Folks Are Discouraged Notes Oregon Farm Bureau President

Agriculture is on the brink in Oregon.  That according to Oregon Farm Bureau President Angi Bailey who said producers across the state are struggling with, among other things, profitability.  She noted the challenge starts before the season begins, with the cost of seeds up 80%.

“80% that's staggering to me. You know, Oregon has high labor costs. Oregon labor costs are about 70% higher than the national average," Bailey said.  "And so I think generally across the board, agriculture is struggling. But I think Oregon farmers and ranchers are struggling even more.”

Bailey noted that does not include the sharp increase in input costs, from fuel to fertilizers and everything in between.  She added pressures from Salem and D.C. are making it even more challenging to be a farmer in Oregon, regardless of commodity.

Bailey says she’s normally a pretty optimistic person and works hard to share the great things taking place in the Oregon Ag Sector.  But, that’s becoming more and more challenging.

"We're in a spot now where I feel like folks are just generally discouraged," she said.  "Oregon has lost over 2,000 farms between 2017-2022, which is the time frame that we have the statistical data for right now. I think the challenges that are facing agriculture are really pushing small and midsized family farms to the breaking point and I think the result of that is consolidation and larger farms.”

But, Bailey says it’s not all bad news for Oregon growers.  To find out what’s positive about Oregon Ag, listen to our podcast with Angi Bailey:

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com