Pacific Seed Association

10/15/2026

Seed pricing and competition are receiving increased federal scrutiny.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Justice have expanded their partnership with a new focus on seed markets. Federal officials say the investigation will examine seed pricing practices, licensing, relabeling, and barriers facing independent seed companies.

According to USDA data, average crop seed prices increased more than 270% between 1990 and 2020. Prices for corn, soybean, and cotton seed rose by an average of 463% during that period.

For growers and seed businesses, understanding what is driving these trends and how competition, innovation, and farmer choice can be supportedwill be important. PSA will continue monitoring developments and sharing information relevant to our members and the broader seed industry.

Read the article:
https://www.agriculture.com/partners-usda-to-increase-research-into-u-s-seed-stores-partner-with-doj-to-investigate-seed-industry-12163117

The USDA launched a program Tuesday to increase research and sequencing of the country’s seed collection and announced it was “strengthening” its agreement with the Justice Department to investigate competition in the seed industry.

10/14/2026

PSA Partner Event: OSA Lunch & Learn Oct 28

Join the Oregon Seed Association for our upcoming Lunch & Learn: “Hire and Retain the Next Generation” featuring Addie Grow with AgWest Farm Credit.

📅 October 28, 2026
⏰ 12 PM PST
💻 Virtual event
📩 Email [email protected] for registration information.

Come learn practical strategies for attracting, engaging, and retaining the next generation of talent in the seed industry!

10/14/2026

Oregon Vole Summit Save the Date: Oct 22

The Second Annual Willamette Valley Vole Summit is coming up! The Willamette Vole Management group, the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences and Extension Service at Oregon State University, and the USGS Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, in collaboration with the Oregon Grass Seed Commissions, are hosting a Vole Summit in Albany at the Linn County Expo Center on October 22 from 8:15 a.m.–12 p.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m.

This is an opportunity for all growers and producers, industry stakeholders, state regulators, and researchers to participate in discussions centered around vole management practices. Come and be a part of solutions that make a widespread impact across the industry!

Please RSVP by October 15 here https://beav.es/YXD

10/14/2026

Newsletter Update from industry partner Oregon Seed Council

In case you missed it, the OSC October E-Update is now available! Check out all of the latest information and upcoming events from the Oregon Seed Council here: https://ow.ly/87sY50ZWtOb or by visiting the E-Update section of https://ow.ly/kVNG50ZWtOf.

-Update

10/14/2026

H-2A wage update: A federal judge has given the U.S. Department of Labor until December 30, 2026, to adopt a new wage scale for seasonal foreign farmworkers. According to Capital Press, if the department misses the deadline, wages will revert to those set under the previous administration.

For seed producers who use the H-2A program, this is an important development to follow as they plan labor budgets and seasonal staffing. The court also left open the possibility of back pay; no final back-pay requirement has been ordered, according to the article.

At the Pacific Seed Association, we recognize the importance of keeping members informed about policy developments affecting the agricultural workforce.

Read the full Capital Press article "Judge sets deadline for new H-2A farmworker wages" here: https://capitalpress.com/2026/10/05/judge-sets-deadline-for-new-h-2a-farmworker-wages/

10/12/2026

Treated seeds offer an economical & sustainable way to boost food security by helping crops thrive, maximizing yield potential. Good stewardship means keeping them out of grain channels. Learn more about seed treatment this. www.betterseed.org/treated-seeds/

Treated seeds are one of the most innovative solutions that support farmers’ efforts to sustainably meet growing global demand for food.

10/08/2026

What did this year’s wheat harvest reveal across Washington?

Washington State University’s latest Cereal Variety Testing Program update highlights strong yields in several regions, while also showing how weather, disease pressure, and other local growing conditions affect cereal crop performance.

These trials provide practical information for growers and the seed industry as they evaluate varieties, plan winter planting, and prepare for future growing seasons.

Read the WSU harvest wrap-up:https://smallgrains.wsu.edu/26wrap/?

The 2025-2026 crop year provided an opportunity to observe a wide range of environmental conditions, disease pressures, and grain quality outcomes across the statewide testing network.

10/07/2026

Cybersecurity starts with awareness. PSA encourages members and agricultural professionals to join AgWest Farm Credit for an upcoming webinar on cybersecurity and fraud awareness.

Former FBI counterintelligence operative Eric O’Neill will explore how cybercriminals exploit human behavior, target organizations, and access sensitive information and share practical strategies to help your team recognize threats and build a culture of vigilance.

📅 Thursday, October 8
🕙 10 a.m. PT | 11 a.m. MT
⏱️ 60 minutes

Make time to strengthen your awareness and help protect your business.

Register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/c33c583b-707a-41f2-ac4c-cf70207f6431/register

10/07/2026

Register now for a free Iowa State University Seed Science webinar: “From Capitol Hill to the Field: Navigating Today's Agricultural Policy Environment” presented by Janae Brady from the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA).

This webinar begins tomorrow, October 7, at 10 AM PT. Use the following link to register: https://bit.ly/47xJ0Jw

10/06/2026

Every seed shipment depends on getting the label right.

State-specific seed labeling rules can make compliance a complex and time-consuming process—and an overlooked requirement can lead to avoidable shipping delays.

The Oregon Seed Association’s Seed Labeling Database provides a searchable, one-stop resource for state labeling requirements, regulatory contacts, and other information companies need before products leave the warehouse.

The database is growing to include additional compliance resources, including a searchable noxious w**d seed database.

Read more in Seed World: https://www.seedworld.com/us/2026/08/21/seed-labeling-regulations-database/

Seed labeling regs vary across the U.S. See how a new database helps seed companies navigate rules, reduce errors and keep seed moving.