OSC Releases 2025 Legislative Report

The Oregon Seed Council has released its 2025 Legislative Report.

The 2025 Legislative Session totaled 158 day and saw 3,466 bills introduced. The long Legislative Session, held in odd numbered years, is authorized for 160 days by the Oregon Constitution and focuses on biennial budgets and larger policy issues. And this one came down to the wire.

A record number of bills and precession filed bills prompted introduction of legislation that proposed limiting the number of bills that could be introduced during a Session.

While budgets are a mandatory action of the long session, the general policy goals remained generally unclear until the end.

The State’s Top Issues

A smattering of topics piqued the interest of legislators and the public at various points of the session. Those topics included housing, transportation, water, labor, and employment. 

Oregon Seed Council

Importantly to the Oregon Seed Council (OSC) members and industry partners, we monitored over 400 bills. Issues ranged from employment to land use, to climate, to water, to taxes, to transportation – and many more.

This year, OSC set its first policy priorities, and quickly put those policies to use allowing our organization to react, engage, and adapt to policy conversations quickly with broad input from our member organizations.

We were able to see some positive policy and conversations advance, and importantly to our members, we were able to help kill – or water down significantly detrimental policy proposals – including the Agricultural Workforce Standards Board proposal – more on this in the policy section.

First Lobby Day!

The Oregon Seed Council partnered with the sugar beet industry, supporting its first lobby day at the Oregon State Capitol. The event included meetings with Oregon Legislators who cover agricultural issues in their committees; viewing House and Senate Floor Sessions; and a reception with legislators and industry members in the evening. Our members were able to build relationships and help decision-makers understand the importance and interconnection of each part of the industry.

Presentation of Oregon Seed Council’s Global Trailblazer Award from the Oregon Consular Corp

This year, the Oregon Seed Council was honored with the prestigious Global Trailblazer award presented by the Oregon Consular Corps.  This exceptional award recognizes Oregon individuals, companies and organizations for their contributions to international trade, the Northwest’s economy, and way of life. This year’s theme was Oregon “punches above its weight” in sports, outdoor, and recreation sectors. The Oregon Seed Council, whose members supply turfgrass seed to sports organizations, golf courses, stadiums and municipalities around the world, was honored to receive the award on behalf of the industry.

We were also delighted that Representative Boshart Davis (R- Albany) and Senator Fred Girod (R-Stayton) presented the Oregon Seed Council’s achievement on the House and Senate Floors. We are grateful to these two legislators for helping elevate the industry and support Oregon’s world-renowned grass seed.

Legislative Relationships

OSC met with numerous legislators and staff to build relationships, elevate the partnership of the seed industry overall, and begin the conversations of how OSC can be a resource for the Legislature. We are excited to get our legislative partners out to farms to learn more about the seed industry and how every section of the industry plays an important part in bolstering our economy, supporting a healthy environment, and supporting healthy communities.

Thank You

Finally, I want to thank each of you for thoughtful conversations, your input, and your support as we navigated the 2025 Session.

A special thank you to the OSC Board of Directors, Government Affairs Committee, and Executive Committee for quick action and in-depth discussion on policies and how OSC can best support industry in the legislative process and policy discussions.

Our industry members were quick to react to Action Alerts and engage legislators, and for that, we want to offer a big thank you! Your engagement truly makes a difference, and this, we hope will be clearly evidenced in our report.

 Click here to view OSC’s 2025 Legislative Report

Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Oregon Seed Council

Meet the Oregon Seed Council: Willamette Valley Specialty Seed Association Representative, Angie Smith

ABOUT ANGIE SMITH

Angie Smith is the executive director of the Willamette Valley Specialty Seed Association (WVSSA) and serves as the representative of the organization. Angie works at Pac/West Resources, a communications and government affairs firm in Tigard, Oregon. At Pac/West, she assists clients with a variety of needs including marketing and communications, as well as managing non-profit trade organizations.

 

ABOUT THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY SPECIALTY SEED ASSOCIATION 

WVSSA was founded to facilitate the growing of quality specialty seed in the counties of western Oregon that comprise the watershed of the Willamette River. The WVSSA Seed Quality Management Program includes the use of an electronic mapping system, and policies to isolate seed production fields of related species, or other crops with contamination potential, to maintain genetic purity.

 

WHAT INTERESTS ANGIE IN THE SEED INDUSTRY

When asked what interests her in the Oregon seed industry, Angie said, “the vast variety of crops that Oregon producers grow, and the science and technical nature required to do so. It is so much more than the average person understands agriculture to be.”

 

WHAT ANGIE LOVES ABOUT THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL

“The collaboration amongst council members on issues where members may not always see eye-to-eye, and the flow of information regarding the industry that may not exist without the organization,” Angie said.

 

WHAT ANGIE SEES FOR THE FUTURE OF THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL

Angie says that she feels the organization is in a really good place. She sees the organization continuing to grow in the future with the actions being implemented now. 

“I see real growth in the organization with the new sponsored membership category, the improvement with lines of communication, and efforts to reach the general public through several social media channels. The organization was stagnant for many years, until Megan Chuinard was brought on. It is very obvious that she sincerely wants to improve the industry in a way that benefits everyone involved along the product chain – from growers, to researchers, to the companies that sell the seed and their customers, and everyone in between.” 

 

WHAT ANGIE WISHES PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT THE SEED INDUSTRY AND THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL

Angie said she wishes people knew “that this small, niche industry (specialty seeds) existed and that it is a huge contributor to the state’s overall economy. And how these crops are almost exclusively grown in our little valley and yet known worldwide for its quality.”

 

HOW ANGIE GOT INVOLVED IN THE SEED INDUSTRY

Pac/West was retained as the lobbyist for another seed association, then to manage its organization. A board member of both organizations, Greg Loberg, formerly of WCBSC, suggested Pac/West be hired when WVSSA was looking to transition from a volunteer-run organization to hiring a professional administrator.

 

WHAT ANGIE DOES OUTSIDE OF THE SEED INDUSTRY

When she’s not at work or helping the Oregon Seed Council with public relations efforts, Angie enjoys baking homemade, custom-decorated cakes and cupcakes, as well as cookies and specializes in gluten-free. Baking is Angie’s love language and it makes her happy to bake things for others.

 

Contributed by: Khloe Free | Oregon Seed Council Intern



USDA Risk Management Agency Makes Grass Seed Crop Insurance More Accessible for 2026 and Subsequent Years

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) is making changes to the Grass Seed crop insurance program to make it more farmer-friendly for the 2026 and succeeding crop years. Grass Seed coverage is available in select counties of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Read more

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

trevor duerst

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



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