Sept. 28 , 2007

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OVERTON - The price of crimson clover seed – for standard varieties – has nearly doubled this year. Non-standard varieties may be cheaper, but planting a variety that hasn't been tested in Texas is asking for failure, said a Texas Agricultural Experiment Station forage expert.

"Standard cultivars of crimson clover that we know to be reliable in the U.S . Southern Region include Dixie, Chief, Tibbee, AU Robin and Flame," said Dr. Ray Smith, Experiment station clover breeder. "Any other crimson clovers cultivars or crimson seed offered as VNS (variety not stated) should be investigated fully before purchase."

Crimson clover is commonly over-seeded in warm-season pastures to provide forage for cattle during the winter months. The practice lowers production costs for beef producers, which in turn should have an effect on the price consumers pay for meat, Smith said.

Most clover and ryegrass seed used in Texas is produced in western Oregon's Willamette Valley. Usually, Oregon weather and soils favor higher yields and better quality seed. Last year, however, saturated soils and a hard spring freeze dealt a one-two punch to about half the clover production fields, Smith said. Clover seedlings died after they were "heaved" out of the soil by the freeze.

As a result, crimson clover seed varieties adapted for Texas that were about $1 a pound last year will be $1.70 to $1.80 a pound this year. Also, some dealers may run out of crimson clover seeds this year, Smith said.

When the price of any one production item doubles, it is human nature to look for cheaper alternatives, he said. But using seed that hasn't been scientifically tested – as the Experiment Station regularly does with most cultivars available in Texas – is most likely going to be an expensive lesson.

The most recent example this kind of costly lesson happened in another state, Smith said.

"Last spring, in 2007, we know there were problems in northern Florida with producers purchasing crimson clover seed that was imported," he said. "Stands didn't survive. They weren't productive. The producers lost both their investment in seed and field bed preparations and the production year."

With recommended seeding rates for crimson clover in Texas at about 20 pounds per acre, seed costs should be about $36 per acre this year, Smith said.

If dealers run out of crimson clovers, there are alternatives, he said. One alternative is arrowleaf clover.

"Apache arrowleaf clover is probably one of the best substitutes for crimson in this area, in any area where crimson is grown," Smith said.

It used to be common practice for farmers to mix crimson and arrowleaf clover seed to extend the grazing season. But a plant disease called bean yellow mosaic virus put an end to the practice. However, Apache arrowleaf clover is resistant to the virus, making its use either alone or as mix with crimson seed a viable alternative again, Smith said.

Apache arrowleaf clover seed is currently about $2.15 a pound, but a good stand can be achieved with 10 pounds per acre. This brings the seed cost per acre to $21.50, cheaper than crimson at the new prices.

Apache arrowleaf clover does require different management, Smith said. Crimson clover will be ready for grazing by livestock as early as mid-February. It will finish producing forage by late April, making it a good match for East Texas bermudagrass pastures.

Apache arrowleaf is earlier in production than old arrowleaf varieties. However, Apache still will not provide grazing until March 1.

"And we'll have clover grazing through the month of May," Smith said.

Any management problems with Apache stem from letting it get too tall, he said. Bermudagrass pasture should be fine as long if the producer has enough cattle per acre to keep the clover crazed down in May.

Another management issue is soil pH. Apache arrowleaf clover needs a soil pH close to 6.0 to develop a strong stand, Smith said. It is possible to develop a successful stand with a soil pH in the 5.7 to 5.8 range.

"If you put on ultra-fine agricultural lime now, it's possible to make some change in pH by planting time in mid- to late-October," he said.