Illegal grass seed found in state

Use reputable dealers for forage crops, plant board urges farmers

— The Arkansas State Plant Board is advising ranchers and farmers seeking to restore their forage crops in the aftermath of this year’s drought to make sure they are obtaining seed from established dealers.

A plant board advisory says that a van or truck with bags of illegal grass seed has been reported at several Arkansas sale barns. Seed that was tested as a result of complaints from buyers found that as much as half of the contents of the bag was weed seed and other materials.

More than 2 tons of the seed in 50-pound bags was confiscated after inspectors for the plant board identified it.

“If you have a feeling it’s snake oil, it’s probably snake oil,” said Jesse Bocksnick of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension office in Sebastian County. He said he has not seen much in the way of faulty seed, but added, “The one thing I do tell producers is to make sure you get it from a reputable dealer, such as the local feed stores. I would be very wary of getting it from a fly-by-night dealer.”

Robert Seay, the Benton County cooperative extension chairman, said seed demand is high.

“We’ve got thousands of acres that do not have a workable stand of forage on them,” he said. He anticipates a “mad rush to establish those fields” because producers are running out of time to establish cool-season grasses.

Johnny Gunsaulis, of the Washington County extension office, advised seed buyers to purchase from someone they trust.

“I know quality seed is available,” he said. “I think sometimes people just want to find a shortcut.”

The plant board said contaminants comprised more than 31 percent of the contents in the illegal seed. The board also noted that buying seed that is unlabeled or is from an unlicensed dealers leaves buyers with no legal recourse.

Seay said cool-season forages planted now will have only five to six weeks of growing weather before they shut down around the first of December.

Bocksnick said hay shortages could occur this winter up and down the Arkansas River Valley.

“If it does turn off very cold, a hard winter, that shortage of hay will be much more crucial than last year,” he said. Last year’s mild winter, he said, allowed cool-season forages to last longer and summer forages to come on early in the season.

Business, Pages 29 on 10/19/2012

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