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.