Family Features —

The Family Dish…A Recipe for Fun is a new program, created by Unilever Foods, to inspire families to connect through the joys of cooking together. Thefamilydish.com combines budget-friendly and palate-pleasing recipes from The Family Dish Cook Book made with popular pantry staples; hands-on stories and videos from trusted mom bloggers; and the professional knowledge and personal experience of Unilever Consumer Kitchens’ experts, offering insights such as:

• Pique Their Interest. Start by thinking about your family’s food preferences. If they love Italian or Mexican food, ask if they want to surf the Web together for an interesting recipe they would enjoy cooking. You can even download episodes of their favorite cooking shows to watch together.
• Learn as you go. For Moms who are still fine-tuning their own culinary expertise, use this as an opportunity for you and your family to learn together. Seeing that Mom is still open to learning new things may open the door to conversations that may not have ordinarily occurred.
• Don’t mind the mess. Instead, go with the flow, have fun, turn on some music and share in the clean up. Show your family that dirty pots and pans and a sink full of dishes are no match for your clean-up crew!

Here are some recipes from The Family Dish cook book your family can use to get creative – and connected – in the kitchen today.

Fettuccine Primavera

Fettuccine Primavera

6 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

1          jar (1 lb. 10 oz.) Ragu Old World Style Pasta Sauce

3          tablespoons olive oil

6          cups assorted cut-up fresh vegetables (broccoli florets, red and/or green bell pepper, onion, zucchini and/or yellow squash)

1          tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves

1          box (12 ounces) fettuccine, cooked and drained

In 2-quart saucepan, heat pasta sauce until heated through; set aside and keep warm.

In 12-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook vegetables and basil, stirring occasionally, 6 minutes or until vegetables are tender. To serve, spoon sauce over hot fettuccine, then spoon vegetable mixture over pasta. Sprinkle, if desired, with grated Parmesan cheese.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

10 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

1          3- pound boneless pork shoulder

1          envelope Lipton Recipe Secrets Onion Mushroom or Onion Soup Mix

1          cup ketchup

1/2       cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/4       cup apple cider vinegar

1          tablespoon hot pepper sauce

10        Kaiser rolls or hamburger buns

Arrange pork in slow cooker. Combine remaining ingredients except rolls and pour over pork; turn to coat.

Cook covered on LOW 8 to 10 hours or HIGH 4 to 6 hours until pork is tender.

Remove pork; reserve juices. Shred pork with fork, then stir into reserved juices. Serve on rolls.

Marbled Peanut Butter Brownies

16 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

1          box (18 to 23 oz.) brownie mix

1/2       cup Skippy Creamy, Super Chunk or Roasted Honey Nut Peanut Butter

Prepare brownie mix according to package directions, pouring batter into 9-inch baking pan.

Microwave peanut butter in microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 30 seconds or until melted. Stir, then drizzle peanut butter over batter and swirl with butter knife to marble.

Bake according to package directions. Cool completely on wire rack. To serve, cut in squares.

Bailey's Drinks, Fresh Guacammomle, Strawberry Parfait

Family Features – Whether it’s simple dinner for a few friends or a big bash for a crowd, taking the party outside takes entertaining to a whole new level. If you’re planning an outdoor get-together, don’t spend all your time in the kitchen. These quick and easy tips will help you spend more time with guests and ensure your gathering is an effortless success.

• Preparation is key. Prepare any appetizers you’re serving the night before and keep in the fridge. This will allow you to focus on any last minute arrangements on the day of your party.
• Think outside the box. If you’re worried that you may not have enough serving dishes for your get-together, look for cups and glasses that may double as a dip bowl or unique container for fruits or vegetables.
• Candles are always a quick and easy way to add ambiance and class to any space. Keep several on hand to grab when the sun goes down, but the party is still going strong.
• Serve a delicious iced coffee cocktail. These cool drinks provide guests with a sweet treat that no one will be able to resist. Plus, they’re so easy to make you’ll have plenty of time to tend to all of your other host duties. Just double brew your coffee in the morning and stick in the fridge until you’re ready to mix and serve.

Try these easy, indulgent recipes to host a party all of your friends will be talking about.

Visit www.Facebook.com/Baileys for more recipes, and videos of top baristas and bartenders from around the country making delicious iced coffee cocktails.

