OSU Growing September-October 2016 by Mid-Valley Media

September-October 2016 Volume 36, Issue 5

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

Preserving Food Can Tap Garden’s Full Potential handled and what ingredients have been added to protect it from contamination and That garden you’ve tended mishandling. all summer? “Also, a Due to popular demand, Even though lot of people we are offering two additional it’s finally like reducing food preservation classes in ready for their carbon harvest, there’s September. Both classes will footprint, be held at the OSU Extension more to do to so they office in Linn County, 33630 capture its true McFarland Rd, Tangent. like eating value. locally and • Wednesday, Sept. 7, According to knowing that 6-9 p.m. Preserving Jeanne Brandt their food Tomatoes • Wednesday, Sept. 28, of Linn and hasn’t been 6-9 p.m. Pickling class Benton County transported Extension all over,” she Register for one or both Family and said. classes by visiting our Community “It gives website. http://extension. Health, people great oregonstate.edu/linn/familymaximizing the community-development-fcd variety, too. value of your You can spice garden involves things or food preservation. preserve them whole or in In addition to helping chunks or in mixtures that gardeners enjoy the fruits you like,” Brandt said. “You of their labor year-round, can make small packages, preserving those fruits so if only one person in a and vegetables provides household likes it, you can assurances that what you preserve it in real small eat is safe, healthy and tasty, containers. You have a lot of Brandt said. options.” “Preserving food gives us First on a checklist for food great control,” Brandt said. preservationists should be to “We have seen a lot of (food) plan ahead, Brandt said. recalls this past year, and “Plan ahead for how you’ll if we are handling our own handle the produce, so that if food as much as possible, you are going to can or if you we know how it has been are going to make something

INSIDE:

PHOTO BY LYNN KETCHUM

By Mitch Lies, Growing Editor

Learning jam and jelly making at an OSU Extension food preservation class at the OSU Extension Service Linn County office.

out of it, that you have the other ingredients and you have the equipment,” she said. “And carve out some time. Because fresh produce has a short window of when it is optimum quality, you need to be ready.” Among food preservation options, canning, drying and

freezing are the most common choices, and the most readily accessible, Brandt said. “One thing that people badly overlook is freezing foods,” she said. “Most people have some access to freezer space, and most people use their freezer space really poorly. Even

top-of-refrigerator freezers could be used for preserving food, and usually what we have stuffed in there is open packages of processed foods and commercially frozen vegetables that we let freezer burn.” Freezing food from your

Continued on Page 15

Fall 2016 PNW Brownbag schedule. Meet the new regional dairy agent. 2016 Linn and Benton County fair re-cap. http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 —

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

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 541-967-3871 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 541-967-3871 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

Kelly Cotter 541-766-6750 Liz McGovern 541-766-6750 Andrea Watson 541-766-6750

Regional Administrator GROWING editor

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.

20 OFF

Presentation by Dr. Jim Cain at the Oregon 4-H Center, Salem.

techniques. Location: 4-H Center Clark Dining Hall and environs. Publications: Jim Cain will also be selling his books at the workshops. Browse, buy and save on shipping. See his web site for more information: http://www.teamworkandteamplay. com/ http://oregon.4h.oregonstate. edu/special-events/training/team Visa/Master Card are accepted.

Registration deadline is September 9, 2016 This workshop is for 4-H staff, volunteers, youth, or any person who works with groups in team facilitation and/or challenge. Dr. Jim Cain is the author of 14 team and community building texts, including: Teamwork & Teamplay, The Revised and Expanded Book of Raccoon Circles, A Teachable Moment, Teambuilding Puzzles, The Big Book of Low Cost Training Games, The Ropework & Ropeplay Collection of Team Activities, Essential Staff Training Activities and Jim’s latest book, Find Something To Do! He is also the creator of the innovative T&T Character Cards. Workshop I: Friday September 16, 1:30-5:30 p.m., 4-H Fee $37.00, non-4-H Fee $47.00. Fee includes Workshop I, snack and workshop II at no additional cost. There is no fee reduction for those attending only Workshop I. DIY Teambuilding Jim Cain shares his collection of ‘do it yourself’ teambuilding ideas and activities. Learn how to use minimal props to create maximum impact in your teaching, training, and group facilitation, and how to build (and invent) it yourself! Location: Gray Hall Workshop II: Friday September 16, 6:30-8 p.m., (Included at no additional charge for those attending Workshop I). Workshop II Registration Only: 4-H Fee $17.00, non-4-H Fee $22.00. 4-H Youth Leaders and Counselors are especially encouraged to attend

this session along with adult leaders and staff. The Top Ten Teambuilding Activities Teambuilding guru Dr. Jim Cain shares his top ten teambuilding activities, from icebreakers to team challenges to creative debriefing

