OSU Growing January-February 2017 by Mid-Valley Media

Januay-February 2017 Volume 37, Issue 1

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #115 Albany, OR

Extending Knowledge and Changing Lives in Linn and Benton Counties May 2014

Arial Bold 12pt Old Armory, Fourth & Lyon, Albany, Oregon 97321

541-967-3871

Hoecker Endowment Keeps on Giving to Extension Residents of Newport, Ore., may be a little more aware of where to go in case a tsunami strikes, thanks in part to an Oregon State University Extension Hoecker Innovative Grant. Oregon K-12 students may be a little more likely to eat their fruits and vegetables, again thanks to a Hoecker grant. And minority populations in Ontario, Ore., may be a little more likely to go for a walk, again thanks in part to the Hoecker family. Increasing the awareness of tsunami evacuation routes, stimulating healthy eating, and encouraging minorities to walk in rural communities are examples of how the Hoecker family has partnered with Oregon State University Extension Service over the past 15 years to benefit Oregonians. They also serve as examples of what Scott Reed, director of Extension, characterized as a new model for Extension. The Hoecker Innovative Grants Program, established in 2001 from an endowment created by the Hoecker family, has its origins in

Photo byMitch Lies

By Mitch Lies, GrowinG Editor

Peggy and Ken Hoecker, at their north Albany home, have represented the Hoecker family in the family’s Innovative Grants program for the past fifteen years.

a decision by Dale and Alice Hoecker, both now deceased, to donate a house in Eugene to OSU for the purpose of establishing an endowment to benefit Extension. Dale Hoecker, a longtime 4-H Extension agent for OSU, determined that

InsIdE:

creating an endowment was better than extending a onetime gift, said Ken and Peggy Hoecker of North Albany, the family’s representatives. “I really praise my parents-in-law’s foresight to have donated this house, which eventually was sold, and from which the

endowment was created,” said Peggy. “By creating the endowment, rather than just giving money, it continues to give and benefit OSU Extension,” Ken said. Initially, the endowment’s sole purpose was to award outstanding achievements

by Extension agents. Today, in addition to awarding achievements, the endowment is used to fund the Hoecker Innovative Grants program. “The structure of the awards has changed over the years,” Ken Hoecker said. “Extension has come to us and made suggestions as to how to shape the awards, and we have agreed to their suggestions. What they wanted to do always seemed very reasonable.” Today the Hoecker grants benefit Extension in two primary fashions, Reed said. “One is the recognition that the award generates,” he said. “They generate peer understanding and respect for some of the real progressive Extension programs that have significant accomplishments. “The second major advantage is they stimulate innovation and encourage faculty to think about doing things in innovative ways, or address an emergent issue in a way that is untested,” Reed said. The grants, according to the program’s guidelines, “address a high priority need of an Oregon target audience

Continued on Page 15

sign up now for pruning classes. ORGA Annual meeting January 18. Master Food Preserver volunteers sought. LCEA Annual dinner February 22.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn

January/February 2017 —

Who We Are The Oregon State University Extension offices in Linn County and Benton County offer practical, lifelong learning experiences. We sponsor conferences, workshops, demonstrations, tours, and short courses. We recruit, train and manage volunteers who assist us with community outreach and education. Our Extension faculty and volunteers answer questions and give advice by phone, in person, through e-mail, and on our Websites. We provide brochures and flyers with specific information on a variety of subjects. We are funded by a cooperative partnership between Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and our local counties.

Office locations and hours

The Benton County office is located at 4077 SW Research Way in Corvallis. Office hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Telephone: 541766-6750. Fax: 541-766-3549. http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton. The Linn County office is located at 33630 McFarland Rd (on the corner of Old Highway 34 and McFarland Road), in Tangent. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Phone 541-967-3871. Seed Certification phone 541-967-3810. http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn.

Program Staff Phone Numbers

Linn County 4-H Youth Development Robin Galloway Linn County 4-H Youth Development Andrea Leao Benton County 4-H Youth Development Carolyn Ashton Benton County 4-H Natural Science and Benton County Leader Maggie Livesay 4-H Latino Outreach Coordinator Ana Lu Fonseca Field Crops* Clare Sullivan Livestock & Forages* Shelby Filley Dairy* Jenifer Cruickshank Commercial Swine & Forage* Gene Pirelli Small Farms* Melissa Fery Small Farms* Amy Garrett* Small Farms & Groundwater Education* Chrissy Lucas Community Horticulture* Brooke Edmunds Community Horticulture* Pami Opfer Forestry, Natural Resources* Brad Withrow-Robinson Forestry and 4-H Youth Jody Einerson Family & Community Health (FCH)* Jeanne Brandt FCH & SNAP Ed* Tina Dodge Vera SNAP Ed* Brooke Jackson SNAP Ed* Constanza Maureira FCH & EFNEP* Leonor Chavez * Multi-county assignment

541-730-3469 541-730-3534 541-766-6750

541-766-6750 541-766-6750 541-730-3537 541-672-4461 971-600-1222 541-623-8395 541-730-3538 541-766-6750 541-766-3556 541-730-3470 541-730-3471 541-967-3871 541-766-6311 541-730-3544 541-730-3541 541-967-3871 541-766-6750 541-730-3542

Administration and program support serving Linn County

Office specialist Laurie Gibson Office specialist JoLynn O’Hearn Office manager & Linn County Leader Michele Webster Seed certification Doug Huff, Tamara Fowler

541-248-1088 541-967-3871 541-248-1087 541-967-3810

Administration and program support serving Benton County Office specialist Office manager Office specialist

Regional Administrator GROWING editor

Kelly Cotter 541-766-6750 Liz McGovern 541-766-6750 Andrea Watson 541-766-6750 Derek Godwin 541-967-3871 Mitch Lies 541-967-3871

Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities and materials without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations to persons with physical or mental disabilities will be provided. Please notify the Extension office five working days prior to the event you are interested in attending to request reasonable accommodations.

2 — January/February 2017

Benton County Extension seeks stable Funding with service district By Kathy Clark, Benton County Master Gardener In May 2017 you will have the opportunity to vote for a Benton County ballot measure that will establish stable, consistent funding for the Benton County OSU Extension Program. This consistency will be achieved, should the measure pass, by creating a service district and raising dedicated funds earmarked for Benton County Extension. Stable local funding is critical to Extension Program success because, contrary to widespread belief, Extension is not funded by Oregon State University. It is funded by a mix of federal, state, and local funds. Maintaining the local support is essential because local funds are required in order to qualify for federal and state funds. In Benton County, local funding accounts for about 20 percent of the total, while federal and state funds provide about 80 percent. Already, 26 of the 36 counties in Oregon have passed service districts in order to maintain their Extension programs, including nearly all those in western Oregon. What does Extension do for us? In a nutshell, Extension programs are conduits through which Benton County residents receive up-to-date, practical information generated by universities and other research institutions. In 2015, Benton County Extension programs and services had more than 47,000 contacts with residents. Extension programs provide practical education in five general areas: 1. Commercial and small farm agriculture and food production. 2. 4-H programs for kids teaching civic engagement,

responsibility, and leadership. 3. Home gardening. 4. Woodland management practices. 5. Nutrition, food safety and security, aging well, and emergency preparedness. Extension programs provide a huge bang for each buck. How is this accomplished? A small group of professional Extension faculty and staff train hundreds of volunteers. The volunteers in turn do most of the work of educating the public. These volunteers include Master Gardeners, 4-H leaders and program educators, Master Food Preservers, and Master Woodland Managers. In Benton County, 450 dedicated volunteers donate more than 50,000 hours of service each year, valued at a million dollars in personnel time annually. Extension serves the whole of Benton County, with programs from Monroe to North Albany and from Corvallis to Alsea. For example, Master Gardeners lead five-week Seed to Supper classes in six Benton County locations, teaching low-income residents how to grow their own food. They also answer hundreds of questions annually to help clients maintain their home landscapes while reducing water use, protecting pollinators, and minimizing chemical use. Family farms and forests throughout the county improve productivity through Extension support. Although the 4-H program is widely considered a rural program, nearly half of the Benton County youth enrolled in 4-H clubs live in Corvallis. Clubs reflect diverse interests, including archery, genealogy, rocketry, goats, poultry, fiber arts, guide dogs, and more. Through their 4-H projects, youth learn leadership, citizenship and communication skills. More

youth are reached through school outdoor natural science programs, and camps. Each year, well over 3,550 Benton County youths benefit from 4-H and give back hundreds of hours in service to their communities. Food and nutrition education in school, after school, and in evening programs reach an additional 2,400 youths. Many 4-H and nutrition education programs are bilingual, offered in both Spanish and English to help serve the growing Latino population. These schoolbased programs are all led by or supported by Extension-trained volunteers. Extension provides education that enhances our community food system, from food production right through to what we see on our plates. The Small Farms Program supports and provides research-based information to our local farmers, including 90 percent of the vendors who sell local products at the Corvallis farmer’s market. The Master Food Preservers provide food safety and preservation education, including market question-and-answer booths, summer canning classes on five different topics, and a series of fermentation workshops. Finally, Extension nutrition education programs encourage healthy food choices through partnering with food banks, monthly classroom programs at Lincoln and Garfield schools, and parent education at Corvallis Head Start and local schools. A healthy, sustainable Extension program will support and maintain the long-term health of Benton County communities and residents. Kathy Clark is a dedicated volunteer and a member of the Citizens for Benton County Extension Advisory Group.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton

Brooke Edmunds 541-730-3470 brooke.edmunds@ oregonstate.edu

Fruit of the Loam – Gearing Up for Gardening Gearing Up for Gardening is a series of free classes offered by the OSU Benton County Master Gardeners in partnership with CorvallisBenton County Public Library. Classes are held on Tuesdays from noon-1 p.m. in the main meeting room of the Corvallis Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis. • 1/10 Fitting in: Fruit Trees in Small Spaces; Jeff Cope, Home Grown Gardens

• 1/17 Strawberry Fields Forever: Growing Strawberries in Yard or Containers; Bernadine Strik, OSU Extension • 1/24 Medley of Melons: Varieties for the Willamette Valley; Aaron Jeschke, Territorial Seeds • 1/31 Best of the Blues: Blueberries: Tips for Soil or Container Production; Bernadine Strik, OSU Extension • 2/7 Celebrate Diversity with Quince, Figs, Kiwi,

and Persimmons; Phil Gouy, One Green World • 2/14 String ‘em, Pick ‘em, Prune ‘em: Cane Berries; Chad Finn, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture • 2/21 Awesome Apples: New Varieties & Old Favorites; Joseph Postman, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture • 2/28 Mind Your P’s: Pears, Peaches and Plums; Darren Morgan, Shonnard’s Nursery

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshops Offered is offering two opportunities to learn about pruning your • Wednesday, Jan. 25, fruit trees. Classes will be 1-3 p.m., Lewis Brown taught by Ross Penhallegon, Horticulture Farm, 33329 professor emeritus, who has more than 50 years Peoria Rd, Corvallis. • Tuesday, Feb. 14, 1-3 p.m., of orchard management Grandpa’s Farm Stand, experience. There will be an 36483 HWY 226, Albany opportunity for some handson pruning after the class, OSU Extension Service so bring your pruners and a pair of gloves. Cost is $20 per Linn & Benton Counties person per class. home horticulture program Come learn from the best…

You reap what you sow, so... it’s time to get sowing.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn

Community Horticulture

Pami Opfer 541-730-3471 pamela.opfer@ oregonstate.edu

You may register online at http://tinyurl.com/jj57qsv. You may also register by calling the OSU Linn County Extension office at 541-967-3871, or you may drop by either the Linn or Benton Extension offices and someone will help you register in person. These classes will be held rain or shine, so be sure to dress appropriately.

