Oregon farmers & ranchers are getting older, which is a concern to ODA’s Director
ODA — Oregon agriculture is getting older. The average age of Oregon’s farmers and ranchers is clearly rising, according to the most recent U.S. Census of Agriculture. As a result, the state’s agriculture director is concerned about the future, but hopeful that the industry can stay viable enough to attract and keep younger operators. Read more
Blue Green Algae toxicities in pets and livestock can cause serious disease and even death
Blue-green algae are also known as cyanobacteria. These microscopic plants can grow in any type of water and are generally too small to be seen. However, algal blooms are often visible and are harmful to people and pets. Read more
Tansy ragwort re-emerges in Oregon, but still controllable
ODA – Farmers and ranchers in Western Oregon this summer are noticing patches of the telltale bright yellow flowers of tansy ragwort– a noxious weed once the scourge of the 1970s. But the experts at the Oregon Department of Agriculture say it’s no cause for alarm as successful biological control agents should keep the plant from making an unwelcome comeback to prior levels. Read more
4-H, FFA livestock sells for $140,189 at annual fair auction
ENTERPRISE, Ore – After eight days of Wallowa County Fair, FFA and 4-H members sold 138 market animals to the highest bidder on Saturday, August 7, the last day of Fair. Total sales added up to with $140,189. Read more
ODA’s Metrology Lab receives highest of marks following national audit
The keepers of Oregon’s measurement standards
ODA Story of the week — Simply put, the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s metrology laboratory is one of the best in the country. So says a two-person, third party auditing team that completed an extensive review last week of the lab in Salem. The audit verifies accreditation and compliance requirements prescribed by national and international organizations that deal with accuracy in measurement. To the average Oregon consumer, the great report card supports the claim that the marketplace is governed by accurate standards of measurement. That greatly increases the likelihood that the consumer is getting what they pay for. Read more
ODA and partners turn giant hogweed into smaller problem
Progress is being made in Portland and other sites where the noxious weed is foundJuly 14, 2010… An invasive noxious weed in Oregon that poses both environmental and human health impacts is still around, but local, state, and federal efforts to control and eradicate giant hogweed appear to be working. This is the time of year the plant’s flowers are blooming. The last thing Oregon needs is for the plants to produce more seeds. So, in addition to treating known infested sites, weed control officials would like to know about any new sightings of giant hogweed. Read more
ODA offers summertime food safety tips
Now that summer has officially arrived, Oregonians are doing a lot more outdoor cooking and eating. The potential for food borne illness increases in July and August. Proper food handling and preparation is never more important as families flock to picnics, barbecues, and campouts. The Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Division is offering seasonal advice on how to enjoy a problem-free summer of eating. Read more
2010 Wallowa County 4H Spring Fair Results
ENTERPRISE, Ore – Wallowa County’s 2010 4-H Spring Fair was held June 22-23 in Enterprise at the fairgrounds with 91 4-H members competing before judges. Read more
Wallowa County Stockgrowers Association Scholarships available again
Two scholarship are offered by the Wallowa County Stockgrowers Association to encourage participation in a field that is indirectly related to agriculture (e.g. Home Economics, Mechanical Engineering, Business). Funds for the Helen Boucher Scholarschip scholarship award have been donated in memory of Helen Boucher to help Wallowa County students pursue a higher education. Read more
Oregon’s animal industries look at turning animal waste into a natural resource
For livestock operators, manure happens– that can be OK
ODA – Story of the Week — It’s not exactly the fairy tale theme of turning straw into gold, but Oregon livestock operators are generally succeeding in turning animal manure into something beneficial. From utilizing the nutrients found in animal waste as a fertilizer for crops, to deriving methane gas from manure, dairies and other operations are taking a perceived negative and creating a positive. Read more