Optional purchases: • Dinner September 16, $11.50/ person • Lodging September 16, $21.00/ person • All lodging is in shared cottages with indoor bathrooms. Bring your own bedding, pillow, towels. PHOTO BY MICHELE WEBSTER

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* Iris Carrasco SNAP Ed* Brooke Watkins SNAP Ed* Constanza Maureira FCH & EFNEP* Leonor Chavez * Multi-county assignment

Team Work Team Play Training Offered

Thanks go out to Randy Porter, the Linn County Fair and Expo Manager. Randy and the fair board continually support Linn County Extension and the 4-H program.

20 OFF

Sewing Machine Full Service

Vacuum Cleaner Full Service

expires 9-31-16

920 NW 9th Street • Corvallis • 541-752-0011 • corvallisvac.com 2 — SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton

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

So, You Want to Become a “Master” Gardener? By Pami Opfer The name, Master Gardener, is often mistakenly assumed to indicate a much higher level of knowledge than most gardeners – and even professional horticulturists – have. The term “Master” in the name sometimes leads to problems of people thinking it’s on the same level as “Master Carpenter,” a title that represents actual mastery. It is true, that the OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers receive extensive training in many areas of horticulture by OSU faculty and industry professionals. New MG volunteers are exposed to a broad array of topics, some that they may have little to no background in. The program is designed with a level of education that is meant for providing homeowners with best practice gardening information. However, Master Gardeners do not compete in any way with professional horticulturists or landscape designers. We train volunteers to provide research-based gardening information to the public. MGs are taught during training that it isn’t necessary to have all the answers; it’s only necessary to know how to find them.

Community Horticulture

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

Bottom-line: Master Gardeners are life-long learners who are trained to find the most current, objective and sustainable solutions to gardening issues. They are not experts in every horticultural topic. However, our volunteers do bring an impressive background of experience and knowledge and have the resources from OSU Extension at their fingertips. You do not need to be a horticultural guru to become a Master Gardener, just a willingness to learn and follow the mission of the program of extending gardening information to the public. So … do you like being outside, digging in the dirt, and like putting plants in the ground and helping them grow? Do you notice the plantings around you? Want to know what they are and what makes them thrive (or why are they struggling)? Are you a life-long leaner and like sharing your knowledge with others? Believe in giving back to your community? Likewise, are you looking for work experience and networking opportunities? Master Gardeners provide volunteer services related to gardening in their communities, but becoming a Master Gardener can also

make your love of gardening a marketable skill in horticultural careers. If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should definitely consider becoming a Master Gardener in Linn or Benton County. (Bonus: MGs are a fun & lively group of friends that make amazing food at potlucks.) The 2017 Master Gardener Program in-classroom portion will be on Thursdays, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, beginning Feb. 2 and ending March 23 in Tangent. Program requirements will also include the completion of several online modules, as well as workshop attendance during the growing season (schedule TBD). The cost of the MG Program is $130, with a limited number of scholarships available. Applications will be available Sept. 1, and the deadline to apply is Dec. 1, 2016. Mandatory orientation dates for each county will be scheduled in December. If you are interested in the program and would like an application, please contact MG Program Coordinator, Pami Opfer at 541-766-6750 (Benton), or 541-967-3871 (Linn), or e-mail pamela.opfer@ oregonstate.edu.

September-October Gardening Calendar for Western Oregon SEPTEMBER Maintenance and clean up • Harvest winter squash when the “ground spot” changes from white to a cream or gold color. • Pick and store winter squash; mulch carrot, parsnip, and beets for winter harvesting. • Protect tomatoes and/or pick green tomatoes and ripen indoors if frost threatens. • Reduce water on trees, shrubs, and vines east of Cascades to harden them for winter. • Stake tall flowers to keep them from blowing over in fall winds. • Dig, clean, and store tuberous begonias if frost threatens. • Harvest potatoes when the tops die down. Store them in a dark location. • Optimal time for establishing a new lawn is August through mid-September. • Aerate lawns. • Early-September: Apply 1pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet to lawns. Reduce risks of run-off into local waterways by not fertilizing just prior to rain, and not over-irrigating so that water runs off of lawn and onto sidewalk or street. • Stop irrigating your lawn after Labor Day to suppress European crane fly populations. • Recycle disease-free plant material and kitchen vegetable and fruit scraps into compost. Don’t compost diseased plants unless you are using the “hot compost” method.