Baileys Original Iced Coffee

Makes 1 serving

3.5       ounces Baileys Original Irish Cream

7          ounces iced coffee

Pour ingredients over ice in a tall glass.

The Simple One

Makes 1 serving

1          ounce Baileys Original Irish Cream

3/4       ounce cognac-based orange liqueur

3          ounces iced coffee

Pour ingredients over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange peel.

Guatemalan Spice

Makes 1 serving

3/4       ounce Baileys Original Irish Cream

1 3/4    ounces iced coffee

1 1/8    ounces rum

1/16     ounce cinnamon syrup

Pinch of freshly ground cinnamon

Add Irish Cream, rum, cinnamon syrup and iced coffee to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously with ice, strain into a Delmonico or other glass of your choice, and garnish with freshly ground cinnamon.

The aging of the Oregon farmer and rancher is a continuing trend. In the most recent census (2007), the average age of principal operator– the person most responsible for the day-to-day decisions and management of the farm– is at an all-time high of 57.5 years old. That is an increase from the 2002 census figure of 54.9 years old. As recently as 1982, the average age of principal operator was 50.4 years old. The data suggests there is a general graying of the Oregon agricultural producer. Nationally, the numbers show the same trend.

“I’m a little bit concerned by the number and not sure what all the dynamics are that might be contributing to that number,” says Katy Coba, director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture. “It’s possible that younger farm and ranch operators are simply getting out of the business. But these are numbers that were captured in 2007, so you can’t really attribute it to the overall economic downturn.”

Given the current recession and its impact on agricultural operations, it’s likely that a snapshot taken today would reflect an even older average age for Oregon farmers and ranchers as younger, less established operators get out of the business.

In the previous census, the average age of Oregon’s farm and ranch operator was below the national average. Now, Oregon finds itself older than the national average of 57.1 years old.

For ODA’s director, it gets back to the overall economic health of Oregon agriculture.

“I think we have to focus on keeping agriculture in Oregon viable and showing that the industry is a place younger people can come into,” says Coba. “Anything we can to promote a good business climate and help farmers be successful, that’s where we need to focus our attention.”

The census asks for information on up to three operators involved with the farm. These are individuals who may not be the senior operator, but are very much a part of the farm and, perhaps, in position to become the principal operator in the future. The statistics show that the second and third operators on Oregon farms are significantly younger than the principal operator. The general assumption is that these are children or other family members. Two-thirds are under the age of 55, while less than half of the principal operators are under the age of 55. Whether the new data eases concerns that Oregon agriculture is getting too old, too fast is open to debate. But some see it as a hopeful sign for the future.

“The census shows secondary operators are younger,” says Coba. “That makes more sense to me. We have a lot of younger people working on the farm. In many cases, the father is still listed as the primary operator, but it might be the son or daughter listed as a secondary operator who does a majority of the work.”

A closer look at the age data in the census shows only 109 of the state’s 38,500 principal farm operators are under the age of 25, while 3,770 are over the age of 75. In fact the number of operators under the age of 45 decreased 31 percent in 2007 compared to 2002 while the number of operators over the age of 65 increased 22 percent. Both age categories are dominated by farm owners who have less than 50 acres of land.

Another interesting set of statistics attempts to explain what kind of commodity the older farmer and rancher tend to raise or cultivate. The numbers indicate that a broad category that includes grass seed, hay, hops, mint, and sugarbeet growers is the oldest group, in general, with an average age of 58.6 years old. Beef cattle ranchers and fruit and nut growers are not far behind, both averaging 58.4 years of age. Those three categories account for about 70 percent of all Oregon operators 70 years of age or older.

Among the commodities showing the youngest principal operators are hogs (average age 52.1 years old), and vegetables/melons (54.9 years old).

Where are the older farmers and ranchers? Of Oregon’s 36 counties, Wheeler claims the oldest average age at 61.9 years old followed by Curry (60.1 years old) and Coos (60.0 years old). The youngest farmers and ranchers are found in Marion, Malheur, and Harney counties– all at 56.0 years old.

Despite the economic downturn, the recent census continues demonstrates that Oregon operators are in it for the long haul. About 71 percent of the state’s 38,553 principal operators– some 27,446 farmers and ranchers– have been on their present farm for more than ten years.

