State House District 54

OSU rangeland researchers help mitigate spread of invasive grasses

Invasive annual grasses are a growing threat to the Great Basin desert ecosystem which includes much of Eastern Oregon. These grasses — such as medusahead, cheatgrass and ventenata — displace native plants, reduce habitat ...

May 2025 | Impact Story

OSU builds partnerships to conserve the sagebrush ecosystem

Oregon’s sagebrush ecosystem has declined by about 50% over the past 150 years due to invasive annual grasses, increased wildfire activity and encroaching conifers. This large-scale habitat loss has contributed to declines in ...

May 2025 | Impact Story

OSU collaboration leads to investment in resilient food systems in Oregon

Oregon’s farmers continue to suffer losses from drought, heat waves, wildfire and other climate-related challenges. Traditional crop insurance and relief programs often don’t meet the needs of small-scale farmers who grow a wide ...

May 2025 | Impact Story

OSU Honey Bee Lab supports pollinator health, saving beekeepers millions

Honeybees are essential pollinators for crops like apples, blueberries, cherries, melons, almonds and broccoli. In the United States, they contribute an estimated $20 billion in crop pollination each year. But over the past 50 ...

May 2025 | Impact Story

Oregon IPM Center leads the way to better pest management

Pesticides are commonly used in agriculture to manage serious pest problems. But not all pesticides carry the same level of risk. Broad-spectrum pesticides can affect earthworms, birds and other beneficial species. Some can also ...

May 2025 | Impact Story

OSU study highlights benefit of reduced watering for tall fescue

Turfgrass generally needs a lot of water to stay green and healthy during hot and dry periods. In cooler, wetter climates like the coastal Pacific Northwest, there is plenty of rain from October to June, but very little ...

Apr 2025 | Impact Story

Walk With Ease expands awareness through partnerships, marketing

Walk With Ease is an evidence-based physical activity program developed by the Arthritis Foundation that is proven to reduce the pain associated with arthritis, increase physical activity, decrease pain and fatigue and increase ...

Apr 2025 | Impact Story

BQA program strengthens beef quality and disease preparedness in Oregon

Cattle production is one of Oregon’s leading agricultural commodities. To maintain market access and consumer confidence, beef producers must meet evolving standards for animal health, handling and traceability. The Beef Quality ...

Mar 2025 | Impact Story

OSU Woodland Stick simplifies tree measurements for landowners

Professional tree measurement tools can be costly, but the OSU Woodland Stick offers an affordable, simple and user-friendly alternative. Created by the Oregon State University Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Program, this ...

Mar 2025 | Impact Story

Oregon hay producers benefit from OSU research and Extension

Hay is one of Oregon's top agricultural commodities, ranking third in the state in 2022 with a total value of about $785.5 million. This included 2.78 million tons of alfalfa hay, valued at around $488.2 million, and 1.28 ...

Mar 2025 | Impact Story