January-February Gardening Calendar for Western Oregon JANuAry-FeBruAry Planning

• Plan to replace varieties of ornamental plants that are susceptible to disease with resistant cultivars in February. • Take hardwood cuttings of deciduous ornamental shrubs and trees for propagation. • Have your soil tested in your garden plot to determine its nutrient needs. Contact your local Extension office for a list of laboratories or view EM 8677 online. • Begin planning this year’s vegetable garden. Check with local retail garden or nursery stores for seeds and seed catalogs. • Keep a garden journal. Consult your journal in the winter, so you can better plan for the growing season. • Plan an herb bed for cooking and creating an interesting landscape. For example, choose parsley, sage, chives, and lavender. Choose a sunny spot and plant seeds or transplants once the danger of frost has passed. • Plan to add herbaceous perennial flowers to your flowering landscape this spring. Examples include candytuft, peony, penstemon, and coneflower.

Maintenance and clean up

• Repair winter damage to trees and shrubs. • Make a cold frame or hotbed to start early vegetables or flowers. • Fertilize rhubarb with manure or a complete fertilizer. • Incorporate cover crops or other organic matter into soil. • Prune and train grapes; make cuttings. • Prune fruit trees and blueberries. • Prune deciduous summer-blooming shrubs and trees; wait until April in high elevations of Eastern and Central Oregon.

Continued on Page 4

eds! e s e l b vaila ee's Now a ume, Ren l, Ed H Territoria tanical Interest. o Garden, B n-GMO options. No Organic, r Seed Starting ou Plus all y d Soils. an Supplies

5470 NE Hwy 20, Corvallis 97330 (541) 753-6601

GarlandNursery.com January/February 2017 —

Planting/propagation — February

• Plant windowsill container gardens of carrots, lettuce, or parsley. • Plan to add herbaceous perennial flowers this spring: astilbe, candytuft, peony, and anemone. • Good time to plant fruit trees and deciduous shrubs. Replace varieties of ornamental plants that are susceptible to disease with resistant cultivars. • Plant asparagus if the ground is warm enough. • Plant seed flats of cole crops (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts), indoors or in a greenhouse. • Where soil is dry enough and workable, plant garden peas and sweet peas.

Pest monitoring and management

• Scout cherry trees for signs and symptoms of bacterial canker. Remove infected branches with a clean pruner or saw. • Use dormant sprays of lime sulfur or copper fungicide on roses for general disease control, or plan to replace susceptible varieties with resistant cultivars in February. • Moss in lawn may mean too much shade or poor drainage. Modify site conditions if moss is bothersome. • Mid-January: Spray peach trees with approved fungicides to combat peach leaf curl and shothole, or plant curl-resistant cultivars such as Frost, Q1-8 or Creswell. • Monitor landscape plants for problems. Don’t treat unless a problem is identified.

Houseplants and Indoor Gardening

• Gather branches of quince, forsythia, and flowering cherries and bring indoors to force an early bloom.

Master Gardener Membership Meetings Open to the Public Benton County Master Gardener membership meets on the third Monday of the month in the Sunset room of the Benton Extension office, doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the meeting begins at 7 p.m. Special horticulture topics for each meeting TBA. (Membership meetings are scheduled in January, February, March, April, May, and October. Summer months and November, December have special events planned in lieu of meetings). Linn County Master Gardener membership meets on the second Tuesday of the month in the meeting room at Tom’s Garden Center in Albany. Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. – all MGs, friends, and family are encouraged to attend. Special horticulture topics for each meeting TBA. (Membership meetings are scheduled in January, February, March, April, May, and October. Summer months and November, December have special events planned in lieu of meetings).

4 — January/February 2017

The Plight of Our Pollinators How you can personally help save them. Saturday, March 4, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Linn County Fairgrounds, Albany Cost: $30 includes snacks/coffee The third annual Pollinator Conference, hosted by OSU Linn County Master Gardeners, March 4, 2017 at Linn County Fairgrounds, will have a full day of speakers lecturing on various topics that address the decline of our pollinators – all with an eye on what you can do to improve their populations. Join us for a day of expert speakers, centering on what you, as a home gardener, can do to improve the Plight of our Pollinators. This year, we are in a larger space, with more vendors. Mason Bee supplies will be available for sale – houses, tubes, and cocoons. Pollinators, More Than Just Honey Bees Dr. Thorp will deliver the keynote lecture on pollinators “more than just honey bees.” His talk will be based on information he has gleaned from years of research. He will cover the many different pollinators, solitary bees, native bees, their habitats and life cycles. Learn what you can do to

Photo Provided

• Prune and train trailing blackberries (if not done the prior August); prune back raspberries. • Prune fall-bearing raspberries (in late-February or earlyMarch). • Prune clematis, Virginia creeper, and other vining ornamentals.

Keynote speaker at this year’s Beevent Pollinator Conference, Robbin W. Thorp, Ph. d., Professor of Entomology Emeritus, University of California, davis.

bring the pollinators back to your area. We will learn simple, inexpensive ways to create habitat for our pollinators. We will learn about the life cycle, foraging and pollination techniques of insects. You can become a habitat steward, using conservation guidelines. You will learn how to manage natural areas (in your own backyard) for bumble bees and other solitary bees. Native pollinator specialist Robbin Thorp is a distinguished Professor Emeritus of Entomology at the University of California, Davis. He is the co-author of Bumble Bees of California: An Identification Guide (2014, Princeton University Press) and California Bees and Blooms: A Guide for Gardeners and Naturalists (2014,

Heyday Books). Dr. Thorp has long-term projects on the status of western bumble bees, and on the diversity of bees. He provides identification services for collaborators studying native bees as crop pollinators, habitat restoration for pollinators on farms, and urban gardens as bee habitat. Of the 20,000 bee species identified worldwide, some 4,000 are found in the United States. Although Dr. Thorp retired in 1994, he continues to conduct research on bees because he enjoys it. He continues to serve on graduate student thesis committees and give guest lectures. Since 2002, he has participated as an instructor in The Bee Course, offered annually through the American Museum of Natural History, New York at its Southwest Research Station in Portal, Arizona. He is also involved with the management of the Jepson Prairie Reserve, a vernal pool ecosystem, and serves as chair of its Advisory Committee for the UC Natural Reserve System. He continues his research on ecology, systematics, biodiversity, and conservation of bees, including pollen specialist bees in vernal pool ecosystems. He also is involved in research on the decline in native bumble bee populations.

Insights into Gardening 2017 scheduled Feb. 11 What: Insights into Gardening is a day-long seminar hosted by OSU Benton County Master Gardeners. Whether you are an experienced or novice gardener, new to the area or an Oregon native, you will find plenty of practical, research-based ideas to make your gardening easier, more enjoyable, and more successful.

New this year is a series of basic gardening classes appropriate for any gardeners, but particularly for newbies. (Check out the Gardening 101 strand in the program.) Where: LaSells Stewart Center 875 S.W. 26th Street, OSU, Corvallis OR 97333 When: Saturday Feb. 11, 8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

And More: 20+ gardenrelated exhibitors, raffle prizes, and on-site Grass Roots gardening book sales Please visit our website, http://extension.oregonstate. edu/benton/insights, for an ata-glance schedule of classes, as well as the hourly schedule for the day. Registration will open after the first of the year. Please join us for an educational and fun day!

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton

Years 4 through maturity In the fourth fruiting season and after, you will not need to do any fruit thinning if you prune vines well. However, thinning to one shoot per node is recommended every year to keep an open canopy, which improves fruit quality and reduces disease (see â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shoot thinning,â&#x20AC;? page 19). Continue to remove suckers at the base of the trunk and the head of the vine during the growing season. Prune plants yearly the width in diameter, and have aninaverage period removeLong all internodedormant length for the to cultivar. growth except new fruiting internodes indicate too much vigor,canes so and renewal Choose a fruiting poor fruiting is likelyspurs. next year. from each of the renewal spurs. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bestcane to keep the vineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fruiting If the canes from a renewal spur are area as close to the trunk as possible. undesirable for some reason, then Choose two new,a desirable fruiting choose different cane that iscanes close to (indicatedthe bytrunk shading in figure (figure 5G). 5E) that are

I Really do Prune My Grape Vines That Much 'JHVSF ' Cane pruning, third winter after pruning.

By Alan Taylor, Master Gardener

One of the more stressful things for many gardeners is close to theseem trunk. Cutpainful back each cane to pruning. It can about 15 buds (or 30 per plant; figure 5F). to cut thatKeep much offon of a that tree fewer buds plants are low 'JHVSF ( Cane pruning, fourth winter before pruning (shaded canes will in vigor. Wrap the canes loosely around Four year old vine in winter, before or vine. Grape vines seem be retained for next seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fruiting wood). the wire and tie at the end. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to use pruning. shaded canes will be flexible tie-tapeto rather than string or twistparticularly hard tackle ties that can girdle the vine. retained for next seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fruiting (SPXJOH 5BCMF (SBQFT Cane pruning, third winter before pruning (shaded canes because youYoumay need totwo-bud spur 'JHVSF & can leave a one- or will be retained for next seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fruiting wood). wood. near the head of the vine (figure 5F). These remove 90 percent of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renewal spurs often supply new fruiting canes it when you prune following year, growth, but really isthethe best and they also help keep fruiting close to Fruiting cane thing to doâ&#x20AC;Śif done correctly. Renewal spur the trunk. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned in over Years 4 through maturity the fourth fruiting season and after, 30 years of Ingrowing both wine you will not need to do any fruit thinning and table ifgrapes. you prune vines well. However, thinning to one shoot per node is recommended A properly pruned vine is every year to keep an open canopy, which fruit quality andmost reduces disease healthier.improves By removing of (see â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shoot thinning,â&#x20AC;? page 19). Continue Four year old third vine after pruning, last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;stocanes, theat the number 'JHVSF ' Cane pruning, winter after pruning. remove suckers base of the trunk and the head of the vine during the with 2 fruiting canes and 2 renewal of green shoots growing during growing season. spurs. (Source: Growing Table Grapes, Prune plants yearly in the and the next season is limited Extension Publication EC1639, Figures 5G dormant period to remove all more spaced improving growthout, except new fruiting canes air and 5H, respectively.) and renewal spurs. Choose a fruiting circulation and sun exposure cane from each of the renewal spurs. If thethe canes leaf from a renewal spur are throughout canopy. undesirable for some reason, then also improves fruit quality and This helpschoose limit infection a different cane that isand close to earlier ripening. the trunk (figure 5G). spread of the fungal diseases A properly pruned vine most grapes are prone to. If is more Shoots spraying is needed to control 'JHVSF ( Cane pruning,productive. fourth winter before pruning (shaded canes will for next seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fruiting wood). growing from buds on last disease, the more open canopy be retained yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s canes are usually more allows better penetration and (SPXJOH 5BCMF (SBQFT productive than shoots growing coverage by spray material, from other points on the vine. such as sulfur. The openness

