Major species of grass seed produced in Oregon are represented by a Division of the Oregon Department of Agriculture called a commodity commission. Commodity commissions are supported by growers, and are committed to advance the understanding and application of their species and the grass seed produced.
Promotion and advertising of their species is part of the purpose of the commodity commissions. They also contribute funds for continuing research of their grass seed species.
Each grass seed commodity commission is a member of the Oregon Seed Council, and meetings are held quarterly.
Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) is an upright, perennial, cool-season bunch grass that produces an open sod. It is used primarily as a hay or pasture crop and in combination with various legumes. Orchardgrass is known as "cocksfoot" in Europe, New Zealand, and Australia due to the shape of its seed head.
The Oregon Orchardgrass Seed Producers' Commission conducts research on the use and management of orchardgrass, and funds research to solve production problems including pest and weed control in production fields. It also conducts public information and promotion programs to encourage use of orchardgrass.
While other countries produce orchardgrass, seed produced in Oregon is generally specified as the highest quality seed with the least possible contamination. Nearly all of the orchardgrass seed produced in the United States is produced in Oregon.
For additional information on the Oregon Orchardgrass Seed Producers' Commission contact John McCulley, the Executive Secretary.