Bend OR

With spring right around the corner, the Central Oregon canals are getting ready to flow again. What’s in store for our local farmers?

With a rich mix of crops and livestock, Oregon farmers are not just surviving but thriving. Lydia Cruikshank shares how diversity drives this success.

Governor Tina Kotek met Wednesday with rural healthcare providers from central and eastern Oregon to discuss how the region would be impacted by proposed federal cuts.  Kotek hosted a roundtable with the leaders of Bend-based Mosaic Community Health, Harney District Hospital Family Care, Grande Ronde Hospital and others.   “...

The Oregon Senate has passed a bill that imposes new restrictions on gun ownership.  Bend Democrat Senator Anthony Broadman said the bill bans rapid fire devices, like bumpstocks, and allows local governments to ban guns from buildings where public meetings are held, even with a concealed weapons permit.   ...

If the high cost of eggs has you considering starting your own backyard chicken flock, fire officials urge you to understand the safety risks.  Bend, OR Fire and Rescue Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said his agency responded to a pair of chicken coop fires in the past week, both caused by electrical problems associated with heating lamps.   “...

Oregon’s senators announced funding Monday for a trio of Central Oregon irrigation projects.  Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced $37.4 million from the Inflation Reduction Act for piping projects in Central Oregon that the two say will boost drought resiliency, conserve almost 5,000 acre-feet of water annually, and create stronger aquatic ecosystems in the Deschutes River Basin.   “Benef... Read

The U.S. Forest Service is looking to shore up its wildland firefighting force in the Pacific Northwest.  Recruitment events will take place across Oregon next month, with stops in Bend, Sandy and La Grande on September 12th, in an effort to hire a couple hundred permanent seasonal positions.   “...

According to the Central Oregon Irrigation District, the Deschutes River flows continue to drop.  Currently, COID is diverting 75% of the normal rate from the river, which puts the delivery rates to customers anywhere from 60%-70%.  The Irrigation District noted flows are closely monitored, and if flows continue to drop customers will be notified.   ...

As the farming world evolves and changes, a new mentorship program looks to address the changing face of Oregon’s Ag community. Bend-based High Desert Food and Farm Alliance recently launched the “Growing Together” program last month. HDFFA’s Annie N ...

Justin Sharp says while many questions remain regarding his future, one thing is for sure, he wants to continue to advocate for the farming sector. If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia... Read More ...