Initials for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flower clusters were actually formed last year. The buds are formed at the base of each leaf, and if a leaf was well-exposed to sunlight as its basal bud was developing, then the flowers on the shoot growing from that bud next year have the best chance of producing full clusters of grapes. For cane-pruned vines (see the reference below for spur pruning), select 2 or 4 canes (depending on the training and trellising method) attached to the main vine near the top of the trunk or ends of the arms (again depending on the training method). Use loppers to prune off all of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth beyond where these selected canes are attached. Generally, if the hook side of the loppers is just touching the cane, the resulting cut will be in the right place. Then use bypass-style hand pruners to cut the selected canes to length. This cut should be made beyond the last bud you wish to retain, leaving a short stub to protect

the vineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to heal and close off the end of the pruned cane. The actual length retained depends on the vigor of the vine and its spacing with its neighbors (see reference). The canes can then be positioned and tied to the trellis. But the job isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t done! Summer pruning and thinning is also important. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Suckersâ&#x20AC;? or extra shoots should be removed during the growing season to keep the leaf canopy from being crowded, and therefore, more prone to disease and poor fruiting. Green suckers can easily be broken off flush with the trunk or arms when they are only a few inches long. An easy way to do this is to don a pair of heavy leather gloves and rub your hands up and down the trunk. Later on it is necessary to use pruners to remove the shoots cleanly. This is more work, so try to do this job early. Also, some grape varieties will produce 2 or 3 shoots at each bud. It is usually easy to tell which is the strongest, primary shoot by

looking for the young flower clusters. The other shoots should be broken off to prevent overcrowding of the canopy and overloading of the vineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to ripen the grapes. It is especially important to keep the center of the vine from being too crowded, because this is where the canes for next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crop are growing! Finally, it is often a good idea to trim the length of the growing shoots. Shoots left too long, that hang will drag on the ground and get in the way, and shoots that are trained upright will reach the top of the trellis, flop over, and shade the leaf canopy below. But be careful! Leave at least a dozen leaves on each shoot to feed the ripening fruit. A shoot about 4 feet long is usually enough. For more details, please see the Extension publication Growing Table Grapes (available online at https://catalog. extension.oregonstate.edu/ sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/ ec1639.pdf ).

Benton Soil & Water Conservation District Native Plant Sale Saturday, Feb. 25, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Benton County Fairgrounds, 110 SW 53rd St, Corvallis. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to place your Native Plant Sale order

with Benton Soil and Water Conservation District. Support local pollinators when you purchase lowcost native trees, shrubs, groundcovers, grasses, flowers, and seeds. Books and mason bee supplies are

also available from the Linn County Master Gardeners. Visit www.bentonswcd. org to view free landscape designs and place your order by Jan. 31. Call 541-753-7208 for more information. Grow native!

Agricultural Business Management â&#x20AC;˘ Agricultural Sciences Animal Science â&#x20AC;˘ Animal Technology Animal Technology: Horse Management Crop Production â&#x20AC;˘ Equine Science Horticulture â&#x20AC;˘ Profitable Small Farms Veterinary Assistant

linnbenton.edu/programs http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn

January/February 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Family and Community Health

Jeanne Brandt 541-730-3544 jeanne.brandt@ oregonstate.edu

Tina Dodge Vera 541-730-3541 tina.dodge@ oregonstate.edu

Food Thermometers a necessity for safety Using a food thermometer is the only reliable way to ensure the safety of meat, poultry, and egg products. To be safe, these foods must be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature to destroy any harmful microorganisms that may be in the food. Many food handlers believe that visible indicators, such as color changes, can be used to determine if foods are cooked to a point where pathogens are killed. However, recent research has shown that color and texture indicators are unreliable. For example, ground beef may turn brown before it reaches a temperature where pathogens are destroyed. A consumer preparing hamburger patties and using the brown color as an indicator of doneness is taking a chance that pathogenic microorganisms may survive. A hamburger cooked to 160 °F as measured with a meat thermometer, regardless of color, is safe. “Doneness” refers to when a food is cooked to a desired texture, appearance, and juiciness. Unlike the temperatures required for “safety,” not everyone agrees on “doneness.” Using a food thermometer to check for doneness can assure the food has reached a safe temperature and is not overcooked. Cook all

Free extension Classes in Lebanon

raw beef, pork, lamb and veal steaks, chops, and roasts to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source. For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming. For reasons of personal preference, consumers may choose to cook meat to higher temperatures. Cook all poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer. For reasons of personal preference, consumers may choose to cook meat to higher temperatures. A food thermometer should also be used to ensure that cooked food is held at safe temperatures until served. Cold foods should be held at 40 °F or below. Hot food should be kept hot at 140 °F or above. Food thermometers come in several types and styles, and vary in level of technology and price. Most available food thermometers will give an accurate reading within 2 to 4 °F. The reading will only be correct, however, if the thermometer is placed in the proper location in the food. In general, the food thermometer should be placed in the thickest part of the food, away

Join us for free, monthly community education classes at the Lebanon Senior Center. Upcoming topics include: Jan. 26 - Let’s Talk TrashReducing Food Waste. Based on the Center for Nutrition Policy USDA Campaign

6 — January/February 2017

SAFe INTerNAL COOKING TeMPerATUreS FOr MeAT, POULTry eGGS AND FISH Ground Meat & Meat Mixtures

Beef, Pork, Veal, Lamb Turkey, Chicken

160 165

None None

Fresh Beef, Veal, Lamb

Steaks, roasts, chops

145

3 minutes

Poultry

Chicken & Turkey, whole Poultry breasts, roasts Poultry thighs, legs, wings Duck & Goose Stuffing (cooked alone or in bird)

165 165 165 165 165

None None None None None

Pork and Ham

Fresh pork Fresh ham (raw) Precooked ham (to reheat)

145 145 140

3 minutes 3 minutes None

Eggs & Egg Dishes

Eggs

None

Egg dishes

Cook until yolk and white are firm 160

Leftovers & Casseroles

Leftovers Casseroles

165 165

None None

Seafood

Fin Fish

145 or cook until flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork Cook until flesh is pearly and opaque. Cook until shells open during cooking. Cook until flesh is milky white or opaque and firm.

None

Shrimp, lobster, and crabs Clams, oysters, and mussels Scallops

from bone, fat, or gristle. Before using a food thermometer, read the manufacturer’s instructions. The instructions should tell how far the thermometer must be inserted in a food to give an accurate reading. If instructions are not available, check the stem of

to reduce household food waste. Lesson incorporates planning, food safety, storage, repurposing food, recycling and composting. Feb. 23 - Don’t Let Your Golden Years Be Tarnished. Tips and information

the food thermometer for an indentation, or “dimple.” This shows one end of the location of the sensing device. Dial thermometers must penetrate about 2 to 3 inches into the food. Most digital thermometers will read the temperature in a small area of the tip.

for staying healthy and independent as you age in place. Take a look at your health and habits and the features of your home to identify some strategies to make life more comfortable, enjoyable, and safe for you.

None

None None None

As with any cooking utensil, food thermometers should be washed with hot soapy water. Most thermometers should not be immersed in water. Wash them carefully by hand and store them where they won’t be damaged. Source: www.foodsafety.gov

Everyone is welcome. The Lebanon Senior Center is located at 80 Tangent Street, Lebanon. Sessions are held from 9:30-11 a.m. Please let us know you are coming so we can prepare handouts. 541-967-3871.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton

Check Canned Foods for safety It’s always a good idea to examine canned foods before using them. This is especially true if cans or jars have been stored where they might have been frozen or reached a temperature above 90 degrees F in the summer. Inspect the can or jar before opening. On cans, both ends should be flat or curved slightly inward. All seams should be tight with no trace of leakage. On glass jars, metal lids should be firm and flat or curved slightly inward. There

should be no signs of leakage around the lid. As the can or jar is opened, notice whether there is an inrush or an outrush of air. Spoilage is indicated when air rushes out or the liquid spurts. Smell the contents at once. The odor should be characteristic of the food. An “off” odor probably means spoilage. Check the food carefully to see that it appears to have characteristic texture and color. The broth over canned

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn

meat and chicken may or may not be gelled. Liquids in most foods will be clear. Any change from the natural texture and color could indicate spoilage. Do not taste any questionable foods. Discard canned food with any signs of spoilage. High acid food (such as fruit) may be discarded in the garbage can or in a garbage disposal. Spoiled low acid food (such as vegetables, meat, fish, and poultry) must be discarded cautiously because it could contain botulinum toxin. OSU Extension Service recommends always following current, tested canning instructions from a reliable source. However, if there is any chance that low acid foods (meats, fish, poultry, vegetables) and tomato products were not canned according to USDA-endorsed recommendations, they must be boiled before consuming even if you detect no signs of spoilage. Boil foods for 10 minutes at altitudes below 1,000 feet. Add one additional minute of boiling time for each additional 1,000 feet of elevation. The same length of time must be used if foods are heated in a microwave oven. Home canned fish can be heated in their opened jars in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 185 degrees F instead of boiling. Let the jars stand at room temperature about 30 minutes to allow the heat to equalize. Note: Low-acid canned food used in casserole dishes baked at 350 degrees F for at least one hour will be adequately heated to destroy botulinum toxin. Be sure casserole or pie is bubbling in the center before removing from oven and has reached an internal temperature of 185 degrees F. For complete, up-to-date food preservation and safety information see: http:// extension.oregonstate.edu/ fch/food-preservation

Master Food Preserver Volunteers Sought OSU Extension Service will begin accepting applications for volunteers interested in becoming trained volunteer Master Food Preservers in February. The eight-week training (one day a week) will begin in April. Volunteers will be expected to return a minimum of 48 hours of volunteer time during the food preservation season between June and October. Volunteer duties include assisting with community food preservation classes and staffing information tables at Farmers’ Markets and community events. Extensive food preservation experience is not required. Participants should learn all aspects of food safety and preservation during the training. A desire to interact with the public in a cheerful and positive way is more important. For more information about the program and to receive an application, contact Jeanne at 541-730-3544 or email jeanne. brandt@oregonstate.edu For community members who want to learn more about food preservation but do not wish to volunteer, a variety of handson classes will be offered during the summer and fall. Watch future editions of GROWING for a schedule and registration information.

Food Hero Helps with new Meal Ideas Oregon State University Extension Service’s nutrition education program provides quick, tasty, healthy recipes and helpful tips available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in English and Spanish. Visit www.foodhero.org . With Food Hero, you will be able to budget for, plan, and create countless healthy, super tasty meals. Food Hero will become your family’s ‘go to’ site for everything food. Within Food Hero lives healthy and tasty recipes, meal ideas, budgeting, shopping, and many more cooking tips and tools, plus ways to connect with other Food Heroes. Whether you’re a beginning cook or kitchen pro, you’ll find something new for your family to enjoy.

