Congressman Greg Walden, U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River) issued the following statement about a coming vote on a bill to boost Oregon exports: “Oregon’s farmers, ranchers, and small businesses make some of the best products in the world. And our products are in demand around the globe, creating good […]

By Oregon Farm Bureau HB 2960 passed out the Joint Ways & Means Committee; it is headed to the House floor for a vote. HB 2960 would require all employers who do not offer a retirement plan to enroll all employees in a state-run retirement plan; employees could then choose […]

By Rick Sohn, PhD Umqua Coquille LLC Housing starts have finally shot up 20% while unsold home inventory dropped. Mortgage interest rates remain favorable, and home value is increasing. Yet, US softwood market is being harmed by Canada. Trends of lumber, home construction, and housing markets, are compared to 2006. […]

By American Farm Bureau Federation America’s farmers and ranchers need access to open markets around the world to boost the economy here at home. The American Farm Bureau Federation called on the House today to protect the future of U.S. agricultural trade by passing the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and […]

Preventing the water wars before they begin By Jeff Stone OAN Executive Director When it comes to water, the warning signs are all around us. California’s drought, hauntingly akin to the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, presents a menu of unappetizing choices for the future. The nursery industry is utterly […]

By Oregon State University Exetension Office Oregon State University has been recognized as a world-class center in agriculture and forestry, ranking ninth in an international survey. The listing appeared in the QS World University Rankings of approximately 200 top institutions for agriculture and forestry worldwide in 2015. “Our world ranking […]

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Defense Bill Passes with ESA Provisions on Sage Grouse and Prairie Chicken Language to block the listing of the greater sage grouse passed the House as part of the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act. The Public Lands Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association […]

By Oregonians for Food and Shelter Benton County GMO Ban Defeated May elections can sometimes seem like minor events as the ballot usually consists entirely of local offices and levies, but for voters in Benton County, much more was on the line this week. Benton County measure 2-89 would have […]

Timber Industry Report May 1, 2015 By Rick Sohn, PhD Umqua Coquille LLC With disappointing stud prices, log prices, and housing starts, spring is weaker than expected, more like a premature summer. Low unsold home inventory and mortgage rates do offer promise. Trends of lumber, home construction, and housing markets, […]

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association The House Agriculture Committee approved legislation that would repeal Country of Origin Labeling (H.R. 2393) by a bi-partisan vote of 38 to 6. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President and Chugwater, Wyoming, cattleman Philip Ellis applauded the action. “I thank Chairman Conaway (R-Texas), Rep. Costa (D-Cali.), and […]