Meet Oregon Seed Council’s Inaugural Intern: Mandy Vanderpool

Mandy Vanderpool is currently at Oregon State University, studying to get her master’s in agricultural and natural resource communications.

Originally from Lake Oswego, Mandy found a love for agriculture through seven years of 4-H in Clackamas County. After graduating high school, she went on to earn an associate’s in agricultural business management from Linn-Benton Community College and a bachelor’s in agricultural sciences from Oregon State University (OSU).

After graduation from OSU, she went on to work on Wilco’s marketing team before working in Pratum Co-op’s agronomy division. After working with farmers, she realized she wanted to do more to help them and decided to go back to OSU in fall 2024 so that she could one day gain a position in outreach in some capacity. 

Since starting in January, Mandy worked in marketing and communications for Oregon Seed Council, helping develop the organization’s social media platforms, doing some policy work, and working on internal communications. While working for Oregon Seed Council, she was also taking classes and working as a graduate teaching assistant for the OSU Department of Agricultural Education and Agricultural Sciences. 

Mandy had a wonderful time at Oregon Seed Council and learned a lot and met some really great people. She wants to thank all of the producers and industry partners that she had the privilege of working with and Executive Director Megan Chuinard for being such an amazing mentor. She looks forward to running into members in the future!

The Oregon Seed Council is grateful for Mandy and expects she will do amazing things in her future!

Contributed by Mandy Vanderpool | Oregon Seed Council Intern

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Meet the Oregon Seed Council: Fine Fescue Representative Trevor Duerst

Meet Oregon Seed Council’s Oregon Fine Fescue Representative Trevor Duerst!

 

ABOUT THE OREGON FINE FESCUE COMMISSION

 

The Oregon Fine Fescue Commission is industry funded agency that operates under the auspices of the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Commission Program. Fine fescues have earned a reputation as a widely adaptable, high-quality solution for professional turf. They thrive on sandy, well-drained soils. They respond to irrigation when needed but are persistent under drought conditions. Fescue grass is naturally salt tolerant. They are eco-friendly as they require little maintenance, less water, and less fertilizer.

 

ABOUT TREVOR

 

Trevor owns and helps to manage his family’s farm in Silverton. Ioka Farms primarily grows grass seed and small grains, along with a few specialty crops. Ioka also has a seed sales operation and a commercial seed cleaning operation.

 

WHAT INTERESTS TREVOR IN THE SEED INDUSTRY

When asked what interests Trevor in the seed industry, he said, “the opportunity to provide high quality seed grown in Oregon.”

 

WHAT TREVOR LOVES ABOUT THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL

He said, “the Oregon Seed Council is the only organization in the industry that represents all aspects of seed production from growers to dealers to industry professionals.”

 

WHAT TREVOR SEES FOR THE FUTURE OF THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL

Trevor is excited for the Oregon Seed Council to grow and further elevate and advocate for the industry at the state Capitol, in Congress, across agencies, and with partners.

 

WHAT TREVOR WISHES PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL

“How important it is to have an organization that brings the whole industry together.”

 

HOW TREVOR GOT INVOLVED IN THE SEED INDUSTRY

He started farming when he was very young. Trevor started his work with the grass seed commissions in 2012 when he was appointed to the Oregon Ryegrass Commission.

 

WHAT TREVOR LIKES TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK

In his free time, Trevor enjoys riding snowmobiles.

 

Contributed by: Mandy Vanderpool | Oregon Seed Council Intern

macey wessels

Meet the Oregon Seed Council: Oregon Straw Export Association Representative Macey Wessels

Meet the Oregon Seed Council: Oregon Straw Export Association Representative Macey Wessels

 

ABOUT MACEY

 

Macey Wessels co-owns Boshart Trucking, Inc. She grew up in the family farming business and has been involved in all aspects of the business, from working in the field to working in the office. She graduated from Oregon State University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s in Crop and Soil Sciences.

 

WHAT MACEY DOES

 

Macey is the President of Boshart Trucking, a company that provides trucking for agricultural commodities across the region and custom bales grass straw during the summer. She is also manager of PressCo, a company that presses the straw that will be shipped across seas to be used as feed for cattle.