Continued on Page 7

Hello, Fall! Fall Color is now available to bring the warmth of the season to your home. Plus, fall is the best time to plant just about everything like Bulbs, garlic, trees and shrubs. http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn

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

GarlandNursery.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 —

Attention Gardeners: Plant Donations Sought Here’s an opportunity to help the Benton County Master Gardeners, share with the community, and improve your own landscape at the same time. If you have extra plants or you want to make room to put in something new consider hosting a ‘Dig and Divide.’ This will bring knowledgeable, careful, well-organized Master Gardeners to dig plants directly from your yard. After an initial meeting with the scouting team in September to flag the selected plants, Master Gardeners will schedule a convenient time to dig up your donations and fill any holes with sterile soil to keep your gardens tidy. We are looking for many kinds of landscape plants: smallto-medium shrubs, flowering perennials, foliage plants, young small trees, vines, and groundcovers. Unfortunately, we are unable to take some plants: those classified as invasive in Oregon, plants that are too large to survive removal, or plants of which we already have sufficient numbers. We also can’t take iris or daylilies with unknown bloom colors. Your contributions will be tended and groomed for our spring fundraiser, the annual plant sale. Funds from the plant sale support our education programs in the schools, at the library, and at the Fairgrounds, as well as many other projects. If you or your friends or neighbors have plants that need digging, please contact Christina Clark at iplant2@icloud. com for an initial conversation.

Garden Showcase Master Gardener, Larry Steele is harvesting from his “Pulse Protein Plot” at the Linn County Master Gardener Demonstration Garden. Each year, Larry does a PPP theme. Pulses are a type of legume (seeds that grow within pods). Pulses provide protein, dietary fiber and many vitamins and minerals. Yin Yang beans are one of the fun shelling beans in this plot. We are all looking forward to the PPP theme for next year. Check out the Linn County Master Gardener Demonstration Garden, located at 3700 Knox Butte Road behind the hotels on the north side of the Linn Expo Center. It showcases research-based gardening ideas. Get ideas, learn from the educational signage, and enjoy the beauty and variety.

4 — SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

FALL 2016 Gardening in the Pacific FALL 2016 Gardening in the Pacific FALL 2016 Gardening in the Pacific Brownbag Talk Series Northwest Brownbag Talk Series Northwest FALL 2016 Gardening in the Pacific FALL 2016 Brownbag Gardening Talk in the Series Pacific Northwest Brownbag Northwest FALL 2016 Gardening Gardening inTalk in the the Series Pacific FALL 2016 Pacific Northwest Brownbag Talk Series Brownbag Talk Talk Series Series Northwest Brownbag Northwest

Welcome to a series of short lunchtime sessions on popular gardening Welcome to a series of short lunchtime sessions on popular gardening

topics for Linn County gardeners! Bring a sack lunch and meet other topics for Linn County gardeners! Bring a sack lunch and meet other

gardeners similar interests. It’s informal, informative, and fun –no Welcomewith to a series of short lunchtime sessions on popular gardening gardeners with similar interests. It’s informal, informative, and fun –no

reservations needed, and there no charge! topics for Linn County gardeners! a sack lunch and meet other reservations needed, and there is is noBring charge!

