OFB Water Wolves Big Issues In 2018

For the Oregon Farm Bureau there are two key issues that will be addressed in 2018, not only during the current legislative session, but throughout the year.  One will be the issue of water, both quality and quantity.  Maryanne Cooper, OFB Public Policy Council said they are working with the state to make sure water not only remains clean, but available for agriculture.  She noted this is not just an issue for growers in irrigated portions of the state.

“Every area of the state has their own unique water quality issues and conversations that they are having and working through.  So, we’re really tracking those statewide, and working to make sure they are addressed statewide with the appropriate channels and the appropriate agencies are taking the lead and managing those conversations.”

The second large issue is the gray wolf.  She noted while the wolf have been delisted east of Highway 395, there is much more that the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife can to do help ranchers.  Cooper said there have been several specific topics ODFW has ignored over the last year and a half

“So we just basically want to see increased management, they are a predator and as they grow they exceed their caring capacity they are going to turn to livestock and that’s an issue the [ODFW] very reluctant to address.  So, we’re really pushing them to move toward active management as populations are skyrocketing.”

Cooper noted that in both of theses issues, farmers cannot sit on the sidelines and remain quiet.  They must contact lawmakers and make their voice heard and become part of the conversation.

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