The Somewhat Flawed Theoretical Foundation of the Extension Service

Innovation diffusion theory is the foundation of Extension agriculture outreach methods. The theory predicts that an innovation will initially be adopted by a small group of innovative farmers and later diffused to other farmers. Over the past 30 years, the theory has been criticized for favoring large wealthy farmers and increasing the inequities in rural areas. By utilizing innovation diffusion theory, have we caused harm to the population we serve? Because this theory has such an influence on our approach to outreach, why haven\u27t we kept up with developments in the evolution of this theory? What can we change to make our application of this theory consistent with current knowledge

More Change Than You Think: Tracking Oregon Farmers’ Markets and Their Managers 1998-2005

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Short-Term Interventions for Long-Term Needs: The Challenge of Bridging Youth and Community Development

The Mill City/Gates Youth Development Project operated as a youth-at-risk program in a timber-dependent community during the timber crisis of the early 1990\u27s. Evaluations indicate the youth activities were effective. Community support structures created by the project continue to operate 5 years after the end of funding, indicating a successful institutionalization of this component of the project. Although projects like this can have tremendous impacts with short-term youth programs, they are not sustainable when the community lacks the resources for their continuation. This project demonstrates investments in community capacity building have long-term impacts and are crucial for communities to support youth and families

Because they joined the grange

Originally a graduate research paper produced in 1981, the report contains brief histories, often oral, of the six grange halls of Benton County, Oregon collected over 30 years ago. Included are photographs and other resources such as original drawings. The report is a digital copy of the original paper and has been reproduced as a response to present day efforts by young farmers to revitalize grange halls. A preface puts the report in current context. It is published by the Oregon State University Small Farms Program.Keywords: Oregon, Grange halls, Benton Count

Breaking New Ground : Farmer Perspectives on Organic Transition

Despite increasing consumer demand for organic food and farm products and double-digit annual sales growth, U.S. organic production is currently flat and unable to meet demand. This report presents findings from a national survey of farmers about their experiences with organic transition, exploring motivations, obstacles, and desired resources and support related to the transition process. We found significant variation among farms who had successfully transitioned, who were still in process, who have split operations, and who ultimately decided not to pursue organic farming. Farmers in our study echo long-standing concerns about costs, recordkeeping, on-farm production challenges, infrastructure, and access to profitable markets. We offer a set of specific recommendations, observing that there is plenty of work to do by a wide variety of organizations and agencies that specialize in crop research, infrastructure development, market development, and policy development related to the organic sector. The report is a collaboration between Oregon State University’s Center for Small Farms & Community Food Systems and Oregon Tilth, Inc

Tools for rapid market assessments

Most farmers’ markets lack information to make effective changes and improvements. We have designed three simple, low-cost methods to address the information gaps. The first two—attendance counts and dot surveys—are quantitative and can be used independently by markets. The third method is the more complete Rapid Market Assessment (RMA), which combines the two quantitative methods and a qualitative method called Constructive Comments and Observations (CCO). An RMA is a collaborative learning process in which a team of market managers and others study a host market in another area. The learning is twoway: both the host market and the visiting RMA team members gain knowledge and experience. The RMA team members— through new collaborative relationships with their peers—learn the data-gathering methods and how to examine their own markets more analytically. All three methods make efficient use of time and money, which are generally in short supply

What can I do with my small farm? : selecting an enterprise for small acreages

Often, when people buy a small farm they simply want someone to tell them what they can “do” with it. As strange as it might seem, this isn’t an easy question to answer. When landowners begin to make important decisions related to the use of their property, they might not recognize the complicated web of details involved. Before making decisions, you should consider these major factors that interact with and influence each otherPublished March 2001. A more recent revision exists. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalo

The Future of Oregon's Agricultural Land

Sixty-four percent of Oregon's farmland is expected to change hands in the next 20 years, yet many Oregon farmers are unprepared for succession. Simultaneously, beginning farmers are finding it harder to start farmers because of dramatically increasing land prices. These distinct but interwined challenges are addressed in a new research report from the Oregon State University Center for Small Farms, Portland State University's Planning Oregon/Institute for Metropolitan Studies, and Rogue Farm Corps. The study examines trends in land tenure and the effects they might have on Oregon's economy, rural communities, and environment. The report was in many ways inspired and informed by the land access working group of the Oregon Community Food Systems Network

Understanding the link between farmer's market size and management organization

"Farmers' markets are valuable market channels for small farmers and important venues for the economic, nutritional, and social lives of communities. Efforts to make farmers' markets sustainable should focus on two influences on markets: external (related to public policy) and internal (related to market management). Well-crafted public policy is needed to enhance the prosperity and longevity of farmers' markets. At the same time, improving the management of farmers' markets by identifying and resolving their internal issues is another way to improve market sustainability. This report addresses the latter. This report examines the relationship between the size of individual farmers' markets and the set of management tools used by farmers' markets. The analysis reveals farmers' markets will benefit from using the specific set of management tools and resources appropriate for the size of the market. A market must also recognize that it must plan ahead and put in place the appropriate management tools and resources that will allow it to handle the increasing management complexity that accompanies growth. Overall, understanding the link between management structures and market size will enhance the success of individual farmers' markets and save some from serious problems."--P. 1

When things don't work : some insights into why farmers' markets close

"The topic of market failure is rarely addressed in the literature. This report represents a starting point. It describes the dynamics of farmers' market startups, closures, and manager turnover. It focuses on two important resources--administrative revenue and labor--used by farmers' markets. Data for a sample of markets that failed are examined, along with factors associated with market failure. Finally, recommendations to enhance market success are offered."--P. 1