Polk

OSU fertilization research shows savings for berry growers

In the late 1990s, Oregon growers had many questions about the best fertilizing methods for blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry and kiwiberries. Information available focused on typical grower practices and/or research from ...

Mar 2021 | Impact Story

Virtual babysitter training provided by OSU Extension helps address Oregon's child care gap

Quality child care remains in short supply in Oregon. A 2019 report from Oregon State University found that child care “deserts” existed in all 36 of the state’s counties. During the COVID-19 pandemic many youths were ...

Apr 2023 | Impact Story

Extension-led effort enhances cover crops collaboration and education

Farmers use cover crops to improve soil, avoid erosion and keep weeds at bay, but there was no formal way to corral the available information for the growers who need it. Nick Andrews, Oregon State University Extension ...

Dec 2020 | Impact Story

$1 billion Oregon nursery industry benefits from OSU plant trials

As climate change transforms the weather in western Oregon, more and more nursery owners, landscapers and home gardeners are looking for plants that are fully drought-tolerant and cold-hardy. Development of genuinely low-input ...

Sep 2020 | Impact Story

Extension grass seed study helps improve farm efficiency

Grass seed is big business in Oregon, with a value of $458.3 million in 2020 – making it the fourth most valuable crop in the state. Growers use swathers to harvest the crop, but a significant portion of seed can be ...

Jul 2020 | Impact Story

Community scientists track climate change, blaze new paths of communication

Climate change brings new challenges and with those come a demand for information to help natural resource-based communities. Collaboration between researchers, community scientists and the Oregon State University Extension Service is a...

Apr 2021 | Impact Story

Farm tours address dairy production misconceptions

Few people are familiar with how milk is produced, handled and processed. Misconceptions and lack of knowledge about animal agriculture can lead people to opinions and actions based on inaccurate information and mistaken beliefs. ...

Mar 2024 | Impact Story

IPM program helps vegetable growers maximize efficiency

Pest monitoring is considered the first step in integrated pest management (IPM), because it helps people know if they have a pest problem, and what species may be contributing to it. Agricultural professionals in the Willamette...

Jan 2019 | Impact Story

OSU Extension provides leadership for statewide Outdoor School

Outdoor School is a transformative, immersive experience that instills environmental literacy and positive learning behaviors in students. It also encourages a belief that Oregon is a special place, with ecosystems they can enjoy and...

Mar 2024 | Impact Story

OSU institute responds to growing smoke exposure in wine grapes

An increase in the frequency of wildfires in California, Oregon and Washington in recent years has exposed wine grapes in some areas to high levels of smoke. One of the affected areas has been Oregon's fertile Willamette ...

Mar 2022 | Impact Story