SALEM, Ore.—For 20 years, between 1985 and 2005, potato growers averaged 1 percent return on investment, according to Jerry Wright, CEO of United Potato Growers of America.

Over the next four years, under the leadership of Wright and a commitment by the industry to match supply with demand by cutting acreage, potato farmers averaged 29.9 percent return on investment.

The immediate and continued ability to turn a profit in potatoes, can occur in grass seed, too, Wright said, providing growers are willing to share knowledge and work together to control supply.

In an Oregon Grass Seed Bargaining Association meeting where a USDA statistician unveiled results of Oregon's first official grass seed survey in more than 30 years, Wright talked about the benefits of sharing knowledge.

SOURCE: Mitch Lies, Capital Press

http://www.capitalpress.com/newsletter/ml-Wright-grass-seed-022513-art