Agricultural Experiment Station

OSU Train the Trainers workshops keep agricultural workers on track with food safety

Food safety education is the key to preventing the risk of food contamination in the supply chain, especially when crops are harvested directly by workers. In those cases, farms must remain especially vigilant to ensure their ...

Food pantries receive fresh blueberry donations during pandemic

In July 2020, the North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC) in Aurora found itself with 1,800 pounds of mechanically harvested blueberries ready for distribution. Normally the berries are harvested and purchased by ...

Livestock producers embrace progressive tactics for dealing with wolves

Wolves pose a threat to livestock in the Pacific Northwest through depredation, and some studies have shown that their presence causes stress in cattle that leads to decreased reproductive rates and weight gain. Under the Oregon...

Sea Grant Extension engages chefs and retailers on quality, benefits and hurdles of frozen seafood

There is a long-standing perception that the quality of frozen seafood is inferior to fresh seafood, although frozen seafood provides many benefits over fresh, including longer shelf life, a lower transportation carbon footprint and...

OSU fertilization research shows savings for berry growers

In the late 1990s, 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 other ...

Central Oregon farmers, ranchers learn methods to conserve water

Climate change is a pressing issue for farmers and ranchers around the world. Oregon farmers and ranchers are experiencing irrigation shortfalls due to a rise in temperature, reduced snowpack, increasing urban populations and ...

Beef Quality Assurance program ensures quality meat and improves profits

The national Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program, developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, is meant to promote safe and wholesome beef, raise consumer confidence and bring bigger profits. Major beef packing plants ...

Extension helps get hay to those in need after September wildfires

The wildfires that ripped through western Oregon in September 2020 displaced thousands of head of livestock when their owners evacuated. County fairgrounds became the destination for cattle, horses, sheep, goats, poultry and other ...

High tunnels show growing berries in central Oregon for a profit is a possibility

Central Oregon’s growing challenges are many. The short season is only 70-100 days and a measly 11 inches of rain fall in a year. There are drastic temperature swings, frost comes any time of year and the soils are low...

OSU Extension steps up to address the needs of Oregon’s organic farms

Organic agriculture continues to grow rapidly in Oregon and is becoming an important economic engine while also supporting environmentally friendly farming. The state ranks fifth in the nation in organic sales and is stronger than...