January/February 2017 —

stay safe and Healthy this Winter Even though winter is underway, it is never too late to prepare. Here are a few tips to think about now if you have not already done so. • Check your home heating systems. Have your heating system serviced professionally. • Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available. • Check your smoke detector and CO detector batteries or install detectors if you do not have them. • Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water. • Ensure that your cell phone stays fully charged. • Make or keep an up-to-date emergency kit.

Anti-Bacterial Soap? FDA Says you Can Skip It According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there isn’t enough science to show that over-the-counter antibacterial soaps are better at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water. In addition, there are concerns of negative effects on your health from some of the ingredients in anti-bacterial soaps. Many of these products will no longer be allowed to be marketed.

Remember: Handwashing remains one of the most simple, affordable, effective ways to prevent the spread of illness and infection. Plain soap and running water are best, followed by drying hands with a disposable towel. Protect yourself and your family by washing your hands often throughout the day, especially when you are out among others who may be experiencing

symptoms of illness and always upon returning home so that you do not bring germs back into your home with you. The new FDA rules do not apply to hand-sanitizers or soaps used in health-care settings. Source: www.fda.gov/ consumer Consumer Update September 2016

Take These Precautions Outdoors • Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: wear a tightly woven, preferably wind-resistant coat or jacket; inner layers of light, warm clothing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots. • Work slowly when doing outside chores. • Take a buddy and an emergency kit when you are participating in outdoor recreation. • Carry a cell phone. Do This When you Plan to Travel • When planning travel, check current and forecast weather conditions. • Prepare Your Car. Keep the gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer. Prepare a winter emergency kit to keep in your car. • If you must travel, inform a friend or relative of your proposed route and expected time of arrival. Check on family and neighbors • If you have pets, bring them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter and unfrozen water to drink. No one can stop winter weather but you can be ready when it comes. Source: www.cdc.gov/features/winterweather/

BeNTON COUNTy 4-H yOUTH DeVeLOPMeNT

Benton County Annual Fund Campaign We welcome your support of Benton County 4-H through our annual Benton County 4-H Fund Campaign. This yearly event provides support for the many educational activities offered to youth through the Benton County 4-H program. Any contribution is greatly appreciated! You can find the Benton Fund Campaign form on our website: extension. oregonstate.edu/benton. If you have donated in the past, we greatly appreciate your support. Your contributions have helped youth to grow and develop in positive ways.

8 — January/February 2017

Blood Drive OSU Linn County Extension Service Large Conference Room 33630 McFarland Rd., Tangent, OR

Tuesday, January 24 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM To schedule an appointment, call 800-733-2767 or go online to redcrossblood.org using sponsor code: linncountyextension. If you have any additional questions, please email Laurie Gibson at laurie.gibson@oregonstate.edu. Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton

Groundwater Protection education

Chrissy Lucas 541-766-3556 chrissy.lucas@ oregonstate.edu

Health, Education Agencies Launch Interactive Water systems Results Map In June 2016, the Oregon Health Authority recommended that school districts test their drinking water for lead. This is part of Oregon’s statewide plan to reduce student exposure to lead in school drinking water. About the Data This map links to test results provided by Oregon public schools in 2016. If results for a school are not listed here, please visit the school district website. Schools continue to test, fix problems and retest to assure school water quality. Make sure to follow progress with your school district to stay up to date. Note about school-run water systems: Rural schools using a school-run water system are required to test for lead every three years. Those results are available on the drinking water data online website.

Finding results for a school • Enter a school name, city, or zip code in the search bar (located in the top left corner). • A list of matching schools will appear. Click on the school you are looking for. The map will go to that school. • A pop-up window with more information will open. If test results are available, they will be listed under “Attachments” as PDF files. If no results are available, it will say “no attachments found.” reading the results • Tests were done by many different labs, so not all results will look the same, but they generally show the same information. The most important information is the result for each sample location. • The EPA recommends schools take action when

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There is a YouTube video available to walk you through using the map step by step.

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January/February 2017 —

Commerical Agriculture Livestock and Forages

Shelby Filley 541-672-4461 shelby.filley@ oregonstate.edu

Feeding Bummer Lambs

Colostrum Make the decision to take over the care of a lamb as soon as possible after birth. This eases the lamb’s training period and enhances survival. First, make sure the lamb receives colostrum right away. Colostrum is the source of antibodies and serves as a source of nutrients, especially energy, which is important in preventing hypothermia. Newborn lambs should receive 3 ounces of colostrum per pound of body weight. Give this during the first 18 hours of life to build up sufficient antibody levels and nutrients. A 10-pound lamb would receive 30 ounces of colostrum divided into four equal doses (at birth, 6 hours, 12 hours and 18 hours). If no colostrum is available from the mother or another ewe, use colostrum from goats or cows. Keep a supply of frozen colostrum available. Periodically freezing high quality colostrum is a

10 — January/February 2017

Photo by sheLby fiLLey

Even after doing all you can to make sure baby lambs are mothered up, sometimes lambs are rejected by the ewe or removed due to concerns that the ewe cannot care for it. It is now the shepherd’s job to care for these bummer lambs. Although the task can be cumbersome, there is plenty of information to help make sure all goes well. The following is a summary of Artificial Rearing of Lambs on Milk Replacer Diets (https:// catalog.extension.oregonstate. edu/ec1427). Make sure bummer lambs are warm and well fed.

good management practice. This ensures that colostrum is available the next time a newborn lamb needs it. Freeze colostrum in single feeding sizes (8 oz.) so it ca be rapidly frozen and later thawed for feeding at body temperature. Thaw carefully at room temperature, or more quickly at a low heat. Never let colostrum get hot, as this can damage the antibodies. Avoid microwaving. While colostrum from ewes in your own flock is superior, colostrum supplements can help if the real substance is not available. Purchase commercially available synthetic products and use as directed. Milk replacer Begin feeding liquid milk replacer 4 to 5 hours after the last colostrum feeding on day one. Use a milk replacer

designed for lambs and follow the manufacturer’s directions. You can also use fresh sheep or goat’s milk to raise orphan lambs successfully. Offer hand-fed formula at body temperature four to six times daily for the first three days. Then feed at least twice daily and gradually increase the amount fed. Self-feeding a milk replacer requires less labor, allows the lamb to suckle as often as it desires and to set its own level of consumption, and also helps to prevent digestive upsets. Lambs typically consume 1 to 2 quarts of milk replacer daily. This equals 1/2 to 1 lb of dry milk replacer a day. To train lambs to suckle on self-feeders, start them on cold formula and help the lambs feed every 6 hours until they learn to nurse from the nipple feeder. One or two nipple-trained lambs in the same pen will help.

If you feed milk replacer by free choice, make sure it is cold to prevent over consumption at a single feeding. Feeding equipment size depends on the number of lambs you are handling. Keep the milk clean and cool to prevent spoilage. Allow 3 to 5 lambs per nipple in groups of 15 lambs or less. Different nipple types, each with their own attributes, are available for purchase. Train lambs on the type of nipple you plan to use during the entire feeding period. Keep feeding utensils as germfree as possible. Infectious diarrhea easily spreads from dirty equipment and the environment. Facilities for raising lambs should be draft-free and wellventilated. Use a heat lamp until the lambs are nursing well. Lambs raised at 68 degrees F gain weight faster than those raised at 46 degrees F. Lambs may be raised on gravel, dirt, or concrete floors bedded with straw or wood shavings. However, a slotted or expanded metal floor may be the easiest way to keep an area clean and dry. Provide 2 square feet per lamb on expanded metal and 6 to 7 square feet per lamb on bedded solid floors. All artificially reared lambs should be vaccinated for enterotoxemia (Clostridium perfringens, types C and D) shortly after starting them on milk replacer and again 3 weeks later. Lambs that do not receive colostrum should be vaccinated immediately with clostridium Type C and D antitoxin. If scours occur,

check the environment for contamination, drafts, and proper temperature. Evaluate your sanitation procedures, and if scours persist, treat the lambs as recommended by your veterinarian. Solid Feed Offer dry feed to lambs once they are readily consuming milk replacer. The feed should be palatable and contain at least 20 percent crude protein. Many shepherds use soybean meal or a creep feed that is at least 50 percent soybean meal to start artificially reared lambs on solid feed. Do not feed hay or oats to start lambs as these feeds tend to cause bloat. Keep feed fresh by offering just slightly more than lambs will consume in a 24-hour period. To avoid fecal matter contamination, locate feed and water outside the pen and allow lambs access through slots. Wean lambs at about four weeks of age or when the lambs have consumed 20 to 25 pounds of dry milk powder. Feeding milk replacer longer than this is not cost effective. Before weaning, make sure lambs are eating some solid food. Research at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station at Dubois, ID, indicates that weaning lambs abruptly from milk at 4 to 5 weeks works better than offering a diluted milk replacer the last week. Avoid leafy alfalfa hay for up to two weeks after weaning since it can result in bloat problems.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton

Melissa Fery 541-730-3538 melissa.fery@ oregonstate.edu

Amy Garrett 541-766-6750 amy.garrett@ oregonstate.edu

Commercial Agriculture Small Farms Save the Date 2017 Oregon Small Farms Conference, Feb. 18 LaSells Stewart Center and CH2M Hill Alumni Center, OSU Campus, Corvallis $50 per person. The Oregon Small Farms Conference is a daylong event geared toward farmers, agricultural professionals, food policy advocates, students and managers of farmers markets. Thirty educational sessions are offered on a variety of topics relevant to the Oregon small farmers and include a track in Spanish. Speakers include farmers, OSU Extension faculty, agribusiness, and more. Visit http://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/sfc for the full slate of 27 educational sessions and to register.

Linn Extension is Part of Weather network A new precipitation gauge has been placed at the OSU Linn County Extension office near Tangent, to be part of a national citizen science initiative. CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, communitybased network of volunteers working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow). The data collected by participants in all 50 states is used for natural resource, education, and research applications. To learn more about the program, including how to become a weather observer, see www.cocorahs.org.

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Commercial Agriculture Field Crops south Valley Field Crop notes January/February

General management

• Seed certification: make sure to submit overseeding documentation to seed cert to maintain eligibility. • OSU research has shown that spreading slug bait during the cold winter months is not effective. If you are determined to bait, do so at dusk when night temperatures are in the low 40s, with no rain, and winds less than 5MPH. • Continue to scout fields for the winter cutworm, a coldtolerant larval pest.

Grass

• Tall fescue begins spring growth ~4 days (turf-type) to ~10 days (forage-type) earlier than perennial ryegrass. Apply 100-140 lb/ac of N in the spring to tall fescue fields by the first week of April. Split applications are recommended, with the majority of N applied by mid-March. Peak N uptake for tall fescue is in late March/early April. • Delay first nitrogen applications to perennial ryegrass until after T-Sum reaches 200 GDD (~mid-Feb). Apply 120-160 lb/ac of N in the spring to perennial ryegrass fields by midApril. Split applications are recommended for flexibility and matching crop demand, but rarely increase seed yield. Peak N uptake for perennial ryegrass is in late April. • On saturated soils, the entire spring N application can be delayed until mid-March/early April without reducing seed yields (especially annual ryegrass). It is best to delay fertilizer where soils are saturated or ponded. • In drier years, scout grass seed fields for late winter grain mite outbreaks.

