Our Farmers
Nearly all of the world's Kentucky Bluegrass seed is produced in the Pacific Northwest - and in Washington state, the epicenter of seed production is the Columbia Basin. Grass seed is a popular rotation crop for many farmers, planted in their fields between harvests of other crops as a way to improve soil health.
What We Grow
In Washington we grow a healthy mix of grass types that work great in the Northern U.S. climate. We are always working to improve varieties for consumers through our research efforts at Washington State University. We strive to grow grasses that are healthy, weed-free, and tolerant to the changing climate needs.
How We Farm
Planting in the summer
In late summer, immediately after fields are harvested, a seeding crew plants millions of grass seeds into the fertile soil of the Columbia Basin.
Fertilizing in the fall
Before the fledgling seeds get covered in a blanket of snow, farmers give a precise dose of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to ensure enough nutrients to be healthy in spring.
Watering in the spring
When the snow retreats in the spring, the grass plants resemble a giant lawn, only inches tall. But good farming practices at this stage will ensure the plant reaches maturity and produces a harvest of seeds.
Swathing at harvest time
After a summer of growth, the grass is ready to harvest, so the swathers have to carefully cut the grass and lay it down without "shattering" out the dry seeds.
The combine
Finally, after the stalks have dried out for a week, the giant combine makes its way through the fields, separating the seeds out so they can be shipped and processed.