While relatively healthy, forests in western Oregon face threats from climate stress, insects and disease. Here's a look at forest management strategies to cope with those threats and keep the state's forests healthy.
Farm loops are an excellent means to draw customers to a farm and educate an urban audience that is often three and four generations removed from agriculture.
This article briefly discusses the most prevalent madrone disease problems, then offers a broader perspective on the health of this southern Oregon native.
Poisonous plants are a major cause of economic loss to the livestock industry. Two poisonous plants common to Oregon are poison hemlock and Western water hemlock. Ingestion of either by humans or livestock typically results in death.
This study quantifies the economic effects of agritourism on Willamette Valley farms and communities. In surveys, farmers reported earning about 50% of their revenue from agritourism.
Bruce Sorte, Melissa Fery, Audrey Comerford |
Feb 2024 |
Extension Catalog publicationPeer reviewed (Orange level)
Silage-making has been used to reduce the concentrations of toxins in a variety of crops. But in the case of poison hemlock, the opposite is true — making silage out of it actually increases one of its toxic alkaloids.
Cassie Bouska, Amy Peters |
Jan 2006 |
Article
Photo: Audrey Comerford, OSU Extension (Cropped from original)
Hosting tours on your farm or ranch can provide additional income and help tell an important story about Oregon agriculture, rural communities and local food production. Here's a guide to getting started.
This study describes the scope of on-farm or core agritourism activities offered to visitors on 75 agritourism operations in Marion County during a study period spanning 2017 and 2018. It shows the types and numbers of activities offered, the seasons of agritourism, and reveals the average and median acreage and land use districts typical of agritourism operations. This initial information provides a benchmark for future measurement of the industry segment in Marion County.