Wheat

• Attend the January OSU Extension Wheat and Seed Production Meetings if planning to plant spring wheat this year. Variety selection will be discussed. • Take soil samples in the last two weeks of January for the N-min test to help predict spring fertilizer rates. • Apply nitrogen to winter wheat before the end of February to be sure it is fertilized before late tillering. Rapid N uptake begins at jointing (Feeks GS6). • Try to complete post-emergence grass and broadleaf control herbicide treatments on winter wheat before wheat jointing (~March 1). Refer to individual product labels or the PNW Weed Management Handbook for specific information on application timings. Continued on Page 13

12 — January/February 2017

Clare Sullivan 541-730-3537 clare.sullivan@ oregonstate.edu

Reflections Upon Leaving the south Valley I write this article moving into my last month as the South Valley Field Crops Extension Agent, and I am being reminded of the first article I wrote for GROWING. It was the summer of 2014, and while I was thrilled to share my early thoughts, I was also very aware that I was making my initial impression to the community. Similarly, I write my last article for GROWING with mixed emotions, as the decision to transition out of my South Valley position has been a tough one. Upon arrival, grass seed was brand new to me, and I looked forward to learning the agronomics of a new production system. However, exposure to the complexities of the entire field-crops industry is what surprised me the most, and learning those facets has been a great joy of this position. Observing the global impact of your local seed industry brought me invaluable perspective on family farming and commercial agriculture. I highly respect the family-run farms that are the heart of this successful industry. I developed a much better understanding of the social and regulatory pressures that farmers face, and am now a more confident

advocate for agriculture. I look forward to sharing these lessons as I move through my career. As I reflect on the last three years, there are many day-today occurrences I will miss: popping into the Shedd Market and chatting with farmers over lunch; recognizing people by their trucks as they drive by; exchanging ideas while driving in swathers, combines, trucks, and tractors; the view of sheep grazing on grass and clover fields; watching a smile crack on even the most serious farmer’s face; the smell of grass seed harvest; stopping by shops and seeing innovative equipment being built; joining in at harvest dinners, and many more. Of course, the part I will miss most about my job is the personal connections I have made. The most gratifying part of my job was listening to and interacting with farmers, and I am proud to say that it’s the

part I felt I did best at. Many of you were my closest colleagues, and I feel privileged to have worked with such engaged and progressive farmers and fieldmen. This connection is why I work in Extension. I am in my current position through January, then will be moving to Redmond for a newly created Extension position serving growers in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties. Please feel free to drop me a line in January, or give a call if you’re heading east. I can be reached at 541-602-2009 or clare. sullivan@oregonstate.edu. Thank you for your support and all you have shared with me. I wish your families health, happiness, and successful harvests for the years to come, and I look forward to our paths crossing again.

— Clare

2017 Winter OSU extension Seed Crop and Cereal Production Meetings Tuesday, Jan. 10 8:30 a.m.-noon – Roth’s Hospitality Center, West Salem; 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m. – Linn County Fair and Expo Center, Albany Wednesday, Jan. 11 8:30 a.m.-noon - Forest Grove Elks Lodge, 2810 Pacific Ave

Topics: • Weed Management in Grain and Seed Crops – Andy Hulting • Stem Rust Control and the Stem Rust Model – Bill Pfender and David Gent • Fertilizer Recommendations

in Grasses Grown for Seed – Nicole Anderson • Spring Management Decisions for Wheat Crops – Mike Flowers & Chris Mundt ODA Pesticide Recertification Credits will be available.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton

Ryegrass Growers Association Annual Meeting Jan. 18 The 56th Annual Meeting of the Oregon Ryegrass Growers Association will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center in Albany. If you would like to register for the meeting and need a form you can stop by or call the OSU Linn County Extension office in Tangent, 541-9673871. Pre-registration is $20 and registration at the meeting is $25. The board put together a great program this year covering a variety of topics, including the use of tile drainage in different soil types, succession planning, an explanation of the fluorescence test, and alternatives to axiom for row spraying. The keynote speaker is Lloyd Murdock, Professor at University of Kentucky, who will give a presentation on the use of annual ryegrass to break down fragipan soils. The ORGA board will also have a poster presentation period during the morning break. Posters will cover a variety of topics ranging from seed certification to weed and pest management. The program will include the regular market and legislative updates.

Agenda 7:45 a.m.

Registration

8:30 a.m.

Welcome and Introduction / Treasurer’s Report

8:45 a.m.

Oregon Ryegrass Growers Seed Commission Denver Pugh, Oregon Ryegrass Commission

Upcoming Ag Meetings January • 10 & 11 – Winter OSU Extension Seed Crop and Cereal Production Meetings in Albany, West Salem, and Forest Grove. No pre-registration required. • 12 & 13 – Oregon Mint Growers Annual Meeting at Salishan Lodge in Gleneden Beach. www.oregonmint. org/annualmeeting.html • 18 – Oregon Ryegrass Growers Association Annual conference at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center in Albany. Pre-registration is recommended. Contact the Linn County Extension Office for more information 541-967-3871.

9:00 a.m.

Market Report; James Schneider, Barenbrug

9:20 a.m.

Grass Seed Pest Management Steve Salisbury, Oregon Seed Council

9:50 a.m.

Poster break session

February • 8 – Oregon Clover Growers Annual Meeting at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Wilsonville. For more information call 503-364-2944.

10:30 a.m.

Seed Certification 101 Jeff McMorran, OSU Seed Certification

Crop Notes First continued from Page 12

10:50 a.m.

Can Annual Ryegrass Break Down Fragipan Soils?; Lloyd Murdock, University of Kentucky

11:35 a.m.

Using Drainage Tile in Different Soil Types OSU Pedology, Department of Crop and Soil Science

11:55 a.m.

Service Award; Presented by Jesse Rue

noon

Prime Rib Lunch by Affair Catering

1:00 p.m.

OSHA Updates; Kirk Lloyd, Pacific Risk Management, Inc.

1:25p.m.

Succession Planning; Cary Richardson, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones

2:05 p.m.

All Boots on the ground in 2016 - State of Oregon Politics; Marie Bowers, ORGA board member and engaged farmer

2:30 p.m.

Flourescence Explained; David Stimpson, OSU Seed Lab

2:45 p.m.

Axiom Row Spraying and Potential Alternatives; Clare Sullivan, OSU Field Crops

3:00 p.m.

Raffle and Adjourn

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn

Clover

• Dormant season applications of oxyfluorfen, paraquat, diuron (red clover), and MCPA (white clover) herbicides should be completed on established white and red clover fields by early February, or before growth starts.

Mint

• Dormant season applications of paraquat, oxyfluorfen, or other soil-applied herbicides on peppermint should be completed by early February, or before growth starts.

Meadowfoam

• Complete fertilizer and pesticide applications on meadowfoam as soon as possible after Feb. 1 to minimize potential crop injury.

January/February 2017 —

Commercial Agriculture New Ag Director Brings Iowa roots to Oregon From the oregon Department of Agriculture On December 14, The Oregon Senate confirmed Alexis Taylor as the 15th director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Taylor, who will start Jan. 23, comes to Oregon from the USDA, where she most recently served as deputy undersecretary for the Farm and Foreign Agriculture Service. There she was responsible for advancing international trade policy and market opportunities for American farmers and ranchers. Taylor served in the U.S. Army Reserves and did one tour in Iraq. She is a graduate of Iowa State University and grew up on a farm in Iowa that has been in the family for more than 150 years. She recently was interviewed. How do you describe yourself to those who have yet to meet you? I’m an Iowa farm girl. My roots are deeply

Go Local!

tied to agriculture and rural communities. That’s who I really love working for, because that’s where I came from. I’m also a veteran. So something about public service really speaks to me. I’ve wanted to give back to communities, to U.S. agriculture, and to our country as well. What attracted you to Oregon and the position of ODA Director? My attraction is summed up in one word– diversity. Diversity of how food is grown, where food is grown, the types of conditions it’s grown under

Cover Crop mixes AvAiLABLe

huge opportunities. Those international markets are a key to farmers’ and ranchers’ bottom line in Oregon. I’m excited to bring that experience to further promote those products internationally, but also locally in Oregon and to other states throughout the country. Can your experience in the federal government help ODA and Oregon’s ag industry? Yes. The first six months are going to be hectic for me. Certainly, I’ll be drinking from a fire hose but I’ve got a great team at ODA around me– people who have a lot of expertise and knowledge. I’m really going to rely on them. But once we get through the legislative session, I’m excited to look at where there are resources at USDA. Maybe there are things we aren’t leveraging that well here in Oregon but have the opportunity to, and really see what else we can bring to Oregon agriculture. It might be help for local and

regional food systems, further expanding farmers’ markets, or new market opportunities overseas. I’m excited about using my knowledge of the federal system and leverage that for the betterment of all Oregon ag. What are some of your top priorities for the job over the next 12 months? The first six months are really going to be focused on the legislative session– also first getting to know the stakeholders in the SalemWillamette Valley area, because they are close by, getting out on some of the local farms. Once we get past the session, my goal is to visit every county in Oregon. I want to talk to farmers and ranchers. I want to hear the challenges associated with farming, but also the opportunities, and see how ODA can continue to help them stay in business and pass those farms onto future generations, which is what it’s all about. Are there any Continued on Page 15

Cover Crop Mixes for Garden Soil Health!

AustriAn peAs Cover Crop

CereAL GrAins Cover Crop

Crimson CLover Cover Crop

pAsture mix

Seed Division Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00am–5pm

14 — January/February 2017

geographically, and also who is growing it. Oregon agriculture is diverse, but it’s also innovative. Coming to a state that has over 220 crops is pretty exciting. There’s a ton of opportunities associated with that, and some challenges. Also, I’ve known (former ODA Director) Katy Coba for several years. She was a phenomenal leader for Oregon and really worked to put Oregon on a national stage. I’m excited to continue that legacy for farmers and ranchers and Oregon’s rural communities. What are the strengths and experiences you bring to the job? I believe I bring a unique international perspective. I worked the past three and a half years at USDA focusing on international activities as well as domestic farm policy. I’ve traveled the world and that experience can help market Oregon food and agriculture products. With 95 percent of the world population living outside the US, there are

Common vetCh Cover Crop

Spring Seed Available • Louise Wheat • Alturas Wheat • Cayuse Oats • Everleaf Oats

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Hoecker Endowment Keeps on Giving to Extension

New Ag Director continued from Page 14

Continued from Page 1 Photo Provided by osU extension

Photo Provided by osU extension

students at Merrill Elementary school in Klamath County enjoy making their own yogurt-fruit parfaits and learning about healthy food choices under an OsU Extension program partially funded by a Hoecker Innovative Grant.