 

WHAT MACEY LIKES ABOUT THE SEED INDUSTRY

 

She loves to work closely with customers to get their products delivered on time. Macey and Shelly Boshart Davis, her business partner, received the Oregon Trucking Industry’s Image Award and the Executive Women in Agriculture’s Trailblazer Award!

 

WHAT MACEY LOVES ABOUT OREGON SEED COUNCIL

 

Macey admires how the Oregon Seed Council fosters collaboration across the entire industry, bringing together growers, government agencies, suppliers, dealers, and extension services to work toward shared goals.

 

WHAT MACEY SEES FOR THE FUTURE OF OREGON SEED COUNCIL

 

“The Oregon Seed Council has a strong foundation of industry collaboration, and that positions it well for the future. As agricultural practices evolve, the council could continue driving innovation—supporting research into seed development, sustainability, and market expansion.”

 

WHAT SHE WISHES PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT THE SEED INDUSTRY

 

“The seed industry is an intricate network of expertise, where science, mechanics, marketing, and research all come together to ensure high-quality seed production. It’s not just about planting—a team of specialists works behind the scenes to refine seed genetics, develop sustainable practices, and ensure market success.”

 

WHAT MACEY DOES OUTSIDE OF WORK

 

Macey loves her local farming community and is proud to be deeply rooted in the great world of agriculture. She is a mother to her amazing 17-year-old daughter, Addison. She currently serves on the Local Advisory Committee for AgWest Farm Credit, the board for the U.S. Forage Export Council, and the board for Oregon Ag Fest.

osc executive director megan chuinard

Meet the Oregon Seed Council: Executive Director Megan Chuinard

Meet the Oregon Seed Council: Executive Director Megan Chuinard

 

ABOUT MEGAN

 

Megan owns and operates MAC Consulting LLC, a consulting business that helps wonderful clients, like the Oregon Seed Council with association management, public relations, government affairs, and advocacy.

 

Megan serves as the Oregon Seed Council Executive Director and began her work with the Oregon Seed Council in May of 2023.

 

WHAT INTERESTS MEGAN ABOUT THE SEED INDUSTRY

Megan said that she is so fortunate to work with the Oregon Seed Council, its members, and its member organizations. The Oregon seed industry is so unique, and the members represent the entire production process of the seed industry – from when the seed is bred, to planted, to harvested, until ultimately, when it makes it into the hands of the consumer.

 

She said, “The people in this industry are truly exceptional. There’s a strong community of industry members who truly put care into all they do. Every step along the way, our members have helped me learn more and more about the ins and outs of industry and how the whole of industry works together to create a sustainable product, care for the land, and build strong local economies.”

 

WHEN ASKED WHAT MEGAN LOVES ABOUT THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL

She loves that the Oregon Seed Council brings together organizations from each section of the industry to have meaningful conversation, build consensus, and act on things that matter for all of industry. The Oregon Seed Council looks at the whole industry picture, working collaboratively to solve problems and promote what the industry does.

 

WHAT MEGAN SEES FOR THE FUTURE OF OREGON SEED COUNCIL

The Oregon Seed Council has undergone a strategic planning process and is working to build an organization that supports the changing needs of industry into the future. “I’m excited to see how we can reach Oregonians and help promote the benefits of the seed industry for the environment, health and wellness of people around the globe, and support the economy,” she said.

 

WHAT MEGAN WISHES THE PUBLIC KNEW ABOUT THE OREGON SEED INDUSTRY

“I wish the public knew more about the environmental benefits the seed industry brings to our state and regions that use our products. Not only does this industry keeps jobs in our state, bolsters our economy, our exemplary seed provides health benefits to athletes and recreationists that use natural turf as well as environmental benefits including cooling, preventing soil erosion and supporting overall soil health, and carbon sequestration.”

 

HOW MEGAN GOT INVOLVED IN THE SEED INDUSTRY

She said, “I’ve always had an interest in agriculture and natural resources. In the early years of my career, I spent time working in natural resource policy and have met some remarkable people along the way. I am so fortunate to be able to continue to serve this industry!”

 

WHAT MEGAN DOES OUTSIDE OF WORK

When Megan gets some free time, she loves traveling, running, reading, and adventuring in and around our beautiful state.

