Oregon Grass Seed Acres Up Slightly From 2021

According to a grower survey from January, total acreage of Oregon grown Ryegrass and Tall Fescue increased to 321,000 acres for harvest in 2022, from 320,000 acres harvested in 2021. Acreage totals for 2021 were revised from preliminary intentions based on 2022 survey data for all grass seed types. Growers indicated that 58% of the 2022 ryegrass acres to be harvested are under contract, while 71% of the tall fescue acres are under contract.

Total irrigated acreage of ryegrass are estimated to be 24% of the 2022 crop. Total irrigated acreage of tall fescue are estimated to be 35% of the 2022 crop.

The data series for acres of seed under contract and irrigated acres started in 2019. The upcoming 2022 grass seed crop is being reported as mostly fair, and some in good condition. There were scattered reports of non-irrigated fields showing damage from the heat event last year. Mice and voles continue to be reported as an issue across the grass seed area.

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