A sign along a tsunami evacuation route at the base of the Yaquina Bay Bridge in newport, Oregon, directs people to high ground. An OsU Extension project, funded in part by a Hoecker Innovative Grant, uses a treasure-hunt approach to encourage a better understanding of tsunami evacuation routes.

through creative and innovative approaches.” In the case of the tsunami evacuation route project, Cait Goodwin, coordinator for Oregon Sea Grant’s Quests program at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, used a treasure-hunt approach to encourage a better understanding of the designated evacuation route from the Science Center to higher ground. Preliminary plans are in place to use the same approach in other coastal cities. In the project to encourage students to eat their fruits and vegetables, Patty Case, an associate professor in the OSU College of Public Health and Human

Grant awards typically run $2,000 to $4,000, but this past year were $1,000, as the university “had to do a little bit of catch-up in rebuilding the endowment,” Reed said. Still, he said: “Even a thousand dollars – when added to a faculty member’s existing resources, and their ability to work with other partners – expands the pool of their resources in ways that, left alone, we wouldn’t be able to afford. “More and more,” Reed said, “partnerships like these are defining the way we do our work. Through partnerships, we are able to leverage each other’s resources and co-create solutions.”

Sciences, used the approach of “training and empowering lunch ladies,” or food service staff “to nudge students to not only choose the healthy foods they offer, but to eat them.” Case added: “Food service staff can take an active role in school wellness by making the lunchroom a fun place to learn about and experience healthy foods.” In the grant supporting the encouragement of physical activity and community interaction among minority populations in Ontario, Barb Brody, a Family and Community Health Extension agent in Malheur County, developed walking routes and encouraged citizens to form walking groups.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn

In recent years, award recipients have put together presentations of their projects to show at the annual OSU Extension Association Awards Breakfast, this year held Nov. 16. “The short presentations have been so enlightening and meaningful to us,” Peggy Hoecker said. “It is wonderful to see how the Extension staff are using the grant funds,” she said. “To see what my parents-in-law’s initial foresight, and how the Hoecker Family Grants continue to assist OSU Extension in helping to meet the needs of other people on an annual basis, is just thrilling.”

specific challenges facing Oregon ag that you feel need your utmost attention? As I’ve talked to people during some initial rounds of meetings with stakeholders and legislators, ODA’s Water Quality Program and water quantity tops everyone’s list. There are dozens of other issues that come below it, from marketing to pesticides, that will also be important right away. The first six months is going to be a steep learning curve with the legislative session, but I’m going to come out of that with a great understanding of the different issues surrounding Oregon agriculture. What opportunities for Oregon agriculture are you most excited about? Oregon agriculture has this great brand that we can expand upon. It’s about clean water, it’s about clean air, it’s about safe food products, it’s about diverse agriculture. How do we take that Oregon brand and expand it to other states and to the rest of the world? That’s an exciting opportunity. By 2030, over 60 percent of the world’s middle class will live in Asia. That represents huge opportunities for the US, particularly for Oregon and its proximity to those markets. What’s the first thing people do when they make a little more money? They buy higher quality, safe food products. Oregon is ripe to capture a lot of that new middle class purchasing power. January/February 2017 —

Forestry and Natural resources

Brad WithrowRobinson 541-766-6750 brad.w-r@ oregonstate.edu

Christmas Tree Publication

Developing Quality Christmas Trees in the Pacific northwest (Pnw 684) Photo by brad WithroW-robinson

Each Christmas tree species requires special skill and specific knowledge to be grown successfully. This publication outlines how trees grow and the culturing practices necessary to develop the size, shape, and density of true fir, Douglas-fir, pine, and spruce Christmas trees so that they are marketable. Extension publications are available for download free online if you search for the title Training the leader of a true and publication number. fir Christmas tree.

16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; January/February 2017

Photo by brad WithroW-robinson

Are you interested in seeing more information about how to take care of your woodland property? Do you want to find out about upcoming events? Then you should subscribe to the WOODLAND COMPASS and NEEDLE, the free electronic news and announcement bulletins from Benton, Linn, and Polk Counties Forestry & Natural Resources Extension. The COMPASS is released electronically six times yearly with information about the art and science of taking care of your woodland property for the benefit of you and the creatures that live there. As an on-line publication it comes in full color with active links to other stories and resources. The NEEDLE has timely electronic announcements, and is the best way to find out about upcoming woodland events and happenings offered by Extension and its partners in the mid Valley. If you are interested in receiving the COMPASS and NEEDLE, please email Jody Einerson (jody.einerson@ oregonstate.edu), or call the Benton County Extension Office 541-766-6750, and give us your name, e-mail, and physical mailing address & phone (to help keep email lists current). There is something for nearly every interest, so put your whole family on the list. It is FREE!

Photo by brad WithroW-robinson

An Easy new Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resolution: subscribe to the Woodland Compass

Jody Einerson 541-766-6311 jody.einerson@ oregonstate.edu

Landowners learning about the role beetles play in forest health.

Planting trees is a key skill for many landowners.

What We Do By Brad Withrowrobinson, oSU Forestry and natural resources Extension for Benton, Linn and Polk Counties The Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Extension program in Benton, Linn and Polk Counties aims to help family forest landowners, Extension volunteers, other groups and individuals in the community understand and improve sustainable woodland management practices around the midWillamette Valley area. We live in an area with diverse woodlands and

people with a broad range of goals, objectives and expectations of what our woodlands and forests need to provide. Whether the goals are to protect clean water, to provide good wildlife habitats, to earn income from timber or investment or simply have a beautiful place to live and play, we help provide the practical, science-based information and learning opportunities people need to make those forest management choices wisely. We work to interpret existing or emerging knowledge to apply to the

problems at hand, and we provide this information through workshops, tours, publications, blogs, and newsletters. In this section of GROWING, you can expect to find general-interest stories about what is happening in and around the forests and woodlands of our area, as well as some upcoming events. People who are interested in practical, how-to information about taking care of forestlands are encouraged to subscribe to our electronic newsletter the WOODLAND COMPASS.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton

seed Certification 100 Years and Counting By Mitch Lies, GrowinG Editor

When certifying fields, the program’s eight fulltime and ten part-time seed certification specialists perform inspections at planting, and then return in 60 days for a follow up inspection, when they will look for off-types in a field. All crops also are inspected when they are heading out, or at the beginning of the final stages of seed development. Crop standards have tightened over the past 100 years. The first seed crop certified was wheat, which in 1916 had an allowance for 1.5 percent of other varieties in certified seed. That standard today is .05 percent. The program was started by George Hyslop, an agronomist and administrator at what was then Oregon Agricultural College. A small excerpt

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn

written by Hyslop in 1919, illustrates how new certification was to the state. “The rules and regulations under which I did seed certification last summer were simply formulated in my head and have never been put on paper before,” Hyslop wrote. “A farmer who wanted his seed certified made arrangements with the County Agent of his county and when one of us were in that county, we inspected the field. If it passed the field inspection, we asked for a threshed sample and made the final inspection. After that, we issued the certificate.” Today, certification is a sophisticated process performed under a set of guidelines developed by the USDA and the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA). These guidelines are further refined through local advisory committees and the Seed Certification Board into specific standards for Oregon. The Oregon standards often have tighter, or additional requirements than the USDA or AOSCA standards. In the end, this process provides assurances to farmers and ranchers who plant Oregon certified wheat and forage seeds, and to landscapers and others who plant Oregon certified turf grass seeds that the seed they are planting is among the best in the world.

A reminder that the Linn County Seedling Sale and the Goods from the Woods local wood products fair will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center. Both events are sponsored by the Linn County Chapter of Oregon Small Woodlands Association. Portions of the money earned each year from the Seedling Sale are used to help fund educational programs for youth in Linn County, including 4-H and college scholarships. Seedlings will be available while supplies last and pre-orders are encouraged. The plant list/information sheet and seedling order form are available on line by following the link on the Benton County Forestry Extension upcoming events page http://extension. oregonstate.edu/benton/forestry/events. For questions or additional information, please contact Bonnie Marshall at bonnieym@wvi.com or 503-769-6510. Photo by brad WithroW-robinson

Oregon Seed Certification is starting its second 100 years this month, marking a milestone of one of the many partnerships between Oregon seed producers and the Oregon State University Extension Service. In a nutshell, the Seed Certification program is designed to provide seed buyers assurances that seed lots meet certain quality specifications in regard to varietal purity and absence of weed seeds and plant diseases. In 2016, the program certified 246,669 acres, within 5,650 production fields in 28 Oregon counties. There were 84 different crop types certified, and 1,238 different varieties. The services were provided for 721 growers, 363 warehouses and 418 seed contractors. The program is funded entirely by seed growers and seed companies, who pay for its services. Grass seed, primarily tall fescue and perennial ryegrass, accounted for nearly 83 percent of the acreage certified by the program in 2016. Cereals, including wheat, barley and oats, accounted for about 10.5 percent of the acreage certified. Legumes, including alfalfa, red clover and crimson clover, accounted for about 3.5

percent of the acreage certified. Other crops, including mostly potatoes and field corn, accounted for another 3 percent of acreage certified last year.

seedling sale and Goods from the Woods Fair

now the fun begins!

BeNTON COUNTy 4-H yOUTH DeVeLOPMeNT

Record Keeping a Vital 4-H Life skill One of the critical life skills that we teach in the world of 4-H is how to keep records. You’ll often hear 4-Her’s refer to the “record books” that they’ve been keeping since they began their 4-H participation. Learning how to keep records is both an art and a science. While there are foundational pieces of information that need to be kept in 4-H records, there is also room for 4-H’ers to personalize their 4-H stories. Record keeping teaches 4-H members about accounting, reporting, and written communication. Furthermore, members who keep record books are eligible for 4-H scholarships, travel opportunities, leadership positions, and awards at the county, state, and national levels. Record books also provide an invaluable personal history and memory book to look back on for years into the future. Record keeping is a fundamental part of a member’s 4-H experience, and we encourage 4-H members to attend our annual Records Workshop, which will be held this year on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 1-3:30 p.m., at the Benton County Extension Office.

January/February 2017 —

Benton County 4-H youth Development Benton County and Linn County extension programs may offer opportunities that are only open to the citizens of their respective counties. Please check with your county extension Office if you have any questions about participation eligibility for specific programs.

Benton County 4-H Enrollment Information All Benton County 4-H Enrollment forms are due with payment by Jan. 17. Enrollment forms are available to print from our website and available at our Benton Extension office.

