Corn seed supply a concern in Upper Midwest

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GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — With corn planting swinging into high gear in the Upper Midwest, some farmers are finding it a challenge to get enough seed.

South Dakota Crop Improvement Association Executive Director Neal Foster tells Agweek that biotech corn is particularly in short supply. That's due to farmers nationwide planting one of the biggest corn crops in decades.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture spokesman Steve Malone says corn seed is available, but it might not be the variety farmers want. He says they might have to switch from their first choice to another variety.

Some North Dakota corn growers have said seed shortages might keep corn acreage down in the state. Adam Spelhaug at Peterson Farms Seed in Harwood says he thinks acreage in the state still will top 3 million acres.

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