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Creal Springs Today
By the People, for the People
Farmers Warned About Inconsistent Annual Ryegrass Seed
Mixing of varieties can lead to uneven emergence and winter hardiness issues
Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:23am
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An abstract visualization of the genetic complexity within inconsistent annual ryegrass seed supplies, a growing challenge for no-till farmers.Creal Springs TodayNo-till farmers seeding annual ryegrass are being cautioned to carefully vet the source and variety of the seed they purchase, as reports have surfaced of seed bags containing a mix of ryegrass types with differing genetics and maturity rates. This is partly due to a surge in demand for annual ryegrass seed, causing some suppliers to stretch limited supplies by blending multiple varieties.
Why it matters
The mixing of ryegrass varieties can lead to uneven plant emergence and varying levels of winter hardiness, creating management challenges for farmers. With new companies entering the market to meet demand, there are also concerns that some may not understand how different regional varieties will perform in cooler climates.
The details
Mike Plumer, a conservation ag consultant in Creal Springs, Illinois, says the problem stems from a 400% increase in annual ryegrass seed sales in the Midwest over the past year, leading to shortages that have prompted some suppliers to blend multiple varieties to fill orders. This can result in plants emerging at different times and exhibiting varying levels of cold tolerance.
- In the last couple of years, reports have surfaced about the issue.
- Most companies ran out of annual ryegrass seed in 2012.
The players
Mike Plumer
A conservation ag consultant based in Creal Springs, Illinois, and a retired University of Illinois Extension agent.
What they’re saying
“They can state on the tag, 'variety not stated' (VNS). They can also brand name it and mix in whatever seed they need to so they can fill an order. And it may not be the same varieties from one year to the next. Make sure you work with a known, reliable dealer.”
— Mike Plumer, Conservation ag consultant
What’s next
Farmers should work closely with trusted seed suppliers to ensure they are purchasing high-quality, consistent annual ryegrass seed that will perform well in their local growing conditions.
The takeaway
The surge in demand for annual ryegrass seed has led to some suppliers cutting corners by blending multiple varieties, which can create uneven plant growth and winter hardiness issues for farmers. Careful seed selection from reliable sources is crucial to avoid these problems.