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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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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)

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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

Oregon agriculture by the numbers, part 2: Distribution of farms by acreage and sales

A deeper look at the Census data for Oregon based on acreage and sales class of farms and farmland.

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

Oregon agriculture by the numbers, part 1: Total farms, farmland acres and sales

USDA's Census of Agriculture takes place every five years and represents one of the most comprehensive sources of information on the U.S. agricultural industry. This article provides an overview of recent changes in Oregon's number...

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

Oregon Agriculture by the Numbers - 2022 Census of Agriculture Data

This collection will explore recent trends and patterns in Oregon’s agricultural sector using data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 2022 Census of Agriculture. The Census takes place every five years and ...

Daniel Bigelow | Feb 2024 | Collection 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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Latest News

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

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

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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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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.

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Rebecca Thistlethwaite
NMPAN Director

Contact for meat sales, science, & processing questions.

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