The Oregon Natural Resources Report - Agricultural News from Oregon

Alert: farmers hit with scam license renewals

By Oregon Farm Bureau,

Attn. Farm Bureau members: We’ve been informed that fake emails are being sent asking you to “review and update your membership to avoid revoking of your license” (see example below).

This is a scam; please do not respond, nor click on the attached PDF in the email. All Farm Bureau members receive a paper invoice in the mail for membership

Oregon Ag numbers outpacing nation

By Oregon Prosperity Project,

Oregon always has been an agricultural state, with all parts of the state contributing. There’s wheat, beef, potatoes and onions from Eastern Oregon; grass seed, vegetables and nuts from the Willamette Valley; and fruit from the Columbia River Gorge and Southern Oregon.

Oregon’s ability to grow and raise so many types of food has created the foundation for an expanding food economy that includes all levels of the food chain, from farms and ranches to food processors and distributors to restaurants and retailers.

Oregon leads the nation in production of at least a dozen crops, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

Trump rule protects ranchers from lawsuit abuse

National Cattlemen Beef Association Press Release,

The National Cattlemen Beef Association and PLC encouraged by Secretary Zinke’s Order on “Sue and Settle”

Ethan Lane, Executive Director of the Public Lands Council and NCBA Federal Lands, issued the following statement in response to the Department of Interior’s Secretarial Order 3368, regarding “sue and settle”:

Oregon first: Cougar kills hiker

By Oregon Sportsmen Association

The state’s first confirmed fatal wild cougar attack occurred on Mt. Hood in September this year and has made national headlines and international headlines.  The body of 55-year old Gresham woman, Diana Bober, was discovered near a Mt. Hood hiking trail.  The police autopsy showed signs of death caused by a large animal. There are about 400 reported complaints every year of cougars threatening people or attacking livestock.    This is what hunters predicted when Oregon banned dog and bait cougar hunting.

An opposing view on Sanctuary Law change

By Jeff Stone,
OAN Executive Director

As the fall campaign season ramps up during September, voters will be learning more about the candidates running for various leadership positions. U.S. Congress, the Oregon Legislature, county commissioners, city councils — they’ll all be on the ballot.

Oregon also has a long history of citizen initiatives. In the past, voters have had the opportunity to strike down tax policies, or review controversial policy choices the Legislature has made.

Oregon I Farm, I Vote campaign begins

By Oregonians for Food and Shelter,

As the November election approaches, we are once again excited to be participating in an effort to encourage the participation of agricultural, forestry, and rural populations of Oregon in the voting process.

I Farm I Vote is a movement throughout Oregon that started in 2016 to give farmers and ranchers a voice in the election process! Let’s show elected officials, policy makers, and all citizens of Oregon that we have an impact and a strong voice. 98% of Oregon’s farms and ranches are family owned and operated and agriculture represents a large portion of the state economy. Your voice matters this November!

It’s easy to use your “I Farm I Vote – Oregon” sign! CLICK HERE to print the poster and go out to your field, tractor, forest, barn, or wherever else you work and snap a picture or take a video. Afterwards, share it with us on Facebook or Instagram using #iFarmiVoteOR, make it your profile picture, and show everyone that you believe in the importance of voting!

Have a great weekend!

Katie, Scott, Diann & Angi

Wildfire closes I-5 for third day

Video courtesy of CBS,

Consumer Reports beef article full of fear, bias

National Cattlemen Beef Association,

Consumer Reports’ article “What’s Really in Your Meat?” is nothing more than sensationalist journalism. The article, which bases its findings on unconfirmed residue screening tests of meat, draws false and misleading conclusions meant to deceive consumers and reduce the consumption of meat.

The unconfirmed results utilized by the author were erroneously released by USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) in March of this year following receipt of a Freedom of Information Act request. After realizing the mistake, FSIS worked to correct the error and provide accurate data from confirmed tests. However, even after accurate information was provided by FSIS, Consumer Reports continued to utilize the inaccurate information on which the article is based.

Gorge fires one year later

By Natural Resource News Note,

The Oregonian has a series of lovely and encouraging photos from photographer Mark Graves.  Please see the photo exhibit here.