Welcome to a series of short lunchtime sessions on popular gardening

gardeners with similar interests. It’s informal, informative, and fun –no Hosted OSU Extension Linn County Master Gardeners Hosted by the the OSU Extension Linn County Master Gardeners topics by for Linn County gardeners! Bring a sack lunch and meet other

Welcome to aneeded, series of short lunchtime sessions on popular gardening reservations and there is no charge! gardeners with similar interests. It’s informal, informative, and fun –no topics County gardeners! a sack lunch and meet other Hostedfor byLinn the OSU LinnBring County Master Gardeners Classes are on Wednesdays at sessions the Albany Public Library, reservations and there is no charge! Welcome toheld aneeded, series of short lunchtime on popular gardening Classes are held onExtension Wednesdays at the Albany Public Library, gardeners similar interests. It’s informal, and fun –no Welcome towith a series of short lunchtime sessionsinformative, on popular gardening Hosted byLinn the OSU Extension LinnBring County Master topics for County gardeners! a sack lunch and meet other 2450 14th Ave SE Albany and Thursdays at Gardeners the Lebanon 2450 14th Ave SEinin Albany Thursdays at the Lebanon reservations needed, and there isand no charge! topics for are Linnheld County gardeners! Bring a the sackAlbany lunch and meetLibrary, other Classes on Wednesdays at Public gardeners with44 similar interests. It’s informative, and fun –no LBCC Center, Way ininformal, Lebanon. Hosted bywith the similar OSU Extension Linn Master Gardeners LBCC Center, 44Industrial Industrial Way in Lebanon. gardeners interests. It’s County informal, informative, and fun –no 2450 14th SE Albany at the Lebanon reservations needed, there and is noThursdays charge! Classes areAve held oninand Wednesdays at the Albany Public Library, reservations needed, and there is no charge! LBCC14th Center, 44 Industrial Way in Lebanon. Hosted by the Extension Linn County MasteratGardeners 2450 AveOSU SE inWednesdays Albany and Thursdays the Lebanon Time: NOON to 1:00 p.m., both Classes are on atlocations the Albany Public Library, Hosted by theheld OSU Extension Linn County Master Gardeners

Time: NOON to 1:00 p.m., both locations

LBCC14th Center, in Lebanon. *Please carefully note theWay dates for each at location 2450 Ave44 SEIndustrial in Albany and Thursdays the Lebanon

Classes are heldto on1:00 Wednesdays atlocations the Albany Library, *Please carefully note the both dates for eachPublic location Time: NOON p.m., Classes are held44 onIndustrial Wednesdays the Albany Public Library, LBCC Center, Way inatLebanon. 2450 14th Ave SE in Albany and Thursdays the Lebanon *Please carefully note the dates for eachatlocation Time: NOON to 1:00 p.m., both locations 2450 14th Ave SE in Albany and Thursdays at the Lebanon LBCC Center, 44 Industrial Way in Lebanon. *Please carefully notep.m., the dates for each location LBCC Center, 44to Industrial Way in Lebanon. Time: NOON 1:00 both locations

Fall Plants for Color and Birds October 5, Albany Fall Plants for Color Color November 3, Lebanon By Garlands Nursery staffand Birds October 5, Albany Fall Plants for Birds *Please carefully note the dates and for each location November 3, Lebanon ByNOON Garlands Time: to 1:00Nursery p.m., bothstaff locations NOON to 1:00for p.m., both locations November 3, Lebanon Time:Fall By Garlands Nursery staff October 5, Albany Plants Color and Birds *Please carefully note the dates for each location Safe Gardening Practices October 12, Albany note the dates for each location November 3, Lebanon *Please Bycarefully Garlands Nursery staff October27, 5, Albany Fall PlantsGardener, for Color and Gregg Birds October Lebanon By Master Janice Safe Gardening Practices October 12, Albany Safe Gardening Practices October 12, Albany November 3, Lebanon By Garlands Nursery staff October 5, Albany Fall Plants for Color and Birds Birds October 27, Lebanon By Master Gardener, Janice Gregg October 27, Lebanon By Master Gardener, Janice Gregg October 5, Albany Fall Plants for Color and Safe Gardening Practices 12, Albany What You Should Know About Raised Beds October 26, Albany November 3, Lebanon By Garlands Nursery staff November 3, Lebanon By Garlands Nursery staff October 27, Lebanon By Master Gardener, Janice Gregg Safe Gardening Practices October 12, Albany November 10, Lebanon By Master Gardener, Don Lauer What You Should Know About RaisedBedsBeds October 26, Albany What You Should Know About Raised October 26, Albany October 27, Lebanon By Master Gardener, Janice Gregg Safe Gardening Practices October 12, Albany November Lebanon By Master Gardener, Don Lauer Safe Gardening Practices October Albany What You Gardener, Should Know About Raised Beds October12, 26,10, Albany November 10, Lebanon By Master Don Lauer PNW Mushrooms & Other Fungi October October19, 27,Albany Lebanon By Master Gardener, Janice Gregg October Lebanon By Master Janice Gregg November 10, Lebanon Don About Lauer What You Gardener, Should Raised Beds October27, 26, November 17,Albany Lebanon By Mycologist, SteveKnow Carpenter PNW Mushrooms & Other Fungi October 19, Albany November 10, Lebanon By Master Gardener, Lauer Raised PNW Mushrooms &DonOther Fungi Beds October 19, 26, Albany What You Should Know About October Albany November Lebanon By Mycologist, Steve What You Should Know About Raised Beds October 26, Albany PNW Mushrooms &Carpenter Other Fungi October 19,17, Albany November 17, Lebanon By Steve Carpenter November 10, Lebanon ByMycologist, Master Gardener, Don Lauer November 10, Lebanon By Gardener, Don LauerFungi November 17, Lebanon ByMaster Mycologist, Steve& Carpenter PNW Mushrooms Other October 19, Albany November Lebanon By Mycologist, Steve& Carpenter PNW Mushrooms Other Fungi Fungi October 19,17, Albany PNW Mushrooms & Other October 19, Albany November 17, Lebanon By Mycologist, Steve Carpenter October 5, Albany

