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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

Contact

(503) 585-1157
info@oregonseedcouncil.org

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