After a year of somewhat tighter availability of certain key alfalfa varieties, 2026 will offer a better overall supply of alfalfa. In essence, the production is now in a favorable position to meet demand. Seed prices are expected to be slightly higher, as the cost of production continues to rise. As always, it is recommended to plan early and ensure desired alfalfa varieties are available.

Clover availability will be a mixed bag in 2026. Common-type red clover should be in good supply, but as harvest takes place, we will have a more accurate assessment. Elite, three-year red clover varieties will continue to have limited availability. The white clovers (ladino, intermediate, and Dutch white) endured challenging production conditions in 2025. Supplies will be tight, and seed will come at a higher price. Other popular clovers such as alsike and yellow blossom sweetclover will remain on the extremely tight list for 2026.

Summer annual seed supplies, including forage sorghum, sorghum-sudangrass, and pearl millet, will have average availability in 2026, although there is still time for the weather to negatively affect seed production in the western Texas production areas.

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. We expect orchardgrass, smooth bromegrass, and timothy to be higher in price, and it’s recommended to make needed seed purchases early.

The table at right outlines the supply picture for most popular forage species. Common (C) and improved (I) varieties 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. As always, please check with your local supplier for specific variety availability.

This article appeared in the November 2025 issue of Hay & Forage Grower on page 13.

Not a subscriber? Click to get the print magazine.