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