OSU’s Small Farms program just published the Winter 2023 Oregon Small Farm News digital magazine. Topics include news about the OR drought and heat resilience grant programs, how the other guys are sourcing commercial irrigation water, and how to join the Farmer-to-Farmer Willamette Valley Agritourism Network.
Browse here!
Start your Monday off with some fresh off the press news! Check out these recently published articles discussing the dry farming of winegrapes in Oregon.
Unlocking the Secrets of the Vines by Greg Norton of the Oregon Wine Press
This is a deep dive into Dr. Alexander Levin’s work and history in researching vineyard management techniques, including water and irrigation.
Growing Pains: Winemakers Reflect on a Changing Climate by Laura Ness of the Wine Industry Advisor
Check out quotes from Evan Martin, owner and winemaker of Martin Woods in McMinnville, who reflects on the positives and negatives of dry farmed vines.
Walking The Rows: Résonance Vineyard And The Fool’s Errand Plot by Jill Barth of Forbes Magazine
A focused look at the Résonance Vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, one of the Willamette Valley’s oldest dry farmed and own-rooted vineyards.
Residents of Central Oregon weigh in on a proposed resort in the high desert that would pump 300,000 gallons of water per day from wells, expanding to five million gallons by 2035. Much of the water would, you guessed it, go to irrigate proposed golf courses. The public outcry is causing the company to backtrack… some. This after State Representatives have called for the Oregon Water Resources Department to stop issuing new water rights permits.
For a deep dive on struggles over water rights in Oregon, listen to All Things Considered March 2022 report.
“Pushing the Eco Envelop: Three wineries utilize unique sustainability solutions” by Greg Norton of Oregon Wine Press – This article includes a look at Abbot Claim’s innovative solution to recycling winery wastewater.
“Grant to help U of A researchers address farming in drying climate” by Eva-Marie Hube of the Arizona Daily Star
“Dry farming could help agriculture in the western US amid climate change” by Katherine Kornei of Science News
“Oregon’s water problems are accumulating; Idaho may have an answer” by Randy Stapilus of Oregon Capital Chronicle
“Kansas Is Showing What a Drier Future Looks Like” by Adam Minter of Bloomberg via the Washington Post
“How do you grow crops with no water?" A rancher on the Gila River is trying an old approach” by Jake Frederico of the Arizona Republic
“As California's Drought Goes On, What Can Farmers Do?” by Kendall Lambert of Civil Eats
“California Falls Short When Helping Farmers Save Water” by Adam Kotin and Kendall Lambert of Civil Eats
