, the combined value for all grass and legume seed crops in the 2011-12 crop year ($406,251,000) increased almost 21% over the value of production in 2010-11. Oregon growers harvested 408,000 acres of grass seed crops in 2012, an increase of 34,705 acres (+9.3%) over last year. However, the estimated value of all grass seed species increased by 24.1% due to the combination of more acres and improved prices received by growers. Legume seed crop acreage declined by almost 5% (2,118 acres) from the 2010-11 crop year, and the estimated value of this year’s production dropped by 6.6% to $35,656,000 when compared to last year’s record $36,532,000 crop.

Here is a link to the report on OSU’s Seed Crops page:

2012 Grass and Legume Seed Crop Estimates

You can follow the links on the Seed Crops page to find information about this past year’s seed crops and comparisons to previous crop years. Historical reports are also archived at this page.

Oregon State University has recently released the 30th annual Seed Production Research Report. This publication has long been a forum for reports from a variety of seed production researchers, not only from OSU but also from affiliated institutions and agencies. For much of the Report’s existence, the publication has been edited and produced by Bill Young – now retired professor and extension agronomist in seed production.

The report is home to articles on a wide range of topics concerning the production of seed from species found in Oregon. This year’s special anniversary edition is no different with article topics ranging from pest management and agronomic practices for grass and legume seed crops to seed production of native plants.

Here’s a link to the Seed Production Research Report:

Seed Production Research Report

Articles at the linked site can be accessed by clicking on the title of the article.

OSU is presenting several seed production field day offerings this spring where the public can visit research farms and learn more about a variety of seed crops.

May 16 – Native Plant Seed Production Field Day – Native forage legumes, native plant irrigation for seed production, pollination and pollinators, native plant for anti-cancer pharmaceuticals, and more. Located at OSU’s Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Ave, Ontario OR 97914. Phone (541) 889-2174

Link to more information

May 30 – Hyslop Farm Field Day – Plant growth regulators in red clover seed crops, energy use and efficiency in tall fescue and perennial ryegrass seed crops, flax, and more. Located at Hyslop Crop Science Field Research Laboratory just off Highway 20 between Corvallis and Albany at 3455 NE Granger Corvallis, OR 97330. Phone (541) 737-9940.

Link to more information

May 31 – Grass Seed Field Day – Various topics focused on grass seed production practices and pests. Located at OSU’s Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 2121 S. First Street, Hermiston, OR 97838. Phone (541) 567-6337.

Link to more information

Thomas G. Chastain

Several forage legume seed crops continue to be a vital part of seed production enterprises in the Willamette Valley. These include red clover, crimson clover, and white clover. Other seed crops that have been produced in the valley include ladino clover, arrowleaf clover, subterranean clover, hairy vetch, and common vetch.

Figure 1. Crimson clover in flower. (T.G. Chastain photo)

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Seed Production

Tag Archives: Legume Seed Crops

Seed Production Research Report is now available

PGR approved for use in red clover and crimson clover seed crops in Oregon

Grass and forage legume seed crop production statistics for 2012

30th Anniversary Seed Production Research Report

Oregon State University Seed Production Field Days

Seed yield and acreage trends in forage legume seed crops

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