Autumn Seed Demand Clears Shelves and Sets the Scene for Tight Markets Ahead
The 2025 autumn season has brought exceptional demand for grass seed, with stocks moving quickly and shelves clearing earlier than anticipated. This surge in uptake has come well before the traditional spring season and underlines the importance livestock farmers continue to place on grass as the foundation of feed and forage systems.
At the same time, there are clear warning signs for supply in the seasons ahead. The UK grass seed harvest has been disappointing, and across Europe the total seed area has contracted. Together, these factors point towards tighter availability as we move towards 2026.
Policy and market drivers boosting demand
Looking forward, the policy landscape is set to reinforce demand even further. New environmental schemes in Wales and Scotland are due to come online, while England will re-launch the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) at the turn of the year. These initiatives are designed to reward practices such as diverse leys, herbal mixes, and environmental crop options - all of which lean heavily on seed supply.
At the same time, market forces are steering decisions on farm. With livestock prices remaining buoyant and cereal values under pressure, grass and other specialist crops are increasingly attractive. Grass continues to prove itself as the lowest-cost feed on livestock farms, offering not only an economic advantage but also resilience in the face of volatile commodity markets.
The rise of herbal leys
Another trend reshaping the reseeding market is the growing interest in herbal leys. Farmers are recognising the role of diverse swards in supporting soil health, livestock performance, and environmental targets. This shift is expected to add further weight to grass seed demand in the years ahead.
DLF's position
At DLF, we have acted to secure our supply position, benefiting from our global production base and being less dependent on the UK crop than others. This puts us in a strong position to continue supplying our customers reliably.
However, it is important to stress that grass seed is not a commodity that can be manufactured instantly. It is a living crop, one that takes time to grow, harvest, and bring through the supply chain. As a result, shortages cannot be avoided entirely in the coming seasons, and forward planning will be more important than ever.
Looking ahead
The grass seed market is entering a period where demand is rising, but supply is constrained. For UK livestock and forage farmers, this underlines the need to plan reseeding strategies early and to consider how herbal leys, specialist mixes, and environmental crops can fit into future systems.
DLF will continue to work closely with customers, bringing both market insight and secure supply, to ensure that grass remains at the heart of productive, profitable, and sustainable farming in the years ahead.