 

She also loves playing with her pups, Jax, a senior corgi mix – who she adopted when he was 3 years old (he’s now close to 12) and is the most resilient tripawd; and Porter, her 1-year-old corgi, who is exceptional at herding (humans).

Meet OSC Scholarship Recipient: Brooke Glaser

Annually, the Oregon Seed Council recognizes three exceptional students for its scholarship program. This year, the Oregon Seed Council had 18 students apply and is pleased to announce one of three recipients of this year’s award: Brooke Glaser.

MEET BROOKE

Brooke Glaser is a fifth-generation farmer on her family’s grass seed and specialty seed farm. 

Currently, Brooke is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Entrepreneurship and a Pre-Law minor at Eastern Oregon University. 

Because of her passion for agriculture, she is excited to advocate for the industry in her future career.

The Oregon Seed Council is pleased to award Brooke with the 2025 Oregon Seed Council Scholarship.

Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Executive Director



Meet OSC Scholarship Recipient: Kailee Macy

Annually, the Oregon Seed Council recognizes three exceptional students for its scholarship program. This year, the Oregon Seed Council had 18 students apply and is pleased to announce one of three recipients of this year’s award: Kailee Macy.

MEET KAILEE

Kailee Macy is from Culver, Oregon. She will be entering her sophomore year at Oklahoma State University this fall and is majoring in Agricultural Communications with a minor in agronomy. 

Kailee is fourth generation on her family’s farm and a seventh generation Oregon agriculturalist. 

On her family’s farm, they produce seed potatoes, carrot seed, grass seed, mint for tea leaf, parsley seed, and wheat. 

She hopes to help increase agricultural literacy among the general public and wants to advocate for agriculture. She hopes my impact will make it so consumers know the implications of their actions at both the supermarket and the ballot box to the agricultural industry. 

The Oregon Seed Council is pleased to award Kailee with the 2025 Oregon Seed Council Scholarship.

Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Executive Director



Meet OSC Scholarship Recipient: Tegan Macy

Annually, the Oregon Seed Council recognizes three exceptional students for its scholarship program. This year, the Oregon Seed Council had 18 students apply and is pleased to announce one of three recipients of this year’s award: Tegan Macy.

MEET TEGAN

Tegan is a senior at the University of Idaho in the fall of 2025. She is majoring in crop science and will receive a minor in animal science. 

She grew up working on her family’s farm, Macy Farms, which produces a variety of specialty crops including seed potatoes, carrot seed, Kentucky bluegrass seed, perennial ryegrass seed, parsley seed, and peppermint for tea leaf. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, she plans to return to Macy Farms.

In college, she has served as a member of the soil judging team and had the opportunity to compete in seven states, and at the 2025 National Collegiate Soil Judging Competition where the University of Idaho received first place as a team. 

She is also an Ambassador for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and served as the treasurer of the Student Idaho Cattle Association last year. During the summers Tegan works on Macy Farms where she irrigates, operates equipment, completes equipment maintenance jobs, and serves as the farm’s main swather operator.

The Oregon Seed Council is pleased to award Tegan with the 2025 Oregon Seed Council Scholarship.

Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Executive Director



OREGON SEED COUNCIL WINS PRESTIGIOUS OREGON CONSULAR CORPS AWARD

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orin nusbaum

Meet the Oregon Seed Council: Treasurer Orin Nusbaum

Meet the Oregon Seed Council Treasurer: Orin Nusbaum

 

ABOUT ORIN NUSBAUM

 

In addition to representing the Oregon Ryegrass Commission on the Oregon Seed Council, Orin Nusbaum serves as the Oregon Seed Council Treasurer.

 

He is a 6th generation farmer at Nusbaum Farms LLC located in Bellfountain. He farms with his wife and parents and they focus mostly on seed crops. For most of his career, his activities have been centered around production, but he is now becoming more active in the processing, marketing, and shipping areas of the business.

 

ABOUT THE OREGON RYEGRASS COMMISSION

 

The Oregon Ryegrass Commission was formed by growers in 1965 for the purpose of promoting Oregon-grown Ryegrass seed use and developing new markets. It also contributes funding for continuing production and market research of Ryegrass. The Commission is a non-profit organization which neither sells seed nor quotes prices. In his service on the Oregon Ryegrass Commission, Orin enjoys focusing on advancing the industry through careful investment in research and promotion.

