Since reductions in field burning were implemented by the state legislature in 1991, grass seed farmers have had to find new ways to clear fields.

Baling and exporting straw for animal feed and using a no-till approach have been the most popular methods, but farmers are also reconsidering using the straw as an alternative energy source according to Roger Beyer, executive director of the Oregon Seed Council.

"It's been visited before," said Beyer. "But it is more feasible now."

He pointed to advanced technologies and current economic issues, particularly concerning gasoline prices, as reasons for the research.

"I think everyone is very optimistic this can work. There have been great advances in technology to turn fiber into fuel. It's very close," said Beyer.

The most successful alternative has been baling.

"I haven't burned in 15 years," said Albany farmer Daryl Roth. "I bale off my perennial crops."

Roth said the process works fine for him and added that he also uses the no-till method.

"I do that on a few fields, but it brings in a lot of pests and that means I have to control them," says Roth.

Beyer says the no-till process, which requires chopping the straw very finely and leaving it on the fields to increase organic matter and reuse the nutrients, isn't favored by as many farmers.

"It increases the use of pesticides and takes a real commitment because of reduced yields in the short term," said Beyer.

He agreed with Roth that baling has been successful, particularly with perennial ryegrass, fescue, tall fescue and orchard grass. He said it is less so with the fine fescue and annual ryegrass - those grasses predominantly still being burned in the valley.

There has been an 80 percent reduction in field burning since the phase-down was implemented. Prior to the reductions, farmers burned as much as 250,000 acres each season. That total is now about 50,000 acres.

"Farmers have found alternatives for that 80 percent. And all the research has been funded by the producers," says Beyer.

He said farmers and seed commissions invest between $250,000 and $300,000 annually in alternative research.

Roth has been happy with the method he uses.

"It's become a big deal in Linn County now. I used to have to pay people to come take the straw away. Now they pay me."