Favorite Foods Contest The Benton County 4-H Favorite Foods Contest will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28. The Favorite Foods Contest is open to all Benton County youth ages 5-19. Youth don’t need to be a 4-H member to participate. The contest is an opportunity for youth to prepare a favorite food (snack/dish), which will be sampled by a friendly judge. Here are the details: Who: ALL Benton County youth ages 5-19. When: Saturday, Jan. 28. Where: Benton County Extension Office Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

To register: Call 541-7666750 for a time slot. You must register by Wednesday, Jan. 25. First come, first served. Cost: No fee required What to bring: Your

favorite food, and a table setting for one, including a centerpiece and a menu of your snack or meal. More information can be found on our website. Photo by KeLLy cotter

Oregon 4-H enrolls youth based upon their age as of Sept. 1, 2016: • Cloverbuds 5 to 8-years old • Juniors 9 to 11-years old • Intermediates 12 to 14-years old • Seniors 15 to 19-years old

Maggie Livesay 541-766-3550 maggie.livesay@ oregonstate.edu

Carolyn Ashton 541-766-3555 carolyn.ashton@ oregonstate.edu

AnaLu Fonseca 541-766-6249 analu.fonseca@ oregonstate.edu

Benton County 4-H Enrollment fees are as follows: $25 per member before Jan. 17, for the first two family members (the third and additional family members will be $7 each). Cloverbuds are $7 per member. Fees will increase to $30 per member after Jan. 17 for the first two family members (the third and additional family members will be $10 each). Check or cash is accepted. Checks should be made payable to, “OSU Extension Service – Benton County.”

Muddy Creek Charter school is awarded the 2016 Outstanding 4-H Wildlife stewards Award at the 63rd annual 4-H Awards Banquet. The school has participated in this program for 15 years! From left, Bryan Traylor, Chris O’Connell, Barb Holt, Tom day, and Jennine Livengood.

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http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton

Become a Benton County 4-H Volunteer

Make a difference to a child. Become a 4-H Volunteer Leader. shown here is one of the best, longtime volunteer leader nellie Oehler.

commitment will vary

We are looking for Camp Counselors who are in 9th12th grade to volunteer for the 2017 Linn-BentonLincoln overnight camp in Salem. Camp counselors gain valuable job experience, learn about leadership and responsibility and become wonderful role models for the 4th-8th grade campers. 4-H Camp will be held June 25-30 (Sunday-Friday), with counselors arriving on Saturday, June 24. Non4-H youth are welcome to apply. Males are especially encouraged to get involved so that we can accommodate

the maximum number of boy campers. If youth were counselors last year they will automatically be sent an application. New interested youth can print the application off from the county 4-H website, or stop by the Extension office. Applications are due Friday, Feb. 17. We are also recruiting applicants for Junior Staff (college age students or older who do much of the behind the scenes work at camp plus support counselors). Counselor Selection Day will be held Saturday,

Photo by caroLyn ashton

4-H Camp Counselor Applications Available

depending upon your time, interest, and needs of youth. How to start? Choose a project of interest, complete a volunteer application & criminal history check, interview with an Extension Faculty member, attend a New Leader/Volunteer Training, and recruit club members! Next New Leader/ Volunteer Training will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6-8:30 p.m. at the Benton County Extension Office. Registration is required. To register call 541-766-6750.

Camp Counselors have fun and make a difference for the 4th8th grade campers.

March 4, at the Linn County Extension Office. Selected counselors and alternates must also attend counselor training on Saturday, May 20th and Sunday, May 21st, at the Oregon 4-H Center. Camp Counselor positions are volunteer. There is no cost for trainings.

The Benton County 4-H Program was honored to be chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the 9th annual Benton County Sheriff’s Chili Cook-Off, held on Saturday, Sept. 11. The event was well attended with more than 1,000 people sampling the chili created by 17 different teams. 4-H members and leaders helped volunteer at the activity, which included a petting zoo, face painting, and a dunk tank. The event raised $5,000 to help benefit our program. Thanks to the Benton County Sheriff’s Foundation for their generous support of our program.

Photo Provided by caroLyn ashton

Do you enjoy working with children? Do you want to share your time and talents? Volunteer and help create life-changing experiences for youth in your community. 4-H is a “learn by doing” educational program for youth ages 5-19. 4-H helps youth to develop leadership, citizenship, communication and other important life skills. What commitment must volunteers make? One year, a few months, a few weeks, or one time. Your

Chili Cook-Off Benefits Benton 4-H

From left, Katie Cooper, Greg Ridler and Joel Pickerd from the Benton County sherriff’s Office; Carolyn Ashton, Maggie Livesay, and Andrea Watson from OsU Extension service; nicole dodson, Event Coordinator - BCsO Chili Cook-Off

“WILd in the Wetland” Educator Workshop in Corvallis Join us saturday March 4 and learn what’s new with the Aquatic WILd curriculum. Explore a local wetland using field investigations, delve into journaling, and sample indoor handson activities. The workshop is designed for elementary teachers and informal educators. Cost is $25 including curriculum guide and lunch To register, call the OsU Extension Benton County office, 541-766-6750

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http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn

January/February 2017 —

Linn County 4-H youth Development Western Region Livestock Education day saturday, Jan. 28, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Polk County Fairgrounds, Rickreall Come join 4-H and FFA members from all over the region to learn about how to select a market animal project, how to feed your project once you have it home, and finally, how to best manage the health needs of your animal. We will be holding educational seminars related to biosecurity, the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD), animal health and management, as well as selection and feeding. Industry professionals will serve as our presenters for the day, including OSU Animal Science Faculty members, a veterinarian from the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Livestock Nutrition experts and Livestock producers. 4-H Junior, Intermediate, and Senior members from Western Oregon are welcome, as well as FFA members. Lunch and prizes will be provided by Coastal Farm and Ranch. For questions please contact Andrea Leao, andrea. leao@oregonstate.edu. Photo by andrea Leao

The day includes hands on information for beef, sheep, swine, and goats. shelby Armstrong provided the goats last year.

Youth Wanted for spring Break nature Camp The 4-H Youth Development programs in Linn and Lane counties will hold a Junior Master Naturalist (JMN) camp during spring break, March 2831. This camp will provide place-based, experiential environmental education curriculum to 5th-6th grade youth. Any 5th or 6th grade student in Linn County is eligible to participate. The camp is limited to the first 30 youth who commit to the program requirements. Before camp, youth will be required to attend two afterschool classes, with some follow-up studying. Junior Master Naturalist lessons will include: geology, botany, forestry, hydrology, wildlife, soils, career opportunities, and environmental stewardship. An introduction to these topics will be done in the pre-camp classes. The camp will be held at the 320-acre Oregon 4-H Center near Salem, where participants can experience the rich Willamette Valley ecosystems. The camp will provide an ideal setting

Make Corvallis Feed & Seed your 4-H and FFA home. We offer a discount of 10% off full priced show items and deferred payment for those who qualify for an account.

20 — January/February 2017

for hands-on learning, connection to nature, and real-world examples. Lessons will be taught by OSU Extension staff and other partners such as certified Master Naturalists, and environmental education organizations. The curriculum is modeled after the Oregon Master Naturalist program. After participants become introduced to the Junior Master Naturalist program through the camp, they will be encouraged to form or join a 4-H Naturalist club in their county. Clubs will meet year round, like traditional 4-H clubs, with volunteer leaders. They will focus on hands-on learning, citizen science, and community service. They will further immerse themselves in the 4-H natural resources curriculum and prepare natural science exhibits for their county fair contests. Experienced members will form a leadership team to support new JMN participants. Oregon’s 4-H Youth Development program

follows an innovative, research-based program model, setting youth on a thriving trajectory through project work, achieving long-term outcomes that include: successful transition to adulthood, health and well-being, economic stability, and civic engagement. Junior Master Naturalist will be strategically designed to follow this program model. This means providing intentional opportunities to build key developmental relationships with peers and instructors, adequate program quality and duration, leadership development, and civic engagement. Furthermore, the national 4-H Mission Mandates are Citizenship, Healthy Living, and Science, all of which will be addressed through curriculum and field experiences in the JMN program. For more information contact Robin Galloway, Linn County 4-H Faculty at 541730-3429 or robin.galloway@ oregonstate.edu

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http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton

4-H Members show support to Veterans Photo by renee LaLonde

Benton County and Linn County extension programs may offer opportunities that are only open to the citizens of their respective counties. Please check with your county extension Office if you have any questions about participation eligibility for specific programs.

Linn County 4-H seeking Photography Volunteers Photo by andrea Leao

Are you passionate about taking photos? Do you like working with youth members? Linn County 4-H is seeking volunteers for our Photography Project area. We have many members that enjoy taking pictures and displaying them at fair. We are looking for adults that might like to mentor these members, Photography display at the County and also possibly serve Fair as a superintendent of photography at the county fair. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Andrea Leao at 541-967-3871, or e-mail andrea.leao@oregonstate.edu.

Lacombe Livestock and UPs bring some Christmas cheer to the residents of the Oregon Veteran’s Home. Photo by JiM siMonis

Creekside Wranglers members participate in the Albany Veteran’s day Parade. Photo by JiM siMonis

Creekside Wranglers members participate in the Albany Veteran’s day Parade.

4-H Livestock Judging Team Competes at nationals Congratulations to the Benton-Linn County 4-H Livestock Judging Team and their coach Shelby Armstrong who attended the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky., in November, where they placed 4th in the nation in http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn

the sheep/goat division! The senior team was comprised of: back row L to R: Shelby Armstrong (Coach), Samantha Elfering. Front row L to R: Emmitt White, LR Burns, Ashley Klampe, and Maddie Neuschwander.

Regional Horse Judging and Hippology Contest Linn County 4-H had 11 members compete in the Regional Horse Judging Contest that was held at the Benton County Fairgrounds on Dec. 10. This contest consists of judging horse classes, feed, hay, answering an individual problem, and giving oral reasons on the classes that they judged. Our members did a great job and also learned a lot. These contests would not be possible without the amazing volunteers who bring animals, supplies, and offer their expertise to the members. Overall, it was a great day for Linn Grace Reed gives her oral reasons. County members. Photo by andrea Leao

Cruzin’ Critters 4-H Club and Creekside Wranglers 4-H Club both participated in the Albany Veteran’s Day Parade on Nov. 11. The dog club brought their furry friends with them to walk through the parade and shake hands with the veterans. Creekside Wranglers, a horse club, enjoyed walking through and having the opportunity to thank the veterans for their service to our country. Lacombe Livestock 4-H Club and UPS teamed up to bring some holiday cheer to the Oregon Veterans Home in Lebanon. The 4-H members signed and delivered 154 Christmas cards, one for each person in the home. Along with the Christmas cards, UPS donated coffee baskets for each of the 11 houses in the Veterans Home. It was a combined effort to bring some Christmas cheer to some very deserving people.

January/February 2017 —

Linn County extension Association

President Sheryl Casteen

LCEA Awards Inaugural Grants For the first time, LCEA has funded grants to extend or start projects for four different Extension programs. We are funding the Extension Forestry & Natural Resources to continue expanding the Oregon Season Tracker citizen science program; purchasing garden booklets to continue the Master Gardeners’ free Seed to Supper basic gardening classes; assisting Family and Community Health with a mold suppression campaign and moisture meter program; and, assisting 4-H with startup funds for a new hands-on yes, I want to support Linn County extension association! enclosed is my tax-deductible gift. [ ] I am making a one-time donation of: __$250 Sponsor __$100 benefactor __$50 Sustaining Member __$25 Contributing __ any amount $____ [ ] I want to be a monthly donor and give $ ______ per month for ____year(s). Make check payable to LCea and mail to: 33630 McFarland rd, Tangent Or 97389 name _________________ address ________________ email _________________ Phone _________________

(email address will be used to forward confirmation of your donation)

We realize you have many donation choices, thank you so much for choosing to enhance Linn extension Service!

