The Oregon Natural Resources Report - Agricultural News from Oregon

Rep. DeFazio: co-sponsor Infrastructure Repair Bill

Rep. DeFazio Includes Provision to Protect Schools from Earthquake Damage in Major School Infrastructure Repair Bill

Rep. Peter DeFazio this week successfully secured language in a major school infrastructure repair bill that would provide funds for seismic retrofitting for schools vulnerable to natural disasters, including earthquakes.

Innovate announces rural business investment fund

USDA Certifies Another Rural Business Investment Fund

Weldon Freeman

Acting Deputy Under Secretary Roger Glendenning today announced that USDA has certified the Innova Ag Innovation Fund IV LP as an investment pool for small and startup rural businesses.

Central Oregon LandWatch issues water report

Oregon Farm Bureau Statement on LandWatch Water Report

via Oregon Farm Bureau, Anne Marie Ross

“On May 11, Central Oregon LandWatch issued a report about water efficiency that compared irrigated agriculture in Deschutes and Jefferson Counties.

Senator Linthicum: Rural Oregon values and common-sense

From Senator Linthicum

Water is a commodity just like gold, silver, oil and gas. Historically, water has allowed our farmers, ranchers and fisherman to literally feed the world. I know how valuable water is to the health of any community. Control the life-giving water and you have complete control over any community’s future.

USDA changes ahead

Posted from  National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Cattlemen Applaud Changes made at USDA, including Establishment of USDA Undersecretary for Trade Position

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Craig Uden today released the following statement in response to USDA’s restructuring and the decision to establish an Undersecretary for Trade, authorized under the 2014 Farm Bill:

“We believe the restructuring of USDA makes sense for cattlemen and women, providing a one-stop shop for producers who utilize the many services of the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Additionally, having Rural Development directly reporting to the Secretary shows the emphasis he is placing on helping rural America.

“Furthermore, establishing this new Undersecretary for Trade position was one of our top priorities for 2017, so we are extremely pleased to see Secretary Perdue filling in the gaps left by the previous Administration. This position will play a vital role in leading USDA’s efforts to capitalize on foreign demand for U.S. agriculture products and we look forward to working with the Undersecretary to break down trade barriers and expand our ability to meet the growing demand for U.S. beef in key markets like Asia.”

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

New study finds PTSD-symptoms in cows

Cows witnessing wolf attacks suffer PTSD-like symptoms, new research shows

OSU Extension Service

Cows that have witnessed wolf attacks display physical signs associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a new study by Oregon State University.

PTSD is a psychological disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, frightening or dangerous event. This is the first study of its kind to reveal PTSD biomarkers in cattle.

Vote to sell Elliot State Forest this week

The Oregon Way Forward on the Elliott State Forest

Secretary of State Dennis Richardson released leadership principles for the Oregon Way Forward on the Elliott State Forest. The Land Board will consider plans for the Elliott at the upcoming May 9 meeting, including potential new public ownership options.

What Trump will do with forestry reform

By Rex Storm,
Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc.

Will Forestry Reforms Happen Under Trump Administration? The Jan. 20th inauguration of President Trump has many expectations from the forest community. Will the new Administration address needed changes for the US Forest Service, BLM, and broken federal environmental regulating agencies? Will the Environmental Protection Agency reform its wrong-headed attacks on Oregon’s Forest Practices Act, private industry, and energy production?

Sen. Wyden urges funding for timber

Wyden Stresses Urgent Need to Extend Secure Rural Schools and Sustainably Increase Forest Management

Washington, D.C. – Rural counties in Oregon and across the country urgently need restored federal funding for vital county services and sustainably increased timber harvests, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., stressed at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing today.