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Rural economic development

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OSU Extension supports rural communities by offering insights into property ownership, zoning, conservation easements and forest-income opportunities. Through publications, webinars and collaborative networks, we help landowners and stakeholders foster vibrant local economies.

Economics and Enterprise: Financial Considerations of Rural Life

By Rachel Werling and Max Bennett

People own land for many reasons, from farming as a hobby to ranching or timber production as a business. Whatever the reason, economics is always part of the picture. Learn about the financial aspects of property ownership, including zoning and tax deferrals, income possibilities for forested land, enterprise possibilities and conservation easements.

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Farming Resources

Oregon Community Food Systems by the Numbers: Oregon's Farmers Markets

Examines the impact of farmers markets in low-income areas of Oregon with low access to supermarkets. One in a series of fact sheets that monitors trends and changes in various dimensions of the food system. ...

Mallory Rahe, Lauren Gwin, Benjamin S. Antolin | Mar 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

How Much Can I Charge for My Farm Products?

Determining the “right” pricing for your products can be challenging for new and experienced farmers and ranchers. This publication outlines some key considerations that should affect what you charge.

Teagan Moran, Heidi Noordijk, Maud Powell, Larry Lev | Sep 2022 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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OSU Open Campus, a community-based education partnership convened by Oregon State University, provides local access to learning in order to address the unique educational needs of Oregon’s communities. Through a statewide network of Open Campus education coordinators and partners, the university delivers education to underserved and place-bound Oregonians.

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Latest Resources

Episode 63: Can Forests be Permacultural?

Applying permaculture to forest management.

Carrie Cantrell, Lauren Grand, Andrew Millison | Jul 2025 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Episode 62: Exploring Forest Biotechnology

Join Scott Leavengood and guest-host Teagan McElliot as they delve into the topic of BioEngineering, and how it could be applied beneficially to healthy forests and timber products.

Scott Leavengood, Carrie Cantrell, Steve Strauss | Jun 2025 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Growing euphorbia as a drought-tolerant source of expoxidized fatty acids

Euphorbia is a drought-tolerant plant that produces a seed oil that has useful applications in industrial products. Research has shown the optimal conditions and best practices for growing euphorbia.

Richard Roseberg, Rachel A. Bentley | Mar 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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WealthWorks in Practice - Rural Wealth Creation

By Mallory Rahe and Amy Hause

This video series introduces the three guiding goals and major components of implementing a rural wealth creation approach to local economic development known as WealthWorks. These goals include selecting a sector and defining a market opportunity, mapping and a value chain and analyzing market demand.

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Latest News

OSU Extension helps lead septic and well repair efforts in Lincoln County

The effort has significantly improved groundwater quality throughout Lincoln County by preventing large amounts of waste from contaminating local waterways.

Chrissy Lucas, Kelci Free | Jun 2025 | Impact story

Oregon Sea Grant-Travel Oregon collaboration promotes outdoor recreation guide certification

Providing accessible professional development opportunities and expanding training to Spanish-speaking communities enables economic growth and promotes sustainable tourism.

Miles Phillips | Jun 2025 | Impact story

Oregon Broadband Equity Coalition marks a year of closing the digital divide

The coalition’s work addresses the urgent need for increased broadband connectivity, particularly in Oregon’s rural areas.

Chris Branam | May 22, 2025 | News story

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More Rural Economic Development Resources

  • Center for Resilient Agriculture & Food Systems: This OSU College of Agricultural Sciences center provides innovative research, collaborative partnerships, community-driven initiatives, Extension programs and diverse perspectives to transform agriculture and food systems into a force for positive change.
  • Rural Community Assistance Center: A nonprofit organization that provides training, technical and financial resources and advocacy so rural communities can achieve their goals. Since 1978, our dedicated staff and active board, coupled with our key values: leadership, collaboration, commitment, quality and integrity, have helped effect positive change in rural communities across the West.
  • Economic Development Administration: The U.S. Economic Development Administration's investment policy is designed to establish a foundation for sustainable job growth and the building of durable regional economies throughout the United States.

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Meet Our Experts

Daniel Bigelow
Assistant Professor

Contact me with questions about land use and land markets.

Dr. Berit Dinsdale
Postdoctoral Researcher

Contact me to discuss desired programming and educational needs related to irrigation and water quality in Oregon agriculture.

Didgette McCracken
Youth CTE, Trades & Workforce Development Specialist

Contact me about youth workforce development.

Rebecca Thistlethwaite image
Rebecca Thistlethwaite
NMPAN Director

Contact for meat sales, science, & processing questions.

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