Finding solutions to the aging agriculture population is important but challenging. Farm succession is a major consideration. A key focus for agriculture on a national scale is the federal estate tax law. If Congress does not act this year, the federal estate tax is scheduled to increase to 55 percent with only a $1 million exemption at the beginning of 2011. Industry lobbying efforts to increase the exemption and hold down the percentage are underway. Their success may go a long way towards ensuring the next generation can inherit the farm.

Director Coba says it’s not a case of young people unwilling to farm, but rather if they can make a living.

“You look at your own children,” she says. “You want them to get into a career that will allow them to succeed. If we want young people to come into farming and ranching in Oregon, we need to show them it can be a profitable venture. It gets back to having an economic environment in our state where they can be successful.”

Communities supporting agriculture and government entities being aware of regulatory impacts on farming both have a role in the competitiveness of growers and how young people may feel about agriculture as a livelihood. But it’s clear the industry needs an influx of younger operators to sustain farming and ranching.

For more information, contact Brent Searle at (503) 986-4558.

Wallowa Cougars

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Wallowa Cougars2010 Volleyball Schedule

Enterprise Outlaws

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SALEM, Ore. –

“The workshops offer the total package,” Newell said. “Someone can go from not even knowing how to shoot a gun safely to having a real chance to shoot a bird.”

The pheasant hunts for adults are scheduled for:

Sept. 11-12, Denman Wildlife Area, Medford. A two-day workshop for men and women that includes half-day shotgun skills training on Saturday morning and two separate pheasant hunts (Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning). Cost: $50 per person.

Each workshop includes time on the shooting range and instruction in basic shotgun skills.

Sept. 24, E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area, Corvallis. This one-day Becoming an Outdoor Woman (BIOW) workshop will include a shotgun skills training in the morning and a pheasant hunt in the afternoon. Cost: $40 per person.

Oct. 2-3, Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, La Grande. A two-day BOW workshop that includes half-day shotgun skills training on Saturday morning and two separate pheasant hunts (Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning). Cost: $50 per person.

BOW is an award-winning program designed to teach basic outdoor skills to women in a supportive atmosphere.

Participant in the 2009 workshop at EE Wilson bagged her limit of birds during the afternoon hunt.

All workshops include the use of necessary equipment – including shotguns, shells and safety gear – instruction, some meals and the chance to hunt with volunteer instructors and their dogs.

“If someone’s never had a chance to hunt with a well-trained bird dog, it can be a real treat,” said Newell.

Participants in these events must be 18 or older and are required to have a hunting license ($22.50 for residents), an upland game bird validation ($6.50 for residents), and a free upland HIP (Harvest Information Program) validation. Get them in advance online, at an ODFW office that sells licenses or at a license sales agent.

For more information contact Mark Newell at 503-947-6018 or visit www.dfw.state.or.us. Registration materials are available at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/outdoor_skills/workshops.asp.

Fire once again struck with fury in southern Oregon destroying 11 homes in an Ashland neighborhood.  Thankfully, no one was injured, but our thoughts and prayers go to those families who suffered such a tragic loss.

While this fire was not related to fire from forestlands, I remain committed to protecting watersheds and improving the health of our forests to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire.  The bipartisan Healthy Forests Restoration Act II would update and improve the law passed in 2003 that has worked well where used to reduce fuels around forested communities.  Now, we need to expand the scope of the work to protect our precious forests and essential watersheds.

Bipartisan attempts to get a hearing on the measure in the House Resources Committee have been ignored by the chairman, West Virginia Democrat Nick Rahall.

Late last week, most members of the Oregon congressional delegation met for several hours with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack who came to downtown Portland to discuss federal forest issues and reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act.

We had an excellent turnout of county commissioners and judges from the 2nd District—and elsewhere in rural Oregon—who made very compelling arguments for the necessity of continuing this partnership.

Many in the room had hoped the secretary would announce that the President was including reauthorization in his budget for next year, but that didn’t happen, although the secretary pressed everyone in the room for specific, real-life examples of the impact of the county payments program on schools and communities. He said he wanted the information so he could make a more compelling case for the extension.

In April of this year, a bipartisan coalition of House members wrote to the chairman and top Republican on the House Budget Committee asking them to include a deficit neutral reauthorization in the 2011 budget.  Unfortunately, the Budget Committee failed to even write a budget this year—the first time that’s happened in modern history!

