EUGENE, Ore. — These up-and-down conditions and historically dry weather have complicated things for all sorts of farmers, particularly hay farmers who work with an extremely sensitive crop. Last spring, farmers were begging for a break from the rain. This year a dry spell threw them for a loop. And what was on course to … Continue reading »
Local Farmers Cope without Rain
EUGENE, Ore. — It’s been 19 dry days and counting now in what’s shaping up to be one of the drier springs on record. Local farms have only received six inches of rain since January, about a third of what they’re supposed to get. But where Mother Nature fails, farmers prevail. “When it gets hot, … Continue reading »
The Sustainable Table: That’s My Farmer
JUNCTION CITY, Ore. — Tomatoes, berries, squash–they’re part of the delicious seasons that are summer and fall here in Oregon. Though it will be a few months before people get to taste them, local farms are already preparing for the harvest. “Right now, we’re starting all the seedlings for the season. We have onions, broccoli, … Continue reading »
Fire Protection for Benton County
CORVALLIS, Ore. — Officials in Benton County are seeking to provide formal fire protection to a rural area south of Corvallis. The area is called Greenberry Gap–27,000 acres of mostly farmland that falls outside the boundary of any rural fire protection district. For the first time, Benton County is considering annexation of a two-square-mile neighborhood … Continue reading »
Farm Bill Tentative Agreement Reached
(CNN) — There’s still no deal on the fiscal cliff. But lawmakers have reached a tentative agreement to keep your milk prices from going up in the new year. Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow said Sunday that the House and Senate have developed a short-term farm bill extension. Lawmakers say it would last one year. But, … Continue reading »
Sustainable Table: Biodynamic Farming
NOTI, Ore. — It’s a soggy December day, but it will take more than rain to keep the staff from Winter Green Farm out of the fields. “Right now, we’re just harvesting the remnants of crops,” said Wali Via, Winter Green Farm Co-Owner. Crops like cabbage, Brussels sprouts–plants that can survive this far into the … Continue reading »
Growing Fish and Produce Together
EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon is home to the largest aquaponics farm in the country. The Farming Fish started with a lot of conversations. The farm’s three partners spent years researching their idea. “It’s the marriage of aquaculture–raising fish for food with hydroponics–which is raising produce or plants in water; so when you combine those two, … Continue reading »
