While billions of eyes are fixed on the FIFA World Cup unfolding across the United States this summer, Jefferson County has a quiet stake in every match: the grass under the players’ feet.
Kentucky Bluegrass grown by farmers in Madras and Culver has been confirmed at least seven of the tournament’s 16 host stadiums — and industry insiders believe the real number is likely higher. Oregon, which produces 70% of the nation’s grass seed, is a dominant force in the global athletic turf market, and Jefferson County sits at the heart of that industry.
Why Jefferson County?
Albert Sikkens of Pratum Co-Op, which works with local growers, explained that not all Kentucky Bluegrass is equal. The varieties prized by stadium operators are dense, dark green, and built to handle intense traffic.
“Elite types or midnight types — they’re very dark green in appearance. And those are the most attractive to a sod field that’s going to be looked at from the general public,” Sikkens said.
Beyond appearance, the grass must also perform. “The traffic that it can handle for the soccer cleats. Also the overseeding that you can do with Kentucky Bluegrass. It is a phenomenal grass just for the lushness of it, the softness of it,” he added.
Local Farms, Global Stage
Two Culver-area operations — Macy Farms LLC and T and H Family Farms — are among the local producers whose seed is associated with World Cup stadium turf. For fifth-generation farmer Evan Thomas of T and H Family Farms, the connection carries real emotional weight.
“Our families have farmed together for three generations, four generations now,” Thomas said. “Super cool that we get to be a part of the World Cup. It’s amazing that our farms produce seeds that billions of people watch. Something from right here at home goes out and billions of people see that — that’s kind of amazing to think about.”
Seed companies including DLF, Barenbrug, Lebanon Seed, Mountain View Seed, and Landmark Seed are among those sourcing Oregon-grown Kentucky Bluegrass for the tournament, as part of an industry alliance focused on sustainable turf genetics.
A $640 Million Industry
Rachel Hankins of the Oregon Seed Council said grass seed is the fourth-largest agricultural commodity in the state, valued at $640 million annually. World Cup regulations prevent the public identification of specific stadiums using Oregon seed — but the industry is confident the footprint is broad.
“From Oregon production being used and highlighted, it puts us on the map as definitely something that is important to the general world of soccer fans and soccer players,” Sikkens said.
For Jefferson County farmers, it’s a bright spot after what has been a stretch of difficult seasons — and a reminder that the fields outside Madras and Culver have a reach that extends far beyond the high desert.