When Oregon State University Extension Service resumed in Josephine County in 2025 after a brief gap in local support, many growers and landowners had limited recent experience working with Extension.
By offering accessible, locally relevant education — and expanding community access to proper sampling tools — OSU Extension helps producers make better decisions, strengthens the viability of small and diversified farms, and rebuilds trusted technical support in Josephine County.
Through a needs assessment and early outreach, producers consistently identified soil testing as a top priority — especially how to collect samples correctly, interpret laboratory reports and choose practical nutrient and amendment options.
Those needs showed up in day-to-day questions from growers trying to make sense of soil test results and fertilizer recommendations. Without clear, locally relevant guidance, many producers relied on tradition or guesswork, increasing the risk of unnecessary costs and inefficient nutrient management.
To address these needs, Nan Xu, assistant professor of practice in crop and soil science with OSU Extension who serves Josephine and Jackson counties, partnered with the Josephine County Farm Collective to develop and deliver the Soil Sleuth Series, a multi-session education program focused on soil sampling, interpreting soil test reports and making sound fertility decisions.
To reduce barriers and broaden participation across the county, the series blended hands-on, in-person training with virtual classes and was offered free to the community. Instruction emphasized practical application, including step-by-step handouts that participants could use at home and on their farms.
Xu also provided technical guidance as the Farm Collective developed its equipment library, including recommendations for selecting soil sampling tools that community members could borrow. This helped expand access to proper sampling equipment beyond the series itself.
The Soil Sleuth Series became one of the first visible Extension education efforts in Josephine County following the return of local service and helped re-establish Extension as a trusted technical resource.
Post-program evaluations showed strong satisfaction and learning gains, with participants reporting increased confidence in collecting samples, understanding lab reports and making fertilizer and amendment decisions.
One grower wrote, “It was a great class with very clear instructions. I appreciate all the step-by-step handouts so I can do everything at home.”
The series also created new relationships and expanded pathways for support. Growers who met Xu through the series began reaching out with additional questions beyond soil testing, leading to follow-up farm visits and individualized technical assistance.
Partnership outcomes extended beyond the workshops. The series strengthened collaboration with the Josephine County Farm Collective and positioned Extension as a long-term partner.
As a result, the Farm Collective requested additional classes and collaborations in 2026 and expressed interest in expanding into topics such as dry farming strategies and using soil moisture meters to support reduced irrigation and water-wise farming.
The shift from a single series to planning new topic areas reflects growing trust and an ongoing commitment to farmer support in the county.
When growers use soil tests correctly, they can target fertilizers and amendments more effectively, saving money while protecting soil health and water quality.
By offering accessible, locally relevant education — and expanding community access to proper sampling tools — OSU Extension helps producers make better decisions, strengthens the viability of small and diversified farms, and rebuilds trusted technical support in Josephine County.