Rural economic development

Economics and Enterprise: Financial Considerations of Rural Life

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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Photo Credit: Esteban Martinena - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

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 | Extension Catalog publication 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 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Photo by Jason O'Brien

Learn from wherever you are.

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

Stable statewide cash rents for Oregon mask large changes across counties in 2024

Agricultural producers can gain access to the land they need through two general channels. Some own their land, after purchasing it from another landowner, bidding on it in an auction, or inheriting it from a family member. ...

Daniel Bigelow | Oct 2024 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Latest USDA estimates point to continued strong growth in Oregon’s farmland values

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released its latest state-level data on farmland values. The data come from the USDA’s June Area Survey, which asks a rotating panel of producers to estimate the market value ...

Daniel Bigelow | Sep 2024 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Oregon agriculture by the numbers, part 5: agritourism

Explore what the 2022 Census of Agriculture tells us about the agritourism and recreational services provided by Oregon’s farms.

Daniel Bigelow, Audrey Comerford, Melissa Fery | Aug 2024 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray 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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Photo Credit: khomlyak - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Latest News

OSU engages with onion growers to demonstrate an alternative method for plastic waste reduction

Drip tape irrigation produces two million pounds of plastic waste each year in Malheur County. Luckily, two OSU Chemical Engineering faculty have been working on a process that could turn drip tape plastic into diesel fuel for growers’ tractors.

Henry Carnell | Aug 27, 2024 | News story

Linn County families receive local food through unique Extension partnership

The project started in early December, when Extension was awarded a $5,000 local food procurement grant from Linn County Public Health.

Chris Branam | Mar 1, 2024 | News story

Local food, local dollars: Community partnership promotes Klamath Basin agriculture

A partnership of OSU Extension Klamath County and Klamath Grown, a nonprofit food hub, focuses on promoting a strong local community food system.

Chris Branam | Sep 7, 2023 | News 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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Business management

Business marketing

Estate and succession planning

Agritourism

Community planning

Local, regional and community food systems

Upcoming Events

Nov 6

Women's Tractor Implement Training

10:00 am - 1:00 pm Sweet Home, OR

Nov 12

Woodland Road Basics and the New Road Condition Assessment Form

10:00 am - 3:00 pm Oregon City, OR

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

Open Campus and Agriculture Faculty

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

Rebecca Thistlethwaite

NMPAN Director

Contact for meat sales, science, & processing questions.

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