AGRICULTURE
Field Crops Program in Clackamas County
Viewing crops in the agrivoltaics during the dry farmed field day.
As the new Field Crops Specialist for Clackamas and Marion County, I am excited to collaborate with growers and stakeholders to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by large farms in our region. My primary focus is on building relationships with the agricultural community and implementing impactful programs to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience in field crop production.
Current Activities
Since starting, I have been visiting farms across the mid valley to better understand grower needs and production systems. Initial efforts have focused on identifying key challenges such as pest management, input efficiency, and soil health. I have also been actively engaging with growers to prioritize areas of support and plan collaborative efforts.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, my initiatives will include:
1. Workshops & Educational Programs: Hosting targeted workshops on integrated pest management (IPM), soil health, and efficient fertilizer use. – A series is in the making and will target growers and agronomists in Clackamas and Marion County
2. On-Farm Trials: Collaborating with growers to conduct on-farm trials for new crop management practices- In collaboration with https://difm.farm/, OSU, and USDA ARS scientists
3. Advisory Group Formation: Establishing a formal advisory group for large farm operations to ensure ongoing input and guidance.
4. Improved Communication: Developing quarterly newsletters and updates tailored to large farm stakeholders to share research, best practices, and policy updates. Our first issue is scheduled for March 2025
5. Collaboration with NWREC: Partnering with the North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC) to bring the latest innovations to Clackamas County farms. Our stakeholders recently indicated they learn the most from field days, hence ensuring that the content is relevant and easily usable will come in handy.