Ag - OSU Extension Service is adding five agents who'll share
their know-how and advice
Oregon State University Extension Service is plowing more money for education into a long neglected field -- small farms.
OSU is hiring five extension agents who will specialize in advising and teaching operators of small farms and ranches better ways to grow crops, raise livestock and market them.
Agriculture leaders say keeping small farms profitable will reduce pressure to subdivide or otherwise develop the land.
The most recent census completed in 2002 by Oregon Agricultural Statistics Service found 27,209 farms and ranches statewide from 1 to 69 acres, about two-thirds of the 40,033 farms. Most of the small farms -- 15,628 -- were 10 to 49 acres.
Throughout its history, OSU Extension Service has emphasized research and education for operators of larger farms who wholesale most of their output to food processors, grocery chains and other big-volume buyers. The university has been criticized for responding inadequately to increasing consumer interest in organic fruits, vegetables and other food.
Delbert Hemphill, chairman of the extension service's North Willamette Research & Extension Center in Aurora, said he and other OSU faculty members lobbied for eight years to hire small farms agents.
Before the improving Oregon economy allowed the 2005 Legislature to increase extension service funding, Garry Stephenson was the only small farms specialist. And most of his knowledge is in livestock rather than crops.
Based in Corvallis, Stephenson is leader of the new small farms agents team, which includes full- and part-time agents.
John Belton, a Sandy-area woodland owner and chairman of the Clackamas County Extension advisory committee, said knowledge spread by the agents can help offset mounting pressure to develop rural land as a result of Measure 37.
Oregon voters in 2004 approved Measure 37, which allows some landowners to seek compensation or a waiver of restrictions if land-use rules have curbed development of their property. A judge's ruling that the measure is unconstitutional will be considered next month by the state Supreme Court.
"Measure 37 is so divisive, even in the farming community," Belton said. "It has become quite clear that these people (small farmers) need all the help they can get to make a financial go of it."
Stephenson agrees. "If (farm) land isn't profitable, people will look for something else to do with it," he said. "And if subdivisions were allowed, that's one thing they could do."
Stephenson gave an example of help needed: "A small family beef farm in Clackamas County no longer could compete in the wholesale market. I suggested they change to hormone- and antibiotic-free beef for high-end restaurants, alternative groceries and farmer markets. They did and found a successful niche."
Stephenson estimated the extension service will use $350,000 to $400,000 in the current biennium for salaries and support for the five new agents. An agent has been hired for the northern Willamette Valley, southern Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast regions. The remaining positions to be filled are set in southwest and Central Oregon.
Stephenson said he hopes for money in the next biennium to put one agent each in Eastern Oregon and the central Willamette Valley, which includes Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties. Eastern Oregon is home to an increasing number of small-scale farmers and ranchers, he said.
Nick Andrews began work Monday as the full-time north Willamette agent based in Aurora. Formerly employed by Oregon Tilth in Salem, Andrews has extensive education and experience in conventional and organic horticulture.
Jim Bronec, who grows organic squash and pumpkins on 50 acres near Canby, lauded the hiring.
"Small farms need someone who can provide vital information," Bronec said. "I've known Nick since he worked for Oregon Tilth. He's very knowledgeable about soil fertility."
Jim Kadera: 503-294-5919; jimkadera@news.oregonian.com
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