State House District 5

OSU builds high-tech tools for orchard growers

Pear, cherry and apple production are vital to Oregon’s rural economy, with cherry production valued at $68 million and pear production at $90.8 million. But the tree fruit industry faces growing pressure from climate change, ...

May 2026 | Impact Story

OSU, Forest Service find high wildfire risk for old forests where fire used to be common

Mature and old-growth forests are among the Pacific Northwest’s most valuable natural assets. They store large amounts of carbon, provide wildlife habitat, support water systems and contribute to recreation, tourism and other public...

May 2026 | Impact Story

Students gain skills while supporting watershed projects

Across Jackson County and much of Oregon, restoration and conservation projects often outpace the funding and staff capacity needed to monitor them. At the same time, high school students beginning to consider their future career ...

Apr 2026 | Impact Story

OSU helps grow dairy workforce skills and industry investment

Oregon’s dairy industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual sales and supporting jobs in production, processing and value-added products. By helping processors meet ...

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

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

Partnership improves wildfire preparedness across Oregon communities

Oregon’s wildfire risk varies widely by landscape, climate, housing patterns and community capacity. That diversity makes it difficult to rely on a one-size-fits-all approach to training. This project helps Oregon use public ...

Mar 2026 | Impact Story

OSU helps Oregon strengthen invasive species defense

Invasive species are nonnative plants and animals that can spread quickly and cause environmental or economic harm. In Oregon, they harm agriculture, aquaculture and forests, damage infrastructure, habitats, outcompete native species for...

Mar 2026 | Impact Story

Postfire survey tools help landowners restore forests after wildfire

Severe wildfires have affected more than 6,000 landowners in Oregon since 2020, and postfire restoration on private, nonindustrial forestlands has been uneven statewide. To better understand what helps landowners restore their ...

Mar 2026 | Impact Story

OSU study helps hemp growers save water without sacrificing CBD yield

Floral hemp production expanded rapidly after the 2018 federal farm bill, but practical production guidelines have lagged, especially in semi-arid regions where water is limited and irrigation costs are rising. Many growers assumed ...

Mar 2026 | Impact Story