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The world's finest grass seed is the result of Oregon growers' personal ambition, high standards and the fulfillment earned in encouraging nature to do its very best. |
Many of Oregon’s grass seed growing families are descendants of pioneers to the Oregon Territory. Some families date back to the mid-1800’s when Oregon became a state. In the 1930’s, grass seed farming replaced other activities on land then used for grazing cattle and sheep. Family farms raised ryegrasses and fescues that were common to the area.
Improved technologies, newer and larger equipment, more irrigated land, and research has made grass seed production one of the state’s leading agricultural crops.
There are now approximately 1,500 grass seed producing farms in Oregon.
Today’s grass seed farmer typically was born on the family farm and grew up loading trucks and cleaning seed, then drove swathers and combines during the annual harvest. Later, the business was learned from his parents and grandparents. Most growers not have further education in seed production, soil conservation, crop rotation, plant pathology, chemistry and marketing.
Even with the numerous outside career opportunities available now, most stay on the farm to continue the tradition; often times integrating new computerized technology with old-fashioned intuition and hard-earned know-how.
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| Fertile Willamette Valley farmland with Mount Hood on the horizon. | Many farm families go back several generations to the original Oregon settlers. |
Oregon’s grass seed is grown
by full-time professional farmers.
Oregon
Seed Council503-585-1157 / Fax 503-585-1292
1193 Royvonne Avenue South, Suite 11
Salem, Oregon 97302