Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is a new network assembled by the USDA’s National Organic Program to support transitioning and organic producers with mentorship and resources.
Learn more here!
In The News
Keep up to date with news about farming & winemaking!
Retaining Soil Moisture at Lighthouse Herb’n Farm By Luz Ballesteros Gonzalez, NCAT Agriculture Specialist
Explore the methods that Lighthouse Herb’n Farm uses to retain soil moisture in this video interview with NCAT.
See just how deep cover crop roots can go by Tom J. Bechman of the Indiana Prairie Farmer
Bechman talks with Dena Anderson, a soil scientist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, who explained how cover crop roots (and earthworms!) can go for multiple feet even when young.
Can you fence deer out of crop fields? by Chris Torres of the American Agriculturist
Torres explores how two Pennsylvanian farmers attempt to control deer on their land.
Technology: The future of grape growing by Lee Allen of the Western Farm Press
Allen explores how AI is coming to grape growing in its analysis of soil conditions, irrigation management, and drone-monitoring.
Old vines in Lodi area still producing by Lee Allen of the Western Farm Press
Allen talks with sommelier and wine writer Randy Caparoso's work on publishing "Lodi!", a history of the region and its old-vine vineyards.
Check Out ATTRA's Guide to Incorporating Agroforestry Into Your Farm
Quick Tips for Agroforestry by Katherine Favor and Justin Morris, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialists
ATTRA has released a quick and fascinating guide to incorporating trees and forests into your farm's planning. Learn about what types of trees to plant where to improve soil quality, water retention, and nitrogen fixation, as well as how to include livestock, native fauna, and even valuable fungi.
ATTRA (Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas) is a knowledge source for sustainable agriculture, created by the US Dept of Agriculture Rural Development and the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)
Happy National Farmers Day!
Thank you to the farmers that grow our food and beverages, too!
Carey Critchlow and Michael Etzel of Sequitur Wines
OSU's Winter 2023 Small Farm News is out!
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!
Growing Oaks: A WV Organization Promoting Native Oregon Oaks
Growing Oaks is a Willamette University C.A.F.E.S.-funded grant project aimed at increasing the number of native oaks planted and grown in the Valley.
Learn more about their work, including their community outreach and student involvement, here!
Dry Farming Collaborative's Video Series
Check out the YouTube page of the Dry Farming Collaborative, part of the OSU Small Farms Program.
Plenty to watch, including discussions with farmers and variety trial research results.
Reading Resources: Water Rights Laws in Oregon
Water Rights in Oregon: An Introduction to Oregon's Water Laws (Published in 2018 by the Oregon Water Resources Department)
Read this 52-paged primer on water laws in the state of Oregon. This covers what and how the OR Water Resources Commission and Department works to protect one of our most precious resources, water, and more specifically, fresh water. Learn about how the body is administered, its goals and actions, and how laws impact you and your community.
It's About to Get Wild in Here...
Oregon State University’s Oregon Wine Research Institute dropped an exciting paper in their Vine to Wine newsletter this month. Dr. James Osborne, a Professor and Extension Enologist at OSU, wrote about the growing interest in non-Saccharomyces yeasts in wine fermentation, including mention of several types once grouped with spoilage yeasts that are now available commercially.
Learn more about the latest developments by accessing a PDF copy of Dr. Osborne’s paper here and subscribe to their newsletter on their website to stay in the loop.
Crushed red wine grapes from La Colina Vineyard in Dundee Hills (not part of the study).
Events of Interest
There’s plenty of action down in the Valley with harvest and ferments bubbling away! Don’t miss these hot ticket events coming up over the next six months:
The Willamette Valley Winery Association has an excellent calendar of events for harvest time. Check out their listings here.
The Oregon Wine Symposium is a highlight of the year. Taking place in mid-February, this connects growers, winemakers, and wine sales people to one of the industry's top annual gathering. Sign up to their newsletter to keep up to date with announcements.
Grape Day is the Oregon Wine Research Institute's annual event taking place at OSU's Corvallis campus. Check in soon for registration and a list of speakers or visit the page now for presentations from past years. The next Grape Day is April 2, 2024.
Pinot Noir grapevines at Anne Amie’s estate vineyard. In the summer, the Willamette Valley receives little rain, so dry farmed vineyards will typically show dead grass between and around the vines.
