Risa DeMasi – I am Oregon Agriculture

Risa DeMasi, co-founder of Oregon Grassland in Salem, Oregon.

I am Oregon agriculture.

My name is Risa DeMasi and I’m one of the founding partners of Salem-based Grassland Oregon, a leading provider of top-rated seed varieties of cool-season grass and legume species. Innovation is the key to staying ahead in the cover crop, forage and turf industry, so we test over 4,000 unique lines of multiple species annually.  Less than 1% of these make it to the next steps in the long process of developing a product worthy of commercial production.  From observation and discovery to commercial availability can take 12-15 years, including scientific studies and trials to ensure success throughout the stakeholder chain.

Ten years ago, we began research on a new clover variety for the water-logged regions of the Willamette Valley that would fix nitrogen and control weeds as a cover crop and provide high protein as a forage crop. Our high performing FIXatioN Balansa clover is now a potential game changer for farmers and ranchers nationwide.

FIXatioN Balansa Clover pre-bloom stage. It’s a great pollinator species, the bees love it!

The front yard at our office with our logo, planted in different varieties of turf grass.

We’re passionate about meeting the needs of Oregon’s seed producing farmers, as well as ranchers, food producers, park authorities, homeowners, outdoor sports managers and wildlife enthusiasts everywhere who also expect top quality results when they plant our seed. We believe innovation and quality are what drives Oregon agriculture and shapes America’s future.