Vegetable and specialty seed crops

The mild climate of the Willamette Valley supports a diverse vegetable industry. The specialty seed industry in Oregon produces over 170 seed crop species ranging from vegetable seed to cover crop and ornamental flowers.

Vegetable production

Agriculture in the Willamette Valley covers approximately 700,000 ha with 96,000 ha of irrigated production (USDA NAAS 2012). Vegetable production is characterized by small to medium-sized diverse cropping systems with multiple crops per year. Vegetables are sold in both fresh and processing markets and frequently involve brassica crops which are well suited to the mild climate.

Specialty seeds

The specialty seed industry in Oregon produces a variety of seed crops, over 170 crop species ranging from vegetable seed to cover crop and ornamental flowers. An estimated 14,000+ acres are planted to vegetable seed production statewide, for a farm gate value of over $27 million in 2012 (NASS 2014). Farm gate estimates including a wider selection of specialty seed crops such as flowers and cover crops exceed $50 million annually.

Photo: Kristie Buckland (Cropped from original)

Credit: Kristie Buckland

Drone scouting program for plant health protection

NWREC monitors plant health measures through multispectral digital imagery from UAS-mounted cameras. UAS stands for Unmanned Aircraft System, with the small aircraft informally called a "drone." Crops can be surveyed over a large area for early signs of insect damage, drought stress, or nutrient deficiencies, allowing farmers to target areas for pest control or fertilizer inputs and minimize yield loss.

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Vegetables and specialty seeds

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Meet our expert

Kristine Buckland

Vegetable and Speciality Seed Crop Specialist

OSU Extension Service

North Willamette Research and Extension Center