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, or disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

OregonVietnam-era State University Service educational programs, and materials without discrimination veteranExtension status. Oregon Stateoffers University Extension Service isactivities, an Equal Opportunity Employer. Oregon University Service offers educational programs, activities, materials without based on race,State color, religion,Extension sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital and status, disability, or discrimination disabled veteran or based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disability,Employer. or disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status. Oregon State University Extension Serviceage, is an Equal Opportunity

November 17, Lebanon

By Mycologist, Steve Carpenter

Vietnam-era veteran status. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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, or disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex,Service sexual orientation, national origin, age, maritaland status, disability, or disabled veteran or Oregon State University Extension offers educational programs, activities, materials without discrimination Vietnam-era status. Oregon Stateorientation, Universitynational Extension Service an Equal Opportunity Employer. based on race, veteran color, religion, sex, sexual origin, age,ismarital status, disability, or disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton

Benton County Wins Search for Excellence Award

Sophie Grow accepting the Search for Excellence Award on behalf of Benton County MGs. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PAMI OPFER

Master Gardener, Jaya Lapham conducts a blind taste test of vegetables with a participant in Kids Grow.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn

program, Learn, Grow, Eat, Go (LGEG). One of the goals of the Kids Grow program was to provide free childcare so that low income parents would be able to attend Seed to Supper classes. This goal was achieved, but the impact of the program was much greater. The Kids Grow program taught the participants about the basics of growing their own food, created greater access to a variety of foods, and increased their knowledge and appreciation of healthy food alternatives. As a result, the children’s enthusiasm for gardening was greatly impacted, and will hopefully lead to many enjoyable hours working in the garden with their parents, as well as developing better eating habits in the future. Seed to Supper has been offered in Benton County annually, since 2013. More than 220 Benton County residents have participated in eleven classes. Special thanks to these awesome volunteers who made this program happen: Jennifer Klammer, Sophie Grow, Judith Kenner, Pat Fordney, Jaya Lapham, and Ellen Tappon.

Brenda Winslow Brenda will soon be moving onto a new adventure in Montana, so we wanted to say goodbye and highlight all she has done for the MG program. In 2010, Brenda started two school gardens at Sweet Home High School and Junior High, working with the Science Departments, Boys and Girls Club, and Brenda Winslow Alternative Ed Teachers. She has volunteered at Tom’s Garden Center Potting Day and has helped with Insights into Gardening since 2010, as well. Brenda has been organizing and running the clinic table at the Sweet Home Farmers’ Market since 2011. Brenda has taught many brown bag classes and also taught classes for the local garden clubs. This year, she was able to work the Garden Tour in Albany. The Sweet Home beautification committee has invited Brenda to sit in on various planning meetings to help with plant selection. She has worked with kids from East Linn Academy, and also people from Sunshine Industries to oversee volunteer hours as they worked on garden projects. She has been involved with the Sweet Home Garden Club. Since downtown Sweet Home

