Agricultural Experiment Station

Fledgling olive industry gets support from OSU research

Interest in growing olives, a high-value specialty crop, grows by the year in Oregon. Yet, research-based information about the feasibility of growing olives in the state doesn’t exist. Research is essential due to climate and ...

Feb 2022 | Impact Story

OSU researcher provides insight for hemp resilience to extreme heat

Recent extreme summer heat waves in the Pacific Northwest – such as the 2021 heat dome that resulted in record-setting high temperatures across the state – have been detrimental to the hemp growers of Oregon. Many farmers ...

Feb 2022 | Impact Story

By solving mystery, OSU researchers boost kombucha brewing industry

Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that has been rapidly increasing in popularity due to its many health benefits. This drink is often rich in important compounds for human nutrition and health, such as vitamin B, organic ...

Feb 2022 | Impact Story

OSU hemp center leads environmental sustainability and equity efforts

Hemp has the potential to become a major agricultural commodity in Oregon and the United States, with hemp plant fiber being used in manufactured products, including clothing, construction materials and packaging. Meanwhile, hemp ...

Feb 2022 | Impact Story

Viticulturist finds that southern Oregon vineyards could save costs on water

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s AgriMet network is a free weather station widely used by growers to determine how much water they need to irrigate their crops. Many wine grape growers in the Pacific Northwest use personal ...

Nov 2021 | Impact Story

Agrivoltaics research could lead to more sustainable farming

Agrivoltaics is the concept of using arable land to simultaneously grow crops and generate solar power. Co-developing land for both solar photovoltaic power and agriculture could provide 20% of total electricity generation in the ...

Sep 2021 | Impact Story

Hazelnut stewardship initiative highlights Oregon’s sustainable practices

As Oregon continues to flex its muscles in the hazelnut industry, the need for promoting sustainable practices has accelerated. To strengthen an already-strong market share – Oregon leads production in the U.S. and is third in...

May 2021 | Impact Story

New Kentucky bluegrass workgroup boosts Oregon seed research

Much of the funding for research to support Oregon’s $517 million grass seed industry comes from competitive grants offered by several commissions formed through efforts by Oregon State University Extension Service and partners. As...

May 2021 | Impact Story

OSU Train the Trainers workshops keep agricultural workers on track with food safety

Food safety education is the key to preventing the risk of food contamination in the supply chain, especially when crops are harvested directly by workers. In those cases, farms must remain especially vigilant to ensure their ...

Apr 2021 | Impact Story

Livestock producers embrace progressive tactics for dealing with wolves

Wolves pose a threat to livestock in the Pacific Northwest through depredation, and some studies have shown that their presence causes stress in cattle that leads to decreased reproductive rates and weight gain. Under the Oregon...

Apr 2021 | Impact Story