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 | Aug 2018 | 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

How important is crop insurance to Oregon?

Crop insurance is the largest farm program in the Farm Bill and is both a major tool for farm-level risk management as well as a significant subsidy program. There are calls for reductions in crop insurance program spending,...

Tim Delbridge | Sep 2023 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Applied economics outreach blog

This blog is maintained by the Department of Applied Economics at Oregon State University as a tool to engage with stakeholders in Oregon and around the world.

Tim Delbridge, Daniel Bigelow | Sep 2023 | Online resource

For the Love of Farming

This series is all about connecting listeners to small scale farmers and ranchers. We come together to talk about their why, how they came to be where they are, challenges, joys, and how they keep going. We are grateful ...

Podcast

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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

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

OSU Extension answers the call to serve veterans interested in farming

The Military Veterans Farmer Network is a program of Oregon State University Extension Service meant to connect military veterans engaged in or interested in farming.

Kym Pokorny | Aug 1, 2023 | News story

Oregon State to co-lead $30 million USDA regional food business center

Oregon State University has been selected to co-lead a $30 million U.S. Department of Agriculture regional food business center that will support farmers, ranchers and other food-related businesses to access new markets and navigate federal, state and local resources.

May 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.
Rural Studies Program: The Rural Studies Program at Oregon State University focuses its multi-disciplinary teaching, outreach and research program on critical issues affecting rural people and places.

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Business management

Business marketing

Estate and succession planning

Agritourism

Community planning

Local, regional and community food systems

Upcoming Events

Sep 29

Military Veteran Farm Tour: Sunwave Farms

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Oct 7

Tree School Field Day at Hopkins Demonstration Forest

8:00 am - 4:30 pm Oregon City, OR

Nov 8

Field to Market - Lane County

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Eugene, OR

Meet Our Experts

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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