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Rural Economic Development

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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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Latest Resources

20 tips for examining and writing about data

Analyzing and writing about socioeconomic data is essential for a community, this fact sheet contains a set of principles to guide this process.

Mallory Rahe, Lena Etuk | Nov 2022 | Article

Farm to Institution

This infographic explains the concept of having farmer producers sell direct to institutional buyers rather than selling through direct marketing channels or wholesale distributors.

Apr 2018 | Online resource

Broadband Connectivity Outreach

Extension collaborates to help communities learn how low-income households can pay for internet service and connected devices, test their internet speeds and partner to deploy broadband on tribal lands.

Lucas Turpin | Project

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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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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. Growing Farms ...

Mallory Rahe, Lauren Gwin | Aug 2018 | 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. Several variables — including cost of production, competition, customer makeup and season — affect pricing. ...

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

Increasing Farm Viability Through Agritourism and On-Farm Direct Sales: An Oregon Producer Survey

Agritourism with on-farm direct sales is a way for farms to increase their business success. This survey of Oregon producers explores how small and midsized farms are expanding beyond basic production, adding value and claiming more consumer support.

Mary Stewart, Audrey Comerford, Bruce Sorte, Sam Angima | Jul 2021 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Latest News

‘Agripeneurs’ course creates regional market for local seed producers

The project team offered a training course, “Growing Seed Agripreneurs,” at the OSU Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center (SOREC) and conducted research on the barriers and challenges to creating a regional market for local seed producers.

Maud Powell | Jul 2022 | Impact story

Yamhill Farm Loop supports family farms and local food systems

The Yamhill Farm Loop consists of 10 farms with a variety of products including fruits, vegetables, wine, alpacas, pasture-raised meat, fiber, baked goods, jams, olive oil and lavender.

Audrey Comerford | Jun 2022 | Impact story

Career Connect Day draws 200 students and job seekers in eastern Oregon

On April 28, 2021, the first Career Connect Day brought together students in Umatilla and Morrow counties, as well as adult job seekers.

Amanda Bielenberg | Jun 2022 | Impact story

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More Rural Economic Development Resources

  • Center for small farms & Community food systems: This OSU College of Agriculture program works towards advancing sustainable agriculture, community food systems, and economic progress for Oregon's farmers and ranchers, as well as providing a leading-edge experience for students.
  • 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

Didgette McCracken
Open Campus and Agriculture Faculty

Contact me with educational and community development questions as well as agriculture questions.

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Rebecca Thistlethwaite
NMPAN Program Manager

Contact for meat sales, science, & processing questions.

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Have a question? Ask an Expert!

Ask an Expert is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

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Animal, mineral, or vegetable, what is the coolest thing for my farm?

Q: I need some help evaluating crops and or animals that I can make money with. How to find good products that are in high demand. We are organic.

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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