b'FORAGE & TURFSeed Sector Adjusts to Tight Supply and Rising DemandADGER BANKEN VP Wholesale & ProcurementDLFab@dlf.comdlf.com@DLF_SeedsThe 2025 grass and forage seed market is navigating a period ofalso saw lower-than-average yields in several regions, further tight-tightening supply, rising prices, and renewed demand. Followingening supply.two years of oversupply and sluggish pricing, this year marks a clear turning point across most market segments. SUPPLY TIGHTENS ACROSS KEY SPECIESReduced acreage over the past two seasons is now impacting availa-DEMAND REBOUNDS ON MULTIPLE FRONTS bility. Stocks of Italian ryegrass, forage hybrids, and recommended Favourable weather in much of Europe during spring and summerturf varieties are especially tight. The supply-demand balance has 2025 created ideal conditions for both agriculture and outdoorshifted markedly, with buyers now focused on securing contracts activities. This has translated into robust demand for forage andfor 2026, which is a year likely to be shaped by similar acreage turf seeds. High milk prices have supported grassland investments,constraints.while consumer interest in lawns and green spaces is returning to pre-pandemic levels. PRICES MOVE UPWARDThe professional turf segment remains strong, bolstered byAfter prolonged stagnation, seed prices are rising. The combination growing interest in resilient varieties such as DLFs 4turf, offer- of lower stock levels, solid demand, and higher production costs is ing better germination, disease resistance, and drought tolerance.driving this trend. Seed growers need competitive pricing to justify Perennial ryegrass, in particular, is in short supply due to highplanting grass seed over alternative crops. This is particularly true demand across both professional and consumer segments. in regions facing inflationary pressure on inputs like fuel, fertiliser, and land use.PRODUCTION STABLE BUT LIMITEDThe 2025 harvest brought modest improvements in yield butOUTLOOK WITH UNCERTAINTY AND OPPORTUNITYremained constrained by limited acreage. Regional weather var- Geopolitical instability, climate extremes, and economic volatility iations once again played a defining role. Denmark and parts ofcontinue to shape the global seed market. However, these challenges Central Europe performed well, but setbacks were reported in thealso present opportunities: for innovation in breeding, closer col-Netherlands and the U.S., where heatwaves and harvest compli- laboration across the value chain, and renewed focus on sustainable, cations reduced output in key species like Kentucky bluegrass andresilient seed solutions. In this shifting landscape, strategic planning perennial ryegrass. and strong partnerships will be essential for navigating what lies Legume crops such as alfalfa, red clover, and crimson cloverahead.BUSINESS GROWTHThe #1 Rule to Drive Revenue Without Selling Yourself ShortSHAWN BROOK PresidentSeed World Groupsbrook@seedworldgroup.comseedworldgroup.comshawnbrookAfter years of working with companies across the global seed indus- So, what can you do? Flip the script.try, one lesson rises above the rest: You must know the differenceStop discounting. Start adding value.between your core offers and your complementary offers. This is where complementary offers come in. Theyre your play-And heres the kickeryour core offer is sacred. Treat it likegroundthe tools you can customize, tweak, and stack to build holy ground. It defines your business, your expertise, your reputa- perceived value without touching the crown jewels.tion. Its the foundation your value is built on. Think quick wins, smaller services, thoughtful bonusesways So dont discount it. Dont tweak it to please. Dont throw it into prove your worth while protecting your core.as a freebie. Dont dress it up as a limited time offer. Every business should live by a clear scoreboard:Because when you compromise your core, you send a loud and Core Offers: Sacred. Non-negotiable. Unshakable.clear message: You dont believe in your own value. And that, my Complementary Offers: Flexible. Creative. Built to impress.friends, is a problem. Heres the truth most sellers miss: People dont buy on price. I see it all the timesmart, capable companies giving awayThey buy on value. If youre stuck defending price, youre on your their most valuable services just to close a deal. Why? Because theyheels. If youre leading with value, youre in control.freeze when they hear the usual objections: This mindset isnt just about survivingits how you thrive.Thats too expensive.Get clear on what you stand for. Guard it fiercely. Get creative We dont have the budget right now. in how you add value. Make it unforgettable.Heres the truth: And if a prospect walks because you wont discount your core?When sellers run out of words, they reach for discounts. Smile. Wish them well. And let them know youre here when theyreWhen buyers want a polite out, they say no budget. ready to invest in real value.Thats the trap. And the only way out is clarity. If your teamBecause your reputation is worth more than a quick winand isnt 100% clear on whats core and whats complementary, theyllyour future depends on it.reach for that discount button the second things get tough.32ISEED WORLD EUROPEISEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE | NOVEMBER 2025'