Tag Archive for: grass seed

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).

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.

kate hartnell headshot

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

Meet the Oregon Seed Council: 1st Vice President Dave Goracke

Meet the Oregon Seed Council: 1st Vice President Dave Goracke

 

ABOUT DAVE

Dave Goracke serves on the Oregon Seed Council Board of Directors as First Vice President and representative of the Oregon Tall Fescue Commission.

 

He owns and manages Cala Farms, Inc. in Shedd, Oregon, a family-owned seed production farm that focuses on regenerative practices. Dave is most interested in soil health. He grew up on his family’s grass seed farm and said that “farming or being involved in ag is what I always knew I wanted to do.”

 

ABOUT THE TALL FESCUE COMMISSION

The Oregon Tall Fescue Commission funds promotion and research to benefit Oregon tall fescue growers and industry.

 

WHAT INTERESTS DAVE IN THE SEED INDUSTRY

Dave is most interested the benefits the seed industry can have on soil health.

 

WHAT DAVE LOVES ABOUT THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL

He said, “It is a collaboration of positive efforts and clearing house for the good of the seed industry.”

 

WHAT DAVE SEES FOR THE FUTURE OF THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL

“Organization, direction, education, purpose.”

 

WHAT DAVE WISHES THE PUBLIC KNEW ABOUT THE OREGON SEED INDUSTRY

He wishes that the public knew more about the good things the Oregon seed industry brings to our state.

 

WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF WORK

“There are two things I enjoy outside of work. I have restored several vehicles to different levels.  Currently, I’m restoring the first vehicle that I owned, a 1976 Ford Bronco. I also enjoy riding dirt bikes.”

 

Contributed by: Mandy Vanderpool | OSC Intern

alex duerst

Meet the Oregon Seed Council: President Alex Duerst

Alex currently serves as Oregon Seed Council’s president.

 

ABOUT ALEX

Alex works at Ioka Farms in Silverton, Oregon. Ioka Farms is a vertically integrated, multi-generational, family-owned and operated farm, specializing in grass seed production, processing, and distribution.

 

Some Ioka Farms’ production crops include fine fescue, perennial ryegrass, meadowfoam, oats, wheat, forage brassicas, and hazelnuts.

 

WHAT INTERESTS ALEX IN THE SEED INDUSTRY

“I have been interested in grass seed production and farming in general since I was a small boy. Growing up on the farm, I had many opportunities to come to work with my dad. I think that exposure at a young age really steered my career choice. I also love what I do. The varying tasks going on all year really make grass seed production something that never gets boring or monotonous.”

 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL

Alex says that he loves that his family has a long history of being involved with the Oregon Seed Council. He stated, “I am glad to continue that tradition with myself now being an active member of the organization. The Seed Council is a very important aspect of the grass seed industry. I like how it provides a place for information to be shared amongst industry stakeholders.”

 

WHAT ALEX SEES FOR THE FUTURE OF THE OREGON SEED COUNCIL

Alex says that having a new executive director has given the Oregon Seed Council a bright future with many new opportunities ahead.

 

“Committees have been revitalized and the overall function of the Board seems to be improved in a short amount of time. I would like to see the Oregon Seed Council in the coming years be a more widely recognized name with the public. I think we’re heading in the right direction to reach that goal.”

 

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

“Seed producers care about the environment and are good stewards of the land. That the seed industry has a larger impact on the Oregon economy than most may realize.”

 

SERVICE TO THE SEED INDUSTRY

In addition to serving as the Oregon Seed Council President, Alex served on the Oregon Tall Fescue Commission from 2007-2013, Oregon Ryegrass Commission from 2017-2023, and the Oregon Seed Growers League Board from 2014 to present.

 

Contributed by: Mandy Vanderpool, Oregon Seed Council Intern

Contact

(503) 585-1157
info@oregonseedcouncil.org

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