OXFORD STATION — Timothy and other staple grasses of hay and pasture fields look to be in short supply as a result of drought conditions on the seed plantations of western Canada.
“Timothy is scarce,” says Richard Lavigne of Summit Seeds, south of Kemptville, adding that other popular grasses, such as fescue, are also affected by the supply pinch.
Some varieties grown in Europe may be more available. Lavigne says the trend is being felt by all dealers.
Fortunately, he points out that demand for grass forage seed is likely to be down in Eastern Ontario next year anyway because of the good supply of hay grown this year.
On the other hand, he says that picture could change if there is substantial winterkill in local fields over the winter.
Farmers can still order timothy and the other grasses, but they will have to wait and see what happens when it comes time for delivery, Lavigne said.
