State House District 16

OSU research cuts labor costs in blackberry production

Oregon is a leading production state for machine-harvested trailing blackberries, an industry that supports growers, processors and rural communities. ‘Columbia Star’ has quickly become one of the region’s most widely planted ...

Apr 2026 | Impact Story

OSU pruning research helps hazelnut growers cut losses

Oregon is the center of the U.S. hazelnut industry, and the crop is an important driver of farm income, processing activity and rural economic vitality in the Willamette Valley. Hazelnuts support growers, nurseries, processors, ...

Apr 2026 | Impact Story

OSU Extension develops producer-centered soil health program

Across Oregon, agricultural producers want to improve soil health to strengthen productivity, reduce risk and build resilience. But many still lack practical, trusted guidance to interpret soil health and fertility results and connect...

Apr 2026 | Impact Story

OSU Extension, partners develop strategy for gray-tailed vole control

Gray-tailed voles are a recurring pest in Oregon agriculture and can cause serious crop damage when populations surge. In the Willamette Valley, grass seed fields provide prime habitat. By identifying shared priorities and ...

Mar 2026 | Impact Story

School IPM Program protects health and safety of Oregon children

Asthma is the top cause of absenteeism in U.S. public K–12 schools. In Oregon, common school pests such as mice, cockroaches and flies can trigger asthma and spread diseases including E. coli, Lyme disease and salmonellosis. ...

Mar 2026 | Impact Story

Olea project supports development of Oregon’s olive industry

Interest in growing olives — a high-value specialty crop — is increasing in Oregon. However, research-based information on cultivar selection and production practices for the state is limited. Primary challenges include damage from...

Mar 2026 | Impact Story

OSU survey guides weed strategy for vegetable seed production

Vegetable specialty seed production is a cornerstone of agriculture in the Pacific Northwest. More than 170 seed crops — including brassicas, spinach, radish, carrot, onion and many others — are grown on relatively small ...

Mar 2026 | Impact Story

OSU Extension meets growing demand for safe home food preservation

Nearly all U.S. households use some form of food preservation to extend the shelf life of perishable foods, stretch food budgets and prevent waste. A 2024 nationwide survey found that 49% of households preserved food through ...

Mar 2026 | Impact Story

OSU builds forest biodiversity data through community science

The Oregon State University College of Forestry owns and manages the McDonald-Dunn Research Forest, an 11,500-acre, heavily visited forest north of Corvallis. After three years of collaboration among scientists, educators, tribes and ...

Mar 2026 | Impact Story

OSU Extension develops roadmap for Oregon organic orchards

Oregon’s tree fruit and nut industries are a cornerstone of rural economies, supporting farm jobs, packing and processing and regional supply chains. Pears, apples and sweet cherries alone totaled $227.9 million in farm gate ...

Mar 2026 | Impact Story