ODA

Earlier this week, family farmers were in Salem voicing their opposition to Senate Bill 747.  The legislation, sponsored by Portland Senator Khanh Pham, would require farms 200 acres and larger to report their annual fertilizer use to the state Department of Agriculture.  The leg...

On Friday, the Oregon Department of Agriculture confirmed that a Washington County cat had tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza, more specifically avian influenza type A H5N1.  ODA said the outdoor cat with a history of exposure to wild waterfowl was examined by a veterinarian after exhibiting symptoms, including a fever, runny nose and eyes, lethargy, difficulty breathing and los

Last week, the Oregon Department of Agriculture announced they are accepting applications for Agriculture Workforce Housing Grants.  With $5 million in funding available, ODA said this grant program can support housing operators in meeting OSHA requirements, helping ensure compliance with critical health and safety standards.  Applica...

Now that her time at the USDA has come to an end, former Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Alexis Taylor has joined the International Fresh Produce Association as chief global policy officer.  She will start her new role at the Association on February 18th.   ...

The Oregon Department of Agriculture released is annual Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Survey.  According to ODA, many areas experienced outbreaks similar to 2023, while other areas experienced less pressure.  The outbreak areas were in areas that have experienced high population pressure.  Approximately 10....

Cold winter weather can be dangerous for livestock or pets that are outdoors.  The Oregon Department of Agriculture says its important for owners, ranchers, and anyone else dealing with animal to prepare and create a plan for your livestock, as well as outdoor pets, to help prevent hypothermia.  The ODA...

The Oregon Department of Agriculture continues to monitor a Crook County farm where bird flu led to the euthanization of around 70 ducks and geese as well as five pigs.  State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz said they’re testing other animals at the property, but not neighboring farms.   “Becau...

On Friday, another case of HPAI was confirmed in Oregon.  This one, according to USDA, was found in a backyard flock of geese and chickens in Jackson County.  This marks the first time bird flu has been confirmed in Jackson County.   Samples fr...

The USDA has awarded a million dollars in grants to 17 small specialty-food businesses across Oregon, in an effort to increase production.  USDA Undersecretary Jenny Moffitt made the announcement  October 22nd in Portland.   “This is the first amount of funding," she noted.  "We announced $420 mill...

This week, the Oregon Department of Agriculture announced the winners of the Farm to School Producer Equipment and Infrastructure Grants.  The F2S EI Grant is the first state-funded grant program to help producers and processors overcome financial barriers to entering or expanding into the school marketplace.  In addi...