Page 23 - Rural Tourism Report Washington County

CHAPTER 2: THE WASHINGTON COUNTY AGRICULTURE SECTOR

Promising Trends in Washington County Agriculture

Future agriculture industry success is difficult to predict because of volatility in the marketplace, economic
factors, demands on resources, and perhaps most of all, surprises brought by Mother Nature. The trends
listed below appear promising at this time.

Grass and Legume Seeds Important to County’s Agricultural Production
Grass and legume seeds cover a significant number According to Nicole Anderson, OSU Extension field
of acres in Washington County year after year. The crops faculty in the North Valley, grass seed and

market value of grass and legume seeds rose more other seed crops will likely remain strong agricultural
than 20 percent statewide between 2011 and 2012. products well into the future. Excellent soils and
natural drainage help produce successful seed crops.
A recent uptick in domestic market demand for

grass and legume seeds – as a cover crop – has Typically, there are no retail outlets for seed sales
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been growing steadily for the past few years, as on these types of farms, but sometimes there are
the midwest and other farming areas adopt new seed cleaning and packing operations. Semi-trucks
cover crop conservation practices. The international and box trucks are used to haul seed from the farm.
market for grass and legume seeds will continue
to improve as a seed backlog currently being Major threats to this type of agriculture include loss
experienced is dispersed and as answers are found of acreage to urban development; the high price of
for recent port and shipping challenges on the West land; disease and pests; road safety issues affecting
Coast. travel of large farm implements such as combines,
swathers, and other farm equipment between farm
parcels; and inefficient shipping methods.

24 USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2012 Census of Agriculture.

Clover is a type of legume, and is harvested primarily for seed. Photo courtesy of Lynn Ketchum, OSU

WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM STUDY 19