• Corn seeds have remained expensive for several seasons. Meanwhile, unofficial reports suggest that they may become even more expensive. 
  • Why might seed prices be higher? Could there be fewer of some varieties on the market?

Corn seeds may be more expensive

Corn is more expensive this season by 30 - 50 percent compared with prices from the previous year. However, the price increase at purchasing centers—not only in Poland—may also lead to higher prices for seed material. Unfortunately, this is a possibility.

At the moment, we do not yet know the company price lists, but there is already unofficial talk in the industry that seeds may become more expensive. Depending on the variety, increases may be in the range of 5 - 10€. There are also indications that the maximum increases in seed prices will be no more than 8 - 10 percent. This is not insignificant, because an increase of 10 percent would nevertheless significantly raise the sowing cost. Assuming that a sowing unit of 50 thousand seeds, which cost 550 zł in the previous season, would be offered at 605 zł/js with such an increase, the sowing cost in this scenario would be as much as 1000 zł/ha at a seeding rate of just over 80 thousand seeds / ha (about 100 zł / ha more than a year ago). On the other hand, such drastic increases may perhaps remain only a supposition after all—we hope so. Their occurrence is entirely possible, but they should not be eitherhigher than 5 - 6 percent. 

Why is a price list increase possible?

However, any potential price increase is driven directly not only by the price of the raw material, but also by logistics and energy costs—both of which have also risen. Higher seed prices may also be indirectly influenced by drought. This year, maize has faced problems not only in southern Poland; due to a lack of rainfall and high temperatures, this has also affected, among others, France. Drought has also taken its toll on plantations in Romania.

Company representatives are already announcing that some top varieties may be available in very limited quantities and are encouraging customers to order early.

However, there are also voices pointing out that some companies have substantial stocks left over from the previous year. On the other hand, some stocks, especially in the south of the country, sold out as early as April—in these regions, many rapeseed fields were resown, and maize was often the crop of choice (which, incidentally, also often failed in these parts of the country because of severe drought).

Distributors will soon come out with official offers. Quietly, one can hope that seeds from the previous season that are still offered will be cheaper. Promotions will also appear, as usual, e.g. a unit for one zloty when purchasing a certain quantity of seeds, or cashback to an account.