The Oregon Orchardgrass Seed Producers' Commission is involved in several types of programs, including research and market promotion and public relations activities. Funding is provided to support a small number of applied research projects dealing with the use and management of orchardgrass and solving production problems, including pest and weed control in production fields.
Market promotion and public relations activities include sending commission representatives to two trade shows each year and participating with Oregon Seed Council programs and activities.
Utilizing its limited promotion budget the Commission advertises in three different publications. Ads tout the advantages of the quality orchardgrass seed grown in Oregon. Magazines used in the advertising campaign are Hoards Dairyman and Hay and Forage Grower. An orchardgrass add also appears in the program of the National Farm Machinery Show that is published by Farm Industry News.
Research:
A recently discovered disease called “choke” has generated significant concern in the grass seed industry, particularly among orchardgrass seed growers. The disease literally chokes the seed head reducing seed yield.
The Commission is funding a research project with the USDA’s National Forage Seed Production Research Center in hopes of finding how to combat choke disease. The research involves efforts to determine the exact disease organism that is present and how it spreads. Research will also focus on how to control the disease, evaluating both cultural practices and chemical treatments.
Farm and Trade Shows:
Typically, Commission members and an Oregon dairy farmer attend the October World Dairy Expo held in Madison, Wisconsin. In February of each year the Commission participates in the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky. Both shows provide an opportunity to hear from livestock operators how orchardgrass can be used most effectively.
OSC Activties:
The OOSPC is a member of the Oregon Seed Council (OSC). Thus, it participates in activities that promote the Oregon grass seed industry to world markets through a variety of programs. Using the services of the Oregon Seed Council, all grass seed commissions work together on projects of common interest that benefit the entire industry.