'We have to keep inventing more ways to be efficient'
SHEDD, Ore. - Grass seed farmers have had a rough start to the harvest season as a result of wet weather conditions and economic woes.
This year's season was pushed back at least a month due to a cold, wet spring.
In addition to the weather, a depressed construction economy also adds to the financial stress for farmers.
"When housing quits selling, people quit buying seed," said Josh Davidson, a grass seed farmer.
Davidson is a sixth generation grass seed farmer in Shedd, Ore. He recalls a helpful harvesting technique that is no longer an option for farmers.
"We used to have field burning as an option, which helped us produce seed at a lower price," Davidson said.
Instead, Davidson is now using herbicides to clean his fields. However, this alternative is costing Davidson more money as oil prices continue to soar.
"Our fertilizer and chemicals are made of petroleum-based products," Davidson said.
The sluggish economy has hurt Oregon grass seed farmers. According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, grass seed crop sales have dropped from about $469 million in 2008 to $228 million in 2010.
However, the burn ban is not bad economic news for everyone in the valley. Some local businesses welcome the smoke-free vistas that showcase the valley's natural beauty.
Business at Danuta Pfeiffer's winery suffered when farmers were burning fields.
"We had smoke embers coming through the sky during weddings," Pfeiffer said. "It was not only uncomfortable, but it was also embarrassing."
The clear air has boosted her winery business.
"Now it's quite different, it's so beautiful here," Pfeiffer said.
Out in the grass field, Davidson misses the field burning practices but remains optimistic.
"I'm not looking back, we've got to look forward, and that's not a tool we have anymore," Davidson said. "We have to keep inventing more ways to be efficient."
