By Oregon Small Business Association, Some consumers are set to benefit from a poor economy, as all three Oregon natural gas providers requested reduced rates in filings sent to the Oregon Public Utilities Commission.  The companies, Northwest Natural Gas, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista Utilities asked for rate decreases ranging […]

By John Hart American Federation Farm Bureau This summer’s raucous town hall meetings on national health care reform have brought high drama, while illustrating the considerable uneasiness of many Americans on the subject. Less theatrical, but equally important, are the grassroots efforts of Farm Bureau members on the Waxman-Markey climate […]

By Oregon Wheat Growers League, OWGL tracked approximately 325 pieces of legislation out of the nearly 4,000 pieces of legislation introduced. Obviously, some restraints should be created to limit the number of bills introduced by each member as the current system is unmanageable and lacks discipline. Sine Die occurred on […]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, SALEM, Ore.—ODFW is now offering hunters that have missed the tag sale deadline a process that allows them to still buy their tag and go hunting. Beginning today, hunters that pay a $6.50 fee in addition to the tag fee and sign an affidavit […]

WASHINGTON (August 25, 2009) – Leaders from academia and the beef industry are announcing the formation of an independent advisory group to focus on beef cattle health and well-being. The North American Food Animal Well-being Commission for Beef (NAFAWC-Beef)—which includes world-renowned experts in animal well-being—will advocate for increased research funding […]

“Over the past five years, 584 campfires built on state-protected lands burned 1,615 acres and cost $2.6 million to put out.” Oregon Department of Forestry: Crisp mornings and cool evenings foretell the arrival of fall. But wildfire danger lingers during this seasonal transition. Forest fuels both large and small, from […]

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA will soon be accepting applications for grants to assist agricultural producers seeking to add value to the commodities they produce. Approximately $18 million will be awarded nationwide. “These grants strengthen rural economies and create jobs by helping farmers and ranchers add value […]

By Tiffany Woods, Oregon State University Extension Service Highlights – Environmental pressure has little impact on firm’s environmental decision – Market forces help reduce environmental violations – Smaller firms violate rules more than larger firms – Executive green values can create over-compliance CORVALLIS, Ore. – A business is more likely […]

Government Affairs Update Oregon Cattlemen Association State Senators Resigning: State Senator Vicki Walker-D (Dist. 7, Eugene) announced her resignation in July to take on a position on the State Board of Parole and Post Prison Supervision.  Sen. Walker’s senate seat will be filled by Rep. Chris Edwards of Eugene.  Senator […]

Production value increases don’t keep pace with rising costs Oregon Department of Agriculture, Very little change took place last year in Oregon’s overall net farm income, but what could have been a great 2008 bottom line for farmers and ranchers was negated by a rapid increase in expenses. A newly […]