heatherroberts

A newly published report from Oregon State University shows producers are slowly recovering from the pandemic.  OSU Professor of Applied Economics Jeff Reimer said the last, nearly three years, were tough for Oregon food and beverage exporters who rely on the ability to build relationships overseas.   “...

It looks like these cold temperatures aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, so it’s important to make sure your home and your operation are as energy efficient as possible.  Tom Gaunt with Pacific Power said there are a few things you can do to keep your electric bill under control.  He suggests caulkin...

It’s time once again for the USDA’s Census of Agriculture.  Oregon farmers and ranchers are being reminded to participate in this twice a decade national survey.  Dave Losh with Oregon NASS says the state Department of Agriculture, USDA, lawmakers and many others use the data to push for or against programs that impact the sector.   “I think Oregon’s at 2...

With the holiday shopping season officially underway, the Better Business Bureau is warning you to watch out for deals too good to be true.  It’s not just Santa who’s watching you this time of year.  Scammers are doing their homework as well.   “They know where we’re...

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is spending nearly $560,000 on efforts to improve habitats for the Monarch Butterfly in Oregon and California.    “Protecting monarch butterflies is an urgent issue that requires sustainable solutions,” said Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, who secured additional western monarch conservation funding as Chairman of the Interior, Environment & Related Agenci

With winter weather here across much of the Pacific Northwest, now is a good time to prevent storm damage by trimming branches hanging over your roof, fence, driveway, barn or sheds.  Jason Horton, with the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation, said it’s also time to make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage.   “If yo...

A delay in the state’s wildfire risk map may have put a portion of Senate Bill 762 on hold.  But another part of that legislation that looks to mitigate wildfires is enjoying some success.   SB762 set aside $20 million in grants for nonprofits, local governments, conservation districts, private landowners and federal partners to make their landscapes more resistant to wildfire.  Grant Coordinator

University of Oregon researchers are studying community smoke management plans and how local governments can better prepare the public for fire season.  Student researcher Stuart Warren said management plans can allow communities to get exemptions from current prescribed fire rules.   “...

A non-native bug is damaging “white oak” trees around Oregon.  State Department of Forestry’s Christine Buhl said the oak lace bug has been here since 2015, but this year, things are looking especially bad.   “It is an aesthetic pest that can make oaks look pretty bad, and so that’s a concern for the typical homeowner, even though it’s not killing the trees. But, the larger concern is always that

For the first time in a generation, Oregon’s 5th Congressional District is held by a Republican.  Lori Chavez-DeRemer beat Democrat Jamie McLeod Skinner by about a one-percent margin, becoming the first Oregon Congresswoman of Hispanic descent.  Judy Stiegler...