Higher Energy Prices Hitting Farmers’ Bottom Line By National Farm Bureau Federation WASHINGTON, D.C., July 26, 2011 – While farmers are benefiting from positive commodity prices, rising production costs remain a concern, according to economists with the American Farm Bureau Federation. “These are encouraging times for the U.S. farm economy,” […]

Hazelnut farmers recycle empty shells for hazelnut drying By Stephanie Page Oregon Department of Agriculture This coming fall, Steve and Karla Heesacker will not have to purchase propane to dry hazelnuts at their Forest Grove farm and drying facility. Instead they will use an agricultural resource in ample supply—“blank” hazelnut […]

By National Cattlemen Beef Association WASHINGTON (July 20, 2011) – The U.S. debt ceiling continues to dominate debate in Washington, D.C., this week. A great deal of the discussion hinges on job creation and fiscal responsibility. However, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall said […]

Strong fall chinook returns expected for Columbia River By Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife CLACKAMAS, Ore. – Columbia River fisheries managers are expecting the largest return of fall chinook salmon since 2004 to begin arriving when the fall fishing season gets under way Aug. 1. Fisheries managers are forecasting […]

Manufacturing in Rural Oregon by Andrew R Crollard Oregon Employment Department Manufacturing plays a large role in the economy of Oregon’s rural counties. Almost 20 percent of Oregon’s manufacturing employees work in rural Oregon. In 2009, the manufacturing industry in rural Oregon included 1,222 firms spread across the state’s 25 […]

Dave Hunnicutt President, Oregonians In Action Here is a clip from a speech given last month by State Representative Mitch Greenlick (D – Portland) on the floor of the Oregon House of Representatives: http://www.youtube.com/OIAoregon The bill that Representative Greenlick was opposing was House Bill 3465, a bill designed to allow […]

by Melanie Osborne & Meghan M. Kelly Stoel Rives World of Employment Stoel Rives Law Firm, Oregon Alaska has joined the growing list of states that have outlawed the sale or possession of “synthetic cannabinoids.” These so-called designer drugs are sold under trade names like “Spice” and “K2”, and are […]

OFS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION By Oregonians for Food and Shelter Oregonians for Food & Shelter (OFS), a 501(c)(6) non-profit association located in Salem, Oregon is seeking a full-time, Executive Director to start ideally on or before January 23, 2012. Starting salary commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits include family medical, retirement […]

Debt Ceiling Negotiations Lasting Impact on Agriculture By American Farm Bureau Federation Johnna Miller, Director of Media Development, AFBF Days away from the federal government defaulting on its debt, the debt ceiling negotiations continue to be the top priority of both members of Congress and the White House. American Farm […]

Oregon Century Farm & Ranch Program Awards Century Status to 10 Farms & Ranches and one Sesquicentennial Farms in 2011 By Oregon Farm Bureau (Salem, OR) – At an annual awards ceremony at the Oregon State Fair, families from across the state will receive recognition for operating as either a […]