Salem-News.com Agriculture articles

Thank a Farmer on National Ag Day and Every Day

One commonality between all farmers is an unshakeable respect for, and love of, the land.

(SALEM, Ore.) - There are 67,595 farmers and ranchers in Oregon, according to the latest U.S. Census of Agriculture. Their average age is 57.9 years and 44% are women. Despite representing less than 2% of the state population, these families contribute enormously to Oregon’s economy, landscape, and quality of life.

While inflation has driven up the cost of food, Oregon’s farmers and ranchers are not getting richer.

Oregon Ag Fest Coming to the State Fairgrounds April 23-24

What's all the buzz? Get up close to honeybees and more at Ag Fest!

(SALEM, Ore.) - Over 20,000 people are expected to attend the 2022 Oregon Ag Fest to touch, taste and experience the incredible world of Oregon agriculture, in a fun-filled, festive environment.

The two-day event is aimed at helping families better understand where their food, fiber and flora come from.

Dairy Supply Chains Will Need to Adjust as Consumer Behavior Changes

Forecasts suggest that the U.S. could lose up to 25% of its restaurants.

(DENVER, Colo./GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - As consumers heeded the stay-at-home advisories, they increased purchases of products that in recent years had fallen out of favor.

Processed cheese sales increased by nearly 20% during the eight weeks ending May 31. White milk sales gained more than 10% during the same period. Cereal is also doing well with sales up almost 15%.

Native Oregonian Returns to Roots as First CEO of Oregon FFA

Dooley started his FFA career at Dayton High School, where he raised Holstein bottle calves, sheep, and hogs.

(CORVALLIS, Ore.) - Shawn Dooley, a former Oregon FFA State Officer and American FFA Degree recipient, will serve as the first CEO of Oregon FFA. Dooley begins work on March 18 and will manage the Oregon FFA Association, Oregon FFA Foundation, and Oregon FFA Alumni—three entities that have previously operated independently but with parallel aims.

For his part, Dooley believes the CEO position allows him to return to his FFA roots and to his degree in agricultural education from OSU.

Oregon Delegation Calls for Enforcement Against Deceptive Practices in Wine Industry

There is evidence that Oregon wine is being imitated by a California winery.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - “It has come to the attention of the Oregon Congressional delegation that Copper Cane LLC (‘Copper Cane’), a California winery based in Rutherford advertises their ‘The Willametter Journal’ and ‘Elouan’ brand names as having appellations of origin in Oregon...

“However, it appears that Copper Cane purchases wine grapes and bulk wines produced in Oregon before vinifying and bottling them in California under these wine labels.”

Keizer Iris Parade and Festival is Blooming Spectacular!

The fields are alive with color...again!

(SALEM, Ore.) - Each year Schreiner's Iris Gardens donates hundreds of field-fresh Iris stems to the Keizer Iris Festival and there is no better place to celebrate.

This Saturday, check out the beautiful floats in the Iris Parade in Keizer, beginning at 10:30 a.m., then visit Schreiner's 10-acre display garden in full bloom.

Schrader Bipartisan Bill Passes House

Schrader Bill will Restore 2014 Biological Opinion for the Columbia River

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Today, a bipartisan bill introduced by Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR-05) and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-05) to bring certainty back to the Federal Columbia River Power System passed the House with bipartisan support.

HR 3144 will put science back into the management of the hydropower operations by codifying the Obama Administration approved 2014 Biological Opinion, a collaborative agreement on how to manage the river system to protect fish and support clean, renewable energy until a new BiOp can be completed in 2022.

WSU Files Counter Suits to Protect New Apple Variety

The distinctive new apple should be widely available by early next year.

(PULLMAN, Wash.) - Washington State University announced today that it has taken legal action in state and federal court against Phytelligence, an agricultural biotechnology company, for breach of contract and patent and trademark infringement.

According to filings by WSU, Phytelligence had signed a research agreement with WSU to propagate the trees that produce Cosmic Crisp apples, subject to strict limits. However, in 2016, the company sold 135,000 Cosmic Crisp trees to an outside grower.

Are Men a Barrier to Healthier Family Eating?

Salem survey: More women interested in plant-based diet, but worry the family won't like it

(SALEM, Ore.) - A health survey of Salem-area residents by Kaiser Permanente Northwest finds that more women are likely to try a plant-based diet to improve their health, while more men say they would miss meat too much.

Studies have shown that increasing the amount of vegetables and fruit while cutting back on processed food, sugar, meat and dairy has numerous health benefits.

The Importance of Healthy Eating for Your Kids

All ages benefit from healthing up!

(SALEM, Ore.) - Healthy, sustainable eating is all the rage, and rightfully so. More and more, people are paying attention to what they eat, and where what they eat comes from.

A more symbiotic relationship between humans and food, namely how our food is produced, is necessary in order to reduce our carbon footprint as a whole.