22 — January/February 2017

training program for Special Needs children. Oregon Season Tracker Brad Withrow-Robinson, Forestry & natural Resources Oregon Season Tracker volunteers help study weather and seasonal changes in plants (phenology), two topics especially suited to citizen involvement. Weather affects us all, plants, animals and humans, and precipitation is a key part of weather. Observing plant phenology helps understand how native plants respond to variations in weather and other factors. Since 2014, this program has recruited, trained and supported volunteers participating in precipitation and phenology observations as citizen scientists. This research is used for improved weather forecasting in the Willamette Valley. Data that can help us sustain our environment. As a volunteerdriven program, Extension is in a unique position to train and offer local support to volunteers in monitoring weather and climate all across the state by working through our many established programs such as Master Woodland Managers, Master Gardeners, a large and diverse 4-H youth development, and school enrichment programs, as well as reaching out to new partners in the community. LCEA’s grant will expand the training opportunities in Linn County this year and help offer rain gauges at a reduced cost. Interested in being a volunteer? It’s easy – call Jody Einerson at 541-766-6311 for more information.

Seed to Supper Booklets Brooke Edmunds, Home Horticulture Food studies show a high rate of food insecurity in our county. Seed to Supper is a free, six-week classroom curriculum that was developed by OSU Extension and the Oregon Food Bank. This class is targeted to low-income residents who cannot afford gardening classes and want to learn how to supplement their grocery bill with home grown produce. The classes cover vegetable gardening, from soils, irrigation, seeding, pests, diseases and harvest, ending with a cooking class. They often include free soil, pots and seeds to the students started. Linn County Master Gardeners will teach four (possibly five) six-week courses in February, March, and April of 2017. In years past, students have reported successfully growing their own vegetables at home and increasing their own or their families’ consumption of vegetables and fruits. This is also an excellent outreach tool for OSU Extension, usually bringing in one or two new Master Gardener trainees each year. This grant will pay for up to 100 booklets for the free basic gardening course Seed to Supper. Mold & Moisture Control in Homes Jeanne Brandt, Leonor Chavez – Family and Community Health Oregon has a damp environment for most of the year and while plants do well here, so does mold. Mold is part of our natural environment and spores can be found indoors

as well as outside. When it grows inside, it can become a health hazard. Many people are sensitive to mold spores causing allergic reactions including sneezing, runny noses, red, watery eyes, and skin rashes. It can trigger asthma in some individuals. Oregon is among the top six states with the highest percentage of adults with asthma. The dampness also invites and supports some pests, such as the dust mites and may increase bacteria growth in the home. LCEA’s grant will afford the Family and Community Health Department to provide information about mold and moisture control. Along with the education, there will be meters to monitor moisture levels in homes. Look for lectures at local group gatherings, i.e. senior centers, social service partners, religious organizations as well as local public events. Presentations and materials will be available in Spanish and English. 4-H Special Needs Program Andrea Leao, Robin Galloway4-H Youth This new program will concentrate on teaching families what 4-H can offer to special needs children.

Oftentimes, special needs children can’t participate in programs because their learning style or attention span won’t allow it. The goal of this program is to educate not only the parents and youth about ways to customize 4-H projects, but also to help the traditional clubs learn how to include special needs children in their groups. Currently, the following classes will be offered: Foods – making a meal and/ or food science experiment; Horticulture – planting plants, learning about fruits and vegetables; Art – painting and pottery; Science – science experiments and bug collections; Animals – small and large animal projects, maybe even incubating eggs and raising birds. Overall Linn County 4-H has approximately 700 children enrolled in a variety of programs and about 75 leaders with many parents assisting the club leaders. LCEA’s grant will fund the materials needed for the Special Needs classes. LCEA members made these grants possible. Make a donation and become a member. Helping people, helps grow our community. Thank you.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton

Calendar of Events for Linn and Benton Counties *

January 2017

Linn and Benton Master Gardener Training, Thursdays, February 2-March 23, Tangent * Gearing Up For Gardening Series, Tuesdays, Noon-1 p.m., January 10-February 28, Corvallis, Benton County Public Library 2 Extension Offices Closed, New Years 10-11 Winter OSU Extension Seed Crop and Cereal Production Meetings in Albany, West Salem, and Forest Grove 12-13 Oregon Mint Growers Annual Meeting, Salishan Lodge, Gleneden Beach 16 Extension Offices Closed, Martin Luther King Jr Day 16 Benton County 4-H Cloverbud Camp, 9 a.m. to noon, Benton County Extension Office, registration required 16 Benton County Master Gardener Association Membership Meeting, 6-8 p.m., Sunset room of the Benton County Extension Office. Topic: TBA. Open to the public! 17 Benton County 4-H Enrollment Deadline, ($25 per member, after January, 17, $30 per member) 18 Oregon Ryegrass Growers Association annual meeting, 8:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Linn County Fair and Expo Center, Albany 24 OSU Linn County Extension office is sponsoring a blood drive. 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., call the office or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your appointment

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Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop, 1-3 p.m., Lewis Brown Research Farm, Corvallis, registration required, $20 fee Let’s Talk Trash – Reducing Food Waste, FREE class, 9:30-11 a.m., Lebanon Senior Center, Lebanon Forestry Tax and Ownership Presentation, Planning for a generational transition of timber property ownership, 6-7:30 p.m., Benton County Extension Office, to RSVP call 541-766-6750 Western Region Livestock Education Day, 9 a.m.2:30 p.m., Polk County Fairgrounds, Rickreall Benton County 4-H Favorite Foods Contest, 10 a.m.2 p.m., Benton County Extension Office, registration required

February 2017 * *

Linn and Benton Master Gardener Training, Thursdays, February 2-March 23, Tangent Gearing Up For Gardening Series, Tuesdays, Noon-1 p.m., January 10-February 28, Corvallis, Benton County Public Library Local Woods Product Fair & Oregon Small Woodlands Association Seedling Sale, February 4, 8 a.m. to noon, Linn County Fair and Expo Center, Albany Benton County 4-H New Leader Training, 6-8:30 p.m., Benton County Extension Office, registration required Oregon Clover Growers Annual Meeting,

LCEA Annual Meeting and dinner with anecdotal stories and interactive discourse with his audience. Don’t miss this important and engaging discussion.

Come for a night of Extension information and good food. Meet your OSU Linn County Extension Service staff. Talk to faculty about programs of interest to you. Citizen Scientist Seasonal Tracker Program and the new 4-H Special Needs project will be highlighted. Cascadia earthquakes: What to expect and what can we do. A highlight of the evening will be a talk by the coastal natural hazards specialist Patrick Corcoran. His talk will center on disaster preparedness. Most earthquakes according to Corcoran last about 15 to 30 seconds. The possibility of experiencing a three- to five-minute earthquake is

real and could happen in the Willamette Valley with devastating effects. Can we ensure the resilience of our homes or community in the face of disaster? Our ability to respond will affect our entire community. Are we prepared? While Corcoran’s topic is anything but humorous, he will enchant listeners

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn

Biography Corcoran is based in at the Clatsop County Extension office in Astoria, Ore. Corcoran engages university researchers and residents in collaborative research and shared learning about natural hazards; helps communities identify their vulnerability to hazards; and connects local people with data and decision-support tools designed to help communities adapt. In 2014 Corcoran was named a Weather-Ready Ambassador for NOAA’s Weather-Ready Nation Initiative.

Wilsonville. Growing Farms Hybrid Series begins, 6-8:30 p.m., Benton County Extension Office, Sunset Meeting Room, registration required 11 Insights Into Gardening, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., LaSells Stewart Center, Corvallis, registration required 14 Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop, 1-3 p.m., Grandpa’s Farm Stand, Albany, registration required, $20 fee 18 Oregon Small Farms Conference, Oregon State University, Corvallis, registration required 18 Benton County 4-H Junior Leader Training, 10 a.m.noon, and Records Workshop, 1-3:30 p.m., Benton County Extension Office 20 Benton County Master Gardener Association Membership Meeting, 6-8 p.m., Sunset room of the Benton County Extension Office. Topic: TBA. Open to the public! 22 LCEA Annual Meeting and Dinner, 6-9 p.m., Boulder Falls Center, Lebanon. 23 Don’t Let Your Golden Years Be Tarnished, FREE class, 9:30-11 a.m., Lebanon Senior Center, Lebanon 28 & 3/1Benton County 4-H Presentations Contest 3-9 p.m., Benton County Fairgrounds, registration required * Save the date, March 4, the third annual Pollinator Conference, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Linn County Fair and Expo Center, Albany. * Save the date, March 5, Wild in the Wetlands 4-H Wildlife Stewards Educator Workshop, Benton County Extension Office, registration required 9

Save the Date

LCEA Annual Meeting and dinner Wednesday, February 22, 2017, 6-9 p.m. Boulder Falls Center, 505 Mullins Drive, Lebanon, Ore. Keynote speaker: Patrick Corcoran, Extension Hazards Outreach Cascadia Earthquakes: What to expect and what we can do Reservations open Jan. 10. Cost: $25 per person. Payment is due when reservation is made. Register online: www.linncountyextensionassociation.com or call 541-967-3871.

Correction from Nov.-Dec. 2016 Ask an expert: Last article I wrote that Green Lacewings use cocoons. Not so. I was thinking about Leaf Cutter Bees for another article – they use a bit of green leaf between their cocoons. Green lacewings lay their eggs on leaves with a little string-like attachment so the eggs hang in the air away from predators. January/February 2017 —

Assisted Living at Quail Run Set on 275 scenic acres with lakes, meadows, oak groves, and views of the Cascade Mountains, Mennonite Village is an inclusive community of amazing people. Quail Run at Mennonite Village is Albany’s only not-for-profit assisted living facility. The building is specially designed to accommodate the changing needs of its residents over time. Spacious studio and one-bedroom suites with kitchenettes combine convenience and comfort with 24-hour availability of personal assistance and support. Mennonite Village and its employees foster the respect, care, dignity, and worth of every resident by providing freedom of choice and opportunities for physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth. Each apartment offers generous amenities and services: • Three farm-fresh meals served daily, from 7 AM to 6 PM • Private dining rooms available for family dining • Weekly housekeeping and linen service • Utilities, including cable television and air conditioning • Pull-cord call system and other optional call systems • Ample closet and storage space • Scheduled bus service within Albany city limits • Laundry room for personal use • Wheelchair-accessible bathroom and shower • Whirlpool bathing options • Full-service salon and nail care options Mennonite Village is an“open campus”that welcomes new residents to all areas of our Village. You do not need to start in independent living. Should a need arise for additional health services, they’re available on campus, and you’ll pay only for the services you use. Mennonite Village is proud to be a smoke-free, tobacco-free community. Mennonite Village is subject to the federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make such a preference, limitation, or discrimination.

Mennonite Village Assisted Living 2525 47th Ave. S.E., Albany, OR 541-928-1122 www.mennonitevillage.org www.facebook.com/mennonitevillage 24 — January/February 2017

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton