Seed Wheat Supply Update
Jul 05, 2022
In 2020, MKC invested in the necessary infrastructure to begin the process of becoming basic in seed wheat supply.
What does that mean?
This process allows us to produce wheat varieties that are proven to perform in central Kansas and manage the certification process to ensure that we’re delivering a high-quality product to producers. Also, in the post COVID era where freight continues to be challenging, we have the ability to haul the majority of our seed wheat internally opposed to being completely reliant on third party carriers.
MKC produced 5 different wheat varieties on 1,583 production acres for 2023 seed wheat. We were very fortunate to have good yields on all the production fields which resulted in MKC producing approximately 70% of our seed needs for this fall. The remainder of our needs will be met through the traditional supply chain from our chosen key seed supply partners.
With poor yields in the western part of the state and only fair to good yields in central Kansas, there will be some stress on the overall seed wheat supply in Kansas. Between the wheat that MKC produced and the large amount of wheat that we have already sourced through our supply partners, MKC is in a great position to meet our customers seed needs this fall. We’re going to have a strong supply of wheat varieties that have been proven to perform in Kansas. Growers that plan ahead with MKC will be well positioned for fall planting.
How does someone plan for this falls seed wheat needs now? Until July 29th, producers that deliver 2022 harvested wheat to any Producer Ag facility can participate in our Grain Exchange program to lock in their 2023 seed needs now. This will give a producer the chance to explore pricing and lock in their needs. For those not interested in the Grain Exchange program I’d encourage you to have a conversation with one of our Strategic Account Managers or one of our MKC locations about what your needs will be this fall.
There is a shorter seed crop in Kansas compared to the last few years, but MKC has taken the steps to be well positioned going into the fall. Those that plan early shouldn’t be affected by the supply pressures that will be present in the market.
What does that mean?
- We contract the production of certified seed wheat with local growers
- Have those fields inspected and certified by Kansas Crop Improvement Association
- Clean the wheat at our Walton facility
- Handle the transportation to our bulk seed facilities
This process allows us to produce wheat varieties that are proven to perform in central Kansas and manage the certification process to ensure that we’re delivering a high-quality product to producers. Also, in the post COVID era where freight continues to be challenging, we have the ability to haul the majority of our seed wheat internally opposed to being completely reliant on third party carriers.
MKC produced 5 different wheat varieties on 1,583 production acres for 2023 seed wheat. We were very fortunate to have good yields on all the production fields which resulted in MKC producing approximately 70% of our seed needs for this fall. The remainder of our needs will be met through the traditional supply chain from our chosen key seed supply partners.
With poor yields in the western part of the state and only fair to good yields in central Kansas, there will be some stress on the overall seed wheat supply in Kansas. Between the wheat that MKC produced and the large amount of wheat that we have already sourced through our supply partners, MKC is in a great position to meet our customers seed needs this fall. We’re going to have a strong supply of wheat varieties that have been proven to perform in Kansas. Growers that plan ahead with MKC will be well positioned for fall planting.
How does someone plan for this falls seed wheat needs now? Until July 29th, producers that deliver 2022 harvested wheat to any Producer Ag facility can participate in our Grain Exchange program to lock in their 2023 seed needs now. This will give a producer the chance to explore pricing and lock in their needs. For those not interested in the Grain Exchange program I’d encourage you to have a conversation with one of our Strategic Account Managers or one of our MKC locations about what your needs will be this fall.
There is a shorter seed crop in Kansas compared to the last few years, but MKC has taken the steps to be well positioned going into the fall. Those that plan early shouldn’t be affected by the supply pressures that will be present in the market.