has emphasized flowers, downtown businesses call her to help them with selection and planting. Many of the businesses and one of the schools don’t have garden funds, so a lot of the plants they use are actually divisions from Brenda’s own yard. At the Junior High garden, they teach kids how to go home and start their own gardens for their families, and they provide the seeds. Her latest project has been working with the Forest Service on a grant the service received for a pollinator garden. Brenda has worked with the basic life skills class at the high school to take over and manage the garden. They learn skills in gardening, and, when many of them finish school, they are employed by Sunshine Industries and work at jobs in gardening. A lot of the projects that Brenda has worked on are not your typical Master Gardener projects, but are much needed in Sweet Home. Thank you Brenda, for all of your amazing community work and your continued involvement in the Master Gardener program. We will certainly miss you! PHOTO PROVIDED BY PAMI OPFER

A Kids Grow participant shows off her impressive garden plan. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PAMI OPFER

Congratulations to the Benton County Master Gardeners who won the Search for Excellence Award at the Oregon Master Gardeners Mini-College. The award was for a group youth project called “Kids Grow.” The goal of the Kids Grow program is to offer classes with healthy snacks, child care, and plant activities for the children of adults participating in the Seed to Supper program. Kids Grow has been offered at the Philomath and South Corvallis Seed to Supper classes. This supplemental program encourages participation of families with young children, and engages both adults and children in growing healthy food and gardening. The intent is to encourage consistent attendance by our target audience – lowincome, beginning adult gardeners – by providing childcare free of charge. Including gardening curricula in the children’s program also encourages growing food together as a family. The Kids Grow program is modeled after the Junior Master Gardener

PHOTO PROVIDED BY PAMI OPFER

By Pami Opfer

Volunteer Spotlight:

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 —

Family and Community Health

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

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

SNAP Ed Summer Programming a Success

Some of the SNAP Ed staff taught Growing Healthy Kids (GHK) curriculum to the kids at the Southside Youth Outreach Summer Program at Lincoln Elementary School in Corvallis. Classes were offered in both Spanish and English and focused on eating fruits and vegetables from the garden. PHOTOS BY BROOKE WATKINS

Low Sugar Jam and Jelly Options A variety of pectin products on the market make it possible to make low-sugar, or sugar-free, jams and jellies that have great flavor and still set up as sweet spreads should. Alternative sweeteners like honey, agave, or sucralose can be used as a sweetener and result in successful jam with a pectin meant for those choices. Be sure to check the labels of the pectin products where you buy canning supplies for these options.

Constanza and Estrella show off plates they made as their “Healthy Plate” for the GHK curriculum.

Weeding and watering are important steps to growing healthy fruits and veggies in the garden.

Free Family Community Education Classes Offered Join us for one or both of these informative, free classes. Classes are held from 9:3011:30 a.m., at the Lebanon Senior Center, 80 Tangent St., Lebanon. To make sure we have enough materials, we ask that you call our office at 541-9673871 to register. Sept. 29—The Importance

of Immunizations for Adults and Communities: As we get older we are less resistant to some diseases. Vaccinations can help us fight off viruses and bacterial infections. Look at risk factors for a variety of diseases, who should or shouldn’t get vaccinations, as well as different methods of delivery and

distribution of the vaccines. Oct. 27—Talking with your Doctor: Tips for taking an active role in your healthcare. Review guidelines for preparing for your appointment to make the most of your time, how to prioritize your health issues and what records you should be keeping yourself.

Join Us!

The Prairie Glass Mitts knit-along begins September 15th Yarn Shop | Classes | Knit Nights | Podcast Stash, LLC • 110 SW 3rd Street • Downtown Corvallis 541-753-YARN • www.stashlocal.com 6 — SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton

Un-Beet-able: It’s beet season PHOTO BY JEANNE BRANDT

Beets are at farmers’ markets now. Beet dishes are very fashionable these days. After losing some of their market share in vegetable selection, they are regaining popularity and are seen with increased interest topping salads alongside soft crumbled cheese or tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or wine-based dressing as the main ingredient. Pickled beets are an old favorite that’s appearing on home food preservers “to-do” lists again. Remember that both the root and greens are edible. Expensive when not in season, they are a sweet source of vitamin C and folate, with the greens offering vitamins A and C, a bit of iron, calcium, and fiber for our diets. Many people think of beets as those really red, root vegetables that bleed in the cooking water and stain fingers when handled. There is that type, but there are also pink, golden, white and striped pink and white beets. Several varieties grow well in our area, as long as the ground is not too hardpacked and they get some sunshine. Beets toughen in hot weather, so if yours are baseball-sized and a heat wave is coming, harvest them now to protect their quality. When purchasing beets, look for smaller beets, which

