State Senate District 8

Living on the Land helps small-acreage landowners steward their land and protect natural resources

Rural landowners in the Willamette Valley often face steep learning curves when it comes to managing soil, water, livestock and vegetation. Many are new to land stewardship and need guidance on protecting natural resources while ...

Apr 2024 | Impact Story

Extension research educates producers on leaf removal in Oregon vineyards

Wine grape vineyards are highly susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis bunch rot — two fungal diseases that can ruin fruit and result in unsellable wine. One proven, non-chemical method for reducing these diseases is the ...

Mar 2024 | Impact Story

Revitalized Master Food Preserver training expands access

Interest in home food preservation has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, with Oregon ranking ninth nationally for home canning–related Google searches. Yet many Oregonians struggle to find reliable, research-based information. Oregon ...

Mar 2024 | Impact Story

OSU tools help organic farmers improve nutrient management and cut costs

Applying nitrogen fertilizer is a balancing act for farmers. Too little can limit crop yields. Too much wastes money, increases pest risk, and harms water quality. For organic and sustainable farmers, managing nitrogen is ...

Mar 2024 | Impact Story

Collaborations build wildfire resilience through Home Ignition Zone education

Wildfires play an important ecological role, but when they threaten homes and infrastructure, the consequences can be severe. Research shows that building materials, home condition and the type of vegetation within the first 100 ...

Mar 2024 | Impact Story

Oregon Naturalists build ecological literacy and public service across Oregon

People from around the world visit Oregon to experience its natural beauty — yet many residents lack deeper ecological knowledge, like how animal, plant and insect interactions shape the state’s environments. Certified naturalists...

May 2023 | Impact Story

Training and outreach improve mental health response in Oregon communities

Following the compounded crises of 2020 through 2022, Oregon saw a sharp increase in mental health challenges — including depression, anxiety, substance use and suicide. The state continues to rank near the bottom nationally for...

Apr 2023 | Impact Story

Pandemic adaptation expands food safety training for Oregon’s farm workforce

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Oregon’s agricultural operations faced heightened pressure to maintain food safety while adjusting to evolving health regulations. As an essential industry, farms remained open, but the need to protect ...

Apr 2023 | Impact Story

Microgreens classes grow national reach through online lessons and community connection

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift in how Oregonians accessed gardening education. In response to restrictions on in-person programming, the Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener program began delivering presentations...

Apr 2023 | Impact Story

Innovative harvest system reduces labor costs and boosts competitiveness for Oregon’s blueberry industry

Oregon and Washington produce more blueberries than any other region in the world. In Oregon alone, growers harvest approximately 150 million pounds annually, with a farmgate value exceeding $120 million. A large share of this ...

Jan 2025 | Impact Story