Oregon is the world’s major producer of cool-season forage and turf grass seed and a widely recognized center of expertise in seed production. Most of the acreage is located in the Willamette Valley, the “grass seed capital of the world.” Farm gate value of Oregon’s 20xx production was over $xxx million. Collectively, Oregon’s Willamette Valley produces almost two-thirds of the total production of cool-season grasses in the United States.

Oregon State University plays an important role in the seed crop industry through teaching, research, and extension, as well as an accredited Seed Certification Service.

Research and Extension

Seed Services
Seed services in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences

Seed Production Research Reports
Annual research reports summarizing our findings into seed production.

Oregon Grass and Legume Seed Production
Estimates and final numbers on acreage and production of grass seed and legume seed crops by year.

Seed Production Blog
Associate Professor Tom Chastain blogs about grass seed production issues from all angles.

Oilseeds and Fiber Crops
Significant research has been done at Oregon State into the viability of oilseed crops grown in the Willamette Valley for use in bioproducts production

Seed Services

The Oregon State University Seed Certification program serves a vital role in making improved varieties of forages, turf, and food crops available to agricultural producers. Through the certification process, the limited quantity of improved seed and propagating material released by plant breeders as new varieties are increased to quantities adequate to meet the needs of the agricultural industry. 

The Seed Laboratory at OSU evaluates many seed quality factors that are critical for seed production.

For Students

The Department of Crop and Soil Science currently offers three seed-related courses.

CROP 460/560 Seed Production

CROP 462 Seed Biology

CROP 520 Seed Science and Technology

Department Head
Associate Professor and Associate Department Head
Instructor
Emeritus Appointment