will be tenderer. Check the attached greens to make certain they are not too wilted or slimy, indicating that the beets were not harvested recently. The greens will quickly pull moisture from the beets, so trim them off, leaving just 1 inch of stem and the taproot before storage. Refuse beets that are cracked, soft, shriveled or look dry. Left unwashed until ready to use, they will store in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag for up to two weeks. For longer term storage, aim for a cold and moist location; check them regularly for spoilage and they should last up to four months. Before preparing beets, scrub them well with a vegetable brush under cool running water. Snip off small roots, but leave the main taproot and 1 inch of beet top to reduce bleeding during

cooking and handling. Plan to peel them after cooking; it’s much easier then. Instead of boiling, consider baking, or roasting the beets to cook them and make peeling easier. They will lose much less color this way, but will still dye your hands when handling them if you don’t wear food service gloves. To roast beets: Preheat oven to 350° F. Place beets in a single layer in a foil lined pan. Bake 1 1/2 - 2 hours until tender when tested with a fork. Cool before handling. To boil beets: Bring 6 cups water for each pound of beets to be cooked to a boil in a large pot. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to preserve color. Add beets, cover, heat to boiling then reduce heat and simmer 35-45 minutes until tender when tested with a fork. Drain and cool in cold water until easy to handle. After cooking, the beet skins should slip off easily except a few spots around the stem and root. They can then be served whole, sliced, diced, reheated and spiced or pickled. Serving beets: Beets sweet, mild taste blends well with a variety of spices and other ingredients. OSU Extension Food Hero recipes include the suggestion to throw 1/2 cup cooked beets into a berry

Continued on Page 17

Tropical Beets • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch • 1⁄4 teaspoon salt • 1 can (8.75 ounces) pineapple tidbits in 100 percent juice

• 1 Tablespoon margarine or butter • 1 1⁄2 cups sliced beets, cooked from fresh or canned/drained

In a small saucepan combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Stir in pineapple tidbits with juice. Cook over medium heat until mixture boils and thickens, stirring occasionally. Add margarine or butter and beets. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Serve warm or cold. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Beet and Carrot Salad • 1 carrot, sliced thin or coarsely grated • 1⁄4 cup minced fresh onion • 2 Tablespoons light mayonnaise • 1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

• 1 3⁄4 cups beets (bite sized pieces), cooked from fresh or canned/drained • 1 Tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)

Cook carrots (if desired) until just tender. Try microwave or steaming. In a medium bowl, combine onion, mayonnaise, salt, pepper and cilantro, if desired. Add beets and carrots and stir to coat evenly. Serve warm or cold.

Pickled Beets • 7 pounds beets (2- to 2 1/2-inch diameter) • 4 cups vinegar (5 percent acidity) • 1½ teaspoons canning or pickling salt

• 2 cups sugar • 2 cups water • 2 cinnamon sticks • 12 whole cloves • 4 to 6 onions (2- to 2 1/2-inch diameter) (optional)

Trim and wash beets. Cover with boiling water and cook until tender (25 to 30 minutes). Drain and cool beets. Peel. Cut into 1/4-inch slices. Peel and thinly slice onions. Combine vinegar, salt, sugar, and fresh water. Put spices in cheesecloth bag and add to vinegar mixture. Bring to a boil. Add beets and onions. Simmer 5 minutes. Remove spice bag. Fill hot pint or quart jars with beets and onions, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Add hot vinegar solution, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles, wipe rims, adjust lids, and process in a boiling water canner 30 minutes for pints and quarts. Makes about 8 pints. Variation: If beets are 1-1 1/2 inches, they can be left whole. http://extension.oregonstate.edu/fch/sites/default/files/ documents/pnw_355_picklingvegetables.pdf.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 —

PHOTO BY JEANNE BRANDT

Garden Calendar continued from Page 3

Planting/propagation

• Divide peonies and iris. • Plant or transplant woody ornamentals and mature herbaceous perennials. Fall planting of trees, shrubs and perennials can encourage healthy root growth over the winter. • Plant daffodils, tulips, and crocus for spring bloom. Work calcium and phosphorus into the soil below the bulbs at planting time. • Plant winter cover of annual rye or winter peas in vegetable garden.