 

WHAT INTERESTS ORIN ABOUT THE SEED INDUSTRY

 

“My goal is to leave the seed industry in better condition than I found it. This includes all areas – access to markets, research capabilities, soil and environmental health, profitability, and more.”

 

WHAT ORIN LOVES ABOUT THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL

 

After serving as President and Immediate Past President, Orin took a break from Oregon Seed Council to focus on other things. He ended up missing the information and industry insights that he was able to glean from the monthly meetings so when the opportunity arose to go back to the Board, he was happy to re-engage.

 

WHAT ORIN SEES FOR THE FUTURE OF THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL

 

As the industry faces continuing regulatory pressures from the Legislature, federal government, and agencies, Orin said he is excited to “get more growers informed and involved in our efforts to protect and further the seed industry.”

 

He said, “[o]ut of the hundreds of seed farms in the state, we generally see the same couple dozen faces around the table at Oregon Seed Council, Commission, and other industry meetings,” and he’s excited to build awareness around the work of the Oregon Seed Council and drive engagement in the industry’s government affairs work.

 

WHAT ORIN WISHES THE PUBLIC KNEW ABOUT THE OREGON SEED INDUSTRY

 

“I wish Oregonians were more informed on the positives that the seed industry brings to the table such as job and revenue creation, sustainability, and worldwide recognition.”

 

HOW ORIN GOT INVOLVED IN THE SEED INDUSTRY

 

Orin grew up as an integral part of his farm and the grass segment was always his favorite. He said he has been very fortunate in having the ability to expand their acreage gradually over the years and adopt new technologies and practices as they became available and practical.

 

WHAT ORIN DOES OUTSIDE OF THE SEED INDUSTRY

 

Orin has served as a volunteer firefighter/emergency medical responder for over 22 years and was recently promoted to Assistant Chief for the Monroe Rural Fire Protection District. He enjoys the camaraderie in serving the community with their blend of career and volunteer members, as well as acting as a mentor to new recruits.

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Meet the Oregon Seed Council: Immediate Past President Kate Hartnell

Meet the Oregon Seed Council: Immediate Past President Kate Hartnell

 

ABOUT KATE

Kate Hartnell is the Immediate Past President of the Oregon Seed Council and current President of Operations for Saddle Butte Ag in Shedd, Oregon.

 

Kate’s grass seed story is one of love. She had lived in the valley for most of her life but was completely oblivious to the grass seed industry until she met her now husband. They started farming shortly after Kate graduated college and started working for Saddle Butte Ag as an assistant bookkeeper. Now the President of Operations for Saddle Butte Ag, she says that she’s “picked up a few things.”

 

WHAT INTERESTS KATE IN THE SEED INDUSTRY

When it comes to the seed industry Kate says she “appreciates the seed industry’s dedication to innovation, constantly developing new varieties to improve crop yields and resilience.”

 

She is excited for the industry’s “growing commitment to sustainable practices ensures a more resilient and eco-friendly agricultural future.”

 

WHAT KATE LOVES ABOUT THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL

Kate loves that the Oregon Seed Council is a place for collaboration and truly a place for the industry to come together. She says, “I appreciate the monthly updates from all the industry organizations and delving into detailed conversations on issues that impact the industry as a whole.”

 

WHAT KATE SEES FOR THE FUTURE OF THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL

“I hope to see the Oregon Seed Council continue to grow as an industry representative across multiple platforms, specifically legislative involvement at the state and national levels.”

 

WHAT KATE WISHES THE PUBLIC KNEW ABOUT THE OREGON SEED INDUSTRY

When asked what she wished more people know about the seed industry, she said, “I wish more people understood the vital role the seed industry, including organizations like the Oregon Seed Council, plays in global food security and agricultural sustainability.”

 

Kate said, “I truly believe that I work in one of the greatest industries in the world!”

 

WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF WORK

When she’s not busy working, Kate enjoys hunting and camping with family and friends.

 

Contributed by: Mandy Vanderpool | OSC Intern

Contact

(503) 585-1157
info@oregonseedcouncil.org

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