Oregon’s grass seed industry, valued at $639.1 million in 2022, ranks fifth among the state's top agricultural commodities. While commissions have long supported research for ryegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue, orchardgrass and clover seed, Kentucky bluegrass producers in Eastern Oregon lacked a similar structure.
The workgroup has become a self-supporting organization and a vital partner with the Agricultural Research Foundation.
The elimination of the federal Tri-State Sustainable Grass Seed Cropping Systems grant program in the early 2000s left a critical funding gap. As a result, Oregon State University Extension Service Extension had limited ability to provide timely production recommendations and support for this sector, which contributes significantly to Oregon's economy.
To address this need, Darrin Walenta, OSU Extension agronomist in northeastern Oregon, collaborated with growers in the Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington. In 2019, he convened the first workshop for Kentucky bluegrass seed producers and industry representatives from the region’s three main production areas. This effort led to the formation of the Eastern Oregon Kentucky Bluegrass Workgroup, which established an organizational structure, outlined research priorities, and created a sustainable funding strategy.
A regional research committee was formed to identify research needs, evaluate proposals, and fund projects. The workshop also included a field tour for 90 international delegates, showcasing Extension research and Oregon’s seed production systems.
The Eastern Oregon Kentucky Bluegrass Workgroup has become a self-supporting organization and a vital partner with the Agricultural Research Foundation. The group funded $55,000 in research projects in 2020 and $75,000 in 2021, directly supporting growers' priority needs. The collaboration has strengthened communication between production regions, unified research and Extension efforts, and launched several new projects that improve the industry's competitiveness. This model provides a sustainable path forward for Kentucky bluegrass seed research and outreach in Oregon.
The public benefits as grass seed growers in northeastern Oregon gain access to coordinated, research-based recommendations that help them remain economically viable. This support strengthens rural economies, fosters regional collaboration, and ensures long-term sustainability for one of Oregon’s key specialty crop sectors.