2026 Forage Seed Supply Outlook

Forage seed supply for spring plantings looks to be in generally good shape for spring 2026 demand.

After a year of somewhat tighter availability of certain key alfalfa varieties, 2026 will bring a better supply of alfalfa overall.  In essence, production now is in a better position to meet demand.  One area to monitor is the supply of economy, VNS alfalfas, as production was challenged this year.  Seed prices are expected to be slightly higher, as the cost of production continues to increase.  As always, it will be important for producers to plan ahead to ensure that they can access the alfalfa varieties they desire.

Clover availability will be a mixed bag in 2026.  Common type medium red clover should be in good supply.  However, elite three-year red clover varieties will continue to have limited availability.  The white clovers (ladino, intermediate, white dutch) endured challenging production conditions in 2025 and will be tight and higher in price.  Other popular clovers, such as alsike and yellow blossom sweet clover, will remain on the very tight side for 2026.

Summer annual seed supply, including forage sorghum, sorghum x sudan, and pearl millet should have average availability in 2026.  Seed production in the Western Texas production areas is progressing normally.

Overall, the supply of forage grasses looks to be in good shape.  Species such as tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, meadow fescue, Italian ryegrass, and festulolium should have sufficient supply.  A few watch outs:  orchardgrass, smooth brome, and timothy.  These species will be higher in price, and we recommend acting early to get needs covered.

The table below outlines the supply picture for most popular forage species. Common (C) and Improved (I) supplies are noted in parentheses, and maturities are separated if there are differences in the outlook for the species. If there is no designation, the supply rating applies to both common and improved options as well as maturities for the species. The “Extremely Tight” designation indicates that the species will likely sell out at some point in the season.