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 ...

A matter of timing

AURORA, Ore. -- Reducing production costs on nurseries can mean the difference between sinking or swimming. One place growers can look for cost savings is in pest contro ...

Nursery industry 'retrenching'

America's foundering economy, especially the housing and landscaping sectors, is doing no favors for nurseries that specialize in container and field stock. The greenhou ...

Native plants take root on the road

Growers of native plants and seeds have found an expanding market in government roadside revegetation projects. In 2007 U.S. Forest Service botanist Scott Riley co-wrote ...

Program would fight new diseases

A citrus-disease bill should be a sure thing this year, barring any bad luck. Last year, with California in the earlier stages of a continuing budget crisis, Gov. Arnold ...

'I got zapped'

It was a typical Thursday in March. Steve Keudell was taking down a maple tree with his brother Alan at a house they own. He had a lot on his mind, including his son Dan ...

Harvest time adds traffic to the mix

It may say something about the importance of farm safety that the nation's first official observance occurred during World War II. Ever since President Franklin Roosevel ...

Fatal crash spurred traffic safety effort

"Ponder before you pass" -- That is the traffic safety message crafted by Scio High School students for a video they made in May remembering their classmate, Nathan Gourley. ...

Packer welcomes agency's free consultation service

HOOD RIVER, Ore. -- One of the first things pear packer Duckwall-Pooley Fruit Co. does after remodeling a packing line is call the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Divis ...

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 ...