March 25, 2008
 

Tight soy seed supplies seen in southern US states

Mississippi and Louisiana farmers may have to contend with a shortage of soy seed this year, according to a story posted Monday on the Natchez (Miss.) Democrat Web site.

High soy prices, which are enticing farmers nationwide to plant the oilseed, as well as adverse weather conditions in 2007 that caused poor-quality seed are contributing to the tight supply situation, the newspaper reported.

"If we have enough seed to plant, we are liable to plant the most acreage we ever have in Mississippi," said Mississippi State University extension service soy specialist Trey Koger.

According to the USDA, Mississippi farmers planted 1.45 million acres to soy in 2007, while Louisiana farmers planted 605,000 acres last year. Government estimates of 2008 acreage intentions would not be released until March 31.

As a result of the supply constraints, farmers may have to plant soy seed varieties that are not recommended for Mississippi and Louisiana, said Glen Daniels, extension service director for Louisiana's Concordia Parish.

"Farmers might have to plant varieties from the Midwest instead of the recommended varieties," Daniels told the newspaper.

Koger said he believes there will be enough soy seed for the full-season crop, but farmers who want to double-crop with soy may feel the pinch of the tight seed supplies.