
The Plain Truth About 
The 1946 Farm-Seed Situation 
All figures relating to the production of crops harvested in 1945 are taken from the final Govern- 
ment Crop Report issued December 1945, by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. 
In spite of the shortage of farm labor and machinery, the total crop production for the United 
States in 1945 was only a little below the record production of 1942 and 1944, The American farmer 
again came through with a wonderful contribution to the war effort. 
The crop season was not favorable in some sections. This was particularly true in many parts of 
the Northeast where heavy r: mfall delayed planting, cultivation and harvest. 
ALFALFA SEED: The 1945 production of Alfalfa seed, estimated at 1,146,000 bushels of thresher- 
run seed, is practically the same as that of 1944, The crop in the Northern States, however, is 17 per 
cent below that of 1944 and 27 per cent below average. The result is that we have a very short supply 
of Northern-grown seed—not enough to meet the demand. Use it efficiently. | 
MEDIUM AND MAMMOTH RED CLOVER: The estimated 1945 production of 1,688,700 
bushels is below that of 1944 but above the ten-year average. As with Alfalfa seed, we have a short 
supply of hardy Northern-grown seed. Red Clover seed will not be plentiful. 
ALSIKE CLOVER: The 1945 production of Alsike Clover seed, estimated at 336,400 bushels, is 
32 per cent larger than for 1944 and 11 per cent above average. Supply should be adequate for normal 
seeding and to replace some Red Clover. 
LADINO CLOVER: A good supply of seed on the basis of the amount used in 1945. The use of 
Ladino Clover is increasing rapidly. 
TIMOTHY SEED: The supply of Timothy seed and most of the grasses will be adequate. 
NOTE: The above seeds, except Ladino Clover, are still under price control by the Office of Price 
Administration, They are all selling at ceiling prices except Timothy. 
SEED BARLEY: Total production of Barley in 1945, estimated at. 263,961,000 bushels, is a little 
below the 1944 production and a little below average. Seed stocks in the Northeast are not plentiful. 
Mildew was the cause of many low yields, especially on late-sown fields. 
SEED OATS: Total production of Oats i 1945, estimated at 1,547,663,000 bushels, is nearly 
50 per cent above average. This is not true in the Northeast where heavy ramfall delayed planting. 
Our late-planted Oats suffered from rust. Here in the Northeast, Oats should be planted early, or if 
planted late a rust-resistant variety should be used. 
SEED CORN: The fourth successive three-billion-bushel Corn crop was harvested in 1945. Ap- 
proximately 87 per cent was harvested for gram. Corn raised for seed is a small percentage of the 
total. The production of Seed Corn is a specialized business, especially since the mtroduction of 
Hybrid Corn. Wet weather in many sections delayed harvest and prevented normal drying. Some 
varieties of seed will be scarce. 
The 1945 Crop of Potatoes 
The estimated production of Potatoes harvested in 1945 is placed at 425,131,000 bushels. This 
‘the third largest Potato crop ever grown, being exceeded in 1943 (465,000,000 bushels) and im 1928 
(427,000,000 bushels). Exports to Canada and to Europe have been heavy, thereby relievmg any 
threat of a surplus. 
The report on Certified seed indicates that many States will have less seed of all varieties to ship 
than a year ago, notably Maine, New York and Minnesota. Ceiling prices, the same as last year, are 
still in effect on Certified seed. We expect Seed Potatoes to move at ceiling prices throughout the 
season, 
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The demand for food will require the use of all seed stocks on hand. Orders should be placed well in 

advance of planting time. 
We urge our customers to place their orders as early as possible and to get their seed stocks.on the farm 
well in advance of planting time. 
