Oregon Grass Used During The World Cup

Soccer players have been running all over Oregon grass during this year’s World Cup.  Rachel Hankins, with Tangent-based Barenbrug USA, said turf-growers buy Oregon grass seed because several varieties spread laterally.

"And allows the turf to repair itself faster, so you can play more games without having to over-seed or wait for new grass to sprout," she said.

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Hankins said Oregon produces a superior seed, and the state’s grass seed industry has been involved in the World Cup for years.

"Because we have the environment here, we also have the farmers who’ve been growing it for a hundred years," Hankins said.  "We have quality seed testing, quality seed cleaners and we actually have several world-class breeding facilities here."

Hankins said studies show natural turf is safer than artificial turf and stays cooler in hot weather.  She hopes the NFL stadiums hosting this year’s World Cup games will consider keeping the grass permanently.

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