North Willamette

OSU study links stand spacing to Douglas-fir wood value

Douglas-fir is the backbone of Oregon’s timber industry and a major source of lumber, engineered wood products and manufacturing fiber in the Pacific Northwest. Better knowledge of how spacing affects wood development can help ...

Apr 2026 | Impact Story

OSU Extension expands access to forest education

Many Oregonians have limited access to practical, science-based forest education. That can reduce public understanding of forest ecology and management and weaken confidence in stewardship and natural resource decision-making. By combining...

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 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 research shows smarter ways to manage a costly berry pest

Spotted-wing drosophila is a small fruit fly that can ruin berries right before harvest. Unlike the fruit flies many people know from kitchens, it can lay eggs in firm, ripening fruit still on the plant. The eggs hatch into...

Feb 2026 | Impact Story

OSU Extension aids vegetable farmers exploring Asian crops

Vegetable farmers in Oregon’s Willamette Valley face growing pressure to stay profitable. Labor shortages, high costs and new regulations have added challenges for producers already competing with low-priced imports. At the same ...

Dec 2025 | Impact Story

‘Library of Things’ food preservation collections benefit Oregonians

Food preservation is a popular hobby in Oregon, but it is also an important way that households can lower their food budget, reduce food waste and enjoy seasonal delicacies year-round. Particularly in rural areas, where grocery ...

Nov 2025 | Impact Story

OSU Extension finds solutions for cabbage maggot in Oregon vegetables

In Oregon’s Willamette Valley, cabbage maggot (Delia radicum) causes widespread crop damage and significant economic losses. Root vegetables such as radishes, turnips and rutabagas can’t be sold if they show insect feeding, and ...

Aug 2025 | Impact Story

Oregon’s wine industry benefits from OSU research and outreach

Oregon’s wine industry is known for producing high-quality wines and a wide variety of grape cultivars. Since commercial production began in the 1960s, the state has earned a strong reputation, ranking fourth in the United ...

Jun 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