So we go into the final year of county payments with great uncertainty and some counties on the edge of insolvency if the program ends.

How sad that we’ve gotten to this point where federal policy has shut down the country’s most productive forests from active management, killing tens of thousands of jobs in rural, timbered communities, and now we have to beg for the federal government to keep its more than 100-year-old commitment to support counties where it controls massive amounts of land.

Prior to the meeting with commissioners and judges, the secretary and most of the congressional delegation met with representatives of the timber and forestland owner community.

The private sector folks made very compelling arguments for why federal policy must change, or even more mills will close, more people will lose their jobs, and the forests will be worse off from lack of management to deal with overstocked stands, bug infestations, etc.

In Oregon, state and locally owned public forests account for about 3.5 percent of the total forest lands and provide 8 percent of the timber for harvest.  Private lands that account for 35 percent of Oregon’s forests provide 83 percent of Oregon’s timber harvest. Meanwhile, federal forests comprise 60 percent of our forestlands, yet only supply 8 percent of the harvest.

Meanwhile, the promise of the Clinton forest plan goes unmet.  We were promised an annual harvest of 1.1 billion board feet but we are only harvesting roughly 30 percent of that – around 0.32 billion board feet annually.

MILTON-FREEWATER LEVY

Several weeks ago I wrote about my briefing and onsite tour of the levy in Milton-Freewater and meeting with affected community members and agencies.  As you know, the House passed legislation this summer that provides some relief on flood insurance for communities such as Milton-Freewater.  The Senate has not taken up the measure, but I hope it will this fall.

Last week, the Oregon Solutions Project Team met in Milton-Freewater and I provided them with a letter of support as part of their declaration of cooperation. The formal Oregon Solutions process has ended so there will no longer be regularly scheduled meetings, however almost everyone has committed to moving forward to solve the issue.

LTC David Caldwell, the new commander for the Walla-Walla US Army Corps of Engineers, was at the meeting and knows of my interest and my appreciation for the Corps’ full involvement.  The Water Control District Board is moving ahead with a bond measure in November; based on repair cost estimates they have proposed a $2.85 million bond.

There was also discussion of funding being secured to do a pilot project using goats to keep the vegetation maintained on the levees. I understand from local officials that since the meeting I organized earlier in the summer with federal agencies that issues with FEMA have been smoother.

KLAMATH DROUGHT AID

After working closely with Senator Merkley to secure $10 million in emergency drought aid for farmers in the Klamath Basin, we discovered this week that the way the final bill was drafted had an error that requires all of all of the money to be obligated by the end of September.  That was never the intent and causes a huge problem for the folks involved.  While we need to continue to ensure that these emergency funds hit the ground as soon as possible, we’ll work to fix this latest mess when Congress reconvenes in September.  Hopefully, we can insert corrective language in a must-pass bill to fund federal agencies that Congress will likely take up in September, and give the Bureau of Reclamation a little more flexibility to get the funds out the door and reduce the risk of these much-needed funds going somewhere other than the basin.

ECONOMY AND JOBS

The news this week regarding the drop in home sales only confirms what more and more Americans feel: the economy is not on the right track.  Further, as I talk with those who create jobs, they’re deeply concerned about the impact of policies coming out of Washington and what the threat of higher taxes and new mandates and regulations will mean for them.  Uncertainty is killing job growth.  Having been a small business owner in Oregon for nearly 22 years, I understand fully this natural reaction.  The last thing an employer wants to do is take a risk when you don’t know what that risk really may cost you.

Congress needs to stop passing these massive bills – which many have not read and most don’t understand the consequences of — and give American entrepreneurs a chance to catch their breath.

That’s it for now.

Best regards,

Greg Walden
U.S. Representative
Oregon’s 2nd District

Contact Information
Southern Oregon Office 843 East Main Street, Ste 400 Medford, OR 97504 Main: 541-776-4646 Fax: 541-779-0204 Tollfree: 800-533-3303		Central Oregon Office 1051 NW Bond St., Suite 400 Bend, OR 97701 Main: 541-389-4408 Fax: 541-389-4452
Eastern Oregon Office 1211 Washington Avenue La Grande, OR 97850 Main: 541-624-2400 Fax: 541-624-2402		Washington, DC Office 2352 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Main: 202-225-6730 Fax: 202-225-5774