Ag equipment dealers stay cautious

Last year was a boom year for ag equipment sales, but this year things are noticeably different. Many commodity prices are down, milk is in the tank, and that's affecting far ...

Federal stimulus plan addresses depreciation

Time is running out for farmers who want to reap a federal tax deduction of up to $250,000 from the purchase of farm machinery. The deduction was set to be reduced in 2009, bu ...

Ag weathers series of legal challenges

Farming in the U.S. is expected to become more complicated as legal battles over dust, pesticides, manure, water and other issues may result in stringent new regulations. ...

Producers add new media to toolboxes

On a Saturday in August, Lee Druffel took note of the temperature in his field for his blog. "From not even getting to 70 F a week ago to over 100 F this afternoon has b ...

As sales start to rebound, focus on efficiency remains

The rapid deterioration in demand for nursery stock seems to have ceased, but nursery operators still face an uphill climb to recovery, according to industry officials. "It ...

Group's president-elect a late arrival to nurseries

AURORA, Ore. -- Oregon Association of Nurseries' president-elect Kristin VanHoose has taken an unusual path to the association's top position. VanHoose not only wasn't born ...

OAN leader survives exciting term

Veteran nurseryman Kevin Klupenger will turn over the presidency of the Oregon Association of Nurseries during the association's annual convention in September. During his y ...

Farwest Show adapts to changing economy

"New" is the theme for the 38th Farwest Show Aug. 25-28 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. The show features a new garden center pavilion to help centers generate ...

Q&A: Consultant brings outside expertise

Working as an independent safety consultant was not where Kirk Lloyd saw himself when he graduated with an agricultural economics degree from the University of Idaho. But af ...

Safety meetings, committees will soon be required for many farms

A legislative mandate will require farmers and ranchers who employ non-family members either to hold safety meetings or have a safety committee effective Jan. 1, 2011. "We w ...

Compliance with heat rule on the rise

When California's workplace-safety board approved amendments to the state's heat-illness rules on Aug. 19, it didn't change much on paper. But it did give farm employers a s ...

Veteran foresters urge safety gear

CLAQUATO, Wash. -- For all the years Bryon Loucks has been cutting timber, he credits common sense as the best guide for staying safe: "Watch what you're doing. Watch where you ...

Researcher varies alley management

Two and a half years of alley-management studies in vineyards have revealed some valuable data. Oregon State University Extension viticulture specialist Patricia Skinkis is lo ...

East Willamette Valley wineries

East Willamette Valley wineries Oswego Hills Winery in West Linn; Kings Raven in Oregon City; Christopher Bridge in Oregon City; St. Josef's Winery in Canby; Hanson Vineyards ...

Madera vintners find 'sweet spot'

It seems the only thing California's Madera County wine country lacks are limos, tour buses and a crush of tasting room visitors. But amid the quiet and the grapevines n ...

U.S. preferences keep wineries hopping

The "big four" of Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot and white Zinfandel are still the kings of wine as far as American consumers are concerned. But other wines are gaining in ...