Archives

February 20, 2015 - Bill to end Cuba trade embargo introduced

By National Association of Wheat Growers A bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced major legislation that would end the U.S. trade embargo of Cuba. The bill would end the restrictions on U.S. companies doing business in Cuba that have been in place since 1961. Senators […]


February 18, 2015 - Port slow-down a disaster for rural Oregon

Congressman Greg Walden, U.S. Rep. Greg Walden called for a swift resolution to the labor slowdown affecting ports up and down the West Coast. At a press conference today, Walden outlined the disastrous consequences the crisis has caused for farmers and manufacturers in Oregon, like tree fruit growers in the […]


February 16, 2015 - Wolf Plan Phase II engaged after 7 breeding pairs found

By Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Oregon is moving to Phase II of its wolf recovery plan after wildlife biologists documented seven breeding pairs of wolves in Oregon in 2014. Of nine known wolf packs, only the Imnaha Pack is not a breeding pair. The Umatilla River pack still […]


February 13, 2015 - Oregonians for Food-Shelter gets new director

By Oregonians for Food and Shelter Oregonians for Food and Shelter Appoints New Executive Director Oregonians for Food and Shelter (OFS) announced today that Katie Fast has been hired as Executive Director. Katie comes with a wealth of natural resource and political experience. For the past 11 years, Katie has […]


February 11, 2015 - Ag bills in 2015 Legislature

First Week of Session: Go Big or Go Home By Oregon Farm Bureau OFB’s New Legislative Outreach Program Oregon Farm Bureau will be using a new program this session-Voter Voice-to help communicate with you on important bills and coordinate your outreach to legislators. Through this program, we can provide links […]


February 10, 2015 - 2015 looks good for lumber, housing

By Rick Sohn Ph.D Umpqua Coquille LLC 2015 looks promising. 30-year mortgage rates are again below 4%, unsold inventories are down, home prices are up steadily, and construction remains above 1 million. Trends of lumber, home construction, and housing markets, are compared to 2005. Interpretation and Looking Ahead. Stud prices […]


February 6, 2015 - New Congress puts regulators on notice

By American Farm Bureau Federation With the launch of a new oversight subcommittee focusing on the administration’s energy and environmental policies and House passage of the Regulatory Accountability Act (H.R. 185), House lawmakers are putting the Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies on notice: Business as usual is over. In […]


February 4, 2015 - Low Carbon bill further handicaps family farms

Low Carbon bill further handicaps family farms By Oregon Family Farm Association Farming in Oregon is becoming more difficult than other states. Oregon’s net cash farm income was down by 10%. This downturn occurred while the same income was rising nationally by 24%. Oregon is sinking while other states are […]


February 2, 2015 - Why Wyden’s Bill Doesn’t “Double” Timber Harvests

Healthy Forest, Healthy Communities Sen. Ron Wyden recently announced the reintroduction of his O&C federal forest legislation, pledging once again to “double” timber harvests as a way to create desperately-needed jobs in rural Oregon.  However, a recent report commissioned by Oregon’s affected counties indicates that the Wyden plan would actually reduce harvest […]


January 30, 2015 - The cheap gas ride will not last

By Cindy National Corn Growers Association Not to sound like a lunatic but it may be entirely possible, maybe even likely, the American public will be begging for a return to $3.60 gas in the near future. I know it sounds crazy, but if you are following the public debate […]