Pest monitoring and management

• Apply parasitic nematodes to moist soil beneath rhododendrons and azaleas that show root weevil damage (notched leaves). • Control slugs as necessary. Least toxic management options for slugs include barriers and traps. Baits are also available for slug control; use caution around pets. • Monitor trailing berries for leaf and cane spot. Treat if necessary. • As necessary, apply copper spray for peach and cherry trees. • Spray for juniper twig blight, as necessary, after pruning away dead and infected twigs. • Continue monitoring late-season soft fruits and berries for Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD).

OCTOBER Maintenance and clean up

Top: Cathy sharing information on a really hot afternoon at the Brownsville Farmers Market. Second from Top: Jenny (right) keeping an eye on teens at 4-H Summer Conference jam making session. Third from Top: Linda and Pamela judging Open Class Food Preservation at Linn County Fair. Left: Don making samples of dried fruit roll-ups for a community class.

8 — SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

• Drain or blow out your irrigation system, insulate valve mechanisms, in preparation of winter. • Use newspaper or cardboard covered by mulch to discourage winter and spring annual weeds or remove a lawn area for conversion to garden beds. For conversion, work in the paper and mulch as organic matter once the lawn grass has died. • Harvest sunflower heads; use seed for birdseed or roast for personal use. • Dig and store potatoes; keep in darkness, moderate humidity, temperature about 40°F. Discard unused potatoes if they sprout. Don’t use as seed potatoes for next year. • Harvest and immediately dry filberts and walnuts; dry at 95 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. • Ripen green tomatoes indoors. Check often and discard rotting fruit. • Harvest and store apples; keep at about 40°F, moderate humidity. • Place mulch over roots of roses, azaleas,

• •

• • • • • •

rhododendrons and berries for winter protection. Trim or stake bushy herbaceous perennials to prevent wind damage. To suppress future pest problems, clean up annual flower beds by removing diseased plant materials, overwintering areas for insect pests; mulch with manure or garden compost to feed the soil and suppress weeds. Cover asparagus and rhubarb beds with a mulch of manure or compost. Clean, sharpen and oil tools and equipment before storing for winter. Store garden supplies and fertilizers in a safe, dry place out of reach of children. Prune out dead fruiting canes in raspberries. Harvest squash and pumpkins; keep in dry area at 55 degrees to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Western Oregon: Spade organic material and lime into garden soil, as indicated by soil test results (if necessary and the weather permits).

Planting/propagation

• Dig and divide rhubarb. (Should be done about every 4 years.) • Plant garlic for harvesting next summer. • Propagate chrysanthemums, fuchsias, and geraniums by stem cuttings. • Save seeds from the vegetable and flower garden. Dry, date, label, and store in a cool and dry location. • Plant ground covers and shrubs. • Dig and store geraniums, tuberous begonias, dahlias, and gladiolas. • Pot and store tulips and daffodils to force into early bloom, indoors, in December and January.

Pest monitoring and management

• Remove and dispose of windfall apples that might be harboring apple maggot or codling moth larvae. • Rake and destroy diseased leaves (apple, cherry, rose, etc.), or hot compost diseased leaves. • Spray apple and stone fruit trees at leaf fall to prevent various fungal and bacterial diseases. • If moles and gophers are a problem, consider traps. • Control fall-germinating lawn weeds while they are small. Hand weeding and weeding tools are particularly effective at this stage. • Monitor landscape plants for problems. Don’t treat unless a problem is identified.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton

Groundwater Protection Education

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

What is Groundwater?

Permeability decreases moving left to right due to soil and rock type.

Groundwater comes from rain and snowmelt that seeps into the ground. Gravity pulls the water down through the spaces between particles of soil or through cracks in rocks. Eventually the water reaches a depth where all openings in soil or rock are filled with water; this is called the “saturated zone.” The water in the saturate zone is called “groundwater.” The top of the saturated zone is called the “water table.” The water table rises and falls according to the season and the amount of rain and snowmelt that has occurred during a particular year. In Oregon, it is higher in the winter and spring, and at its lowest around October. Note that bedrock below the saturated zone prevents the water from penetrating more deeply. Water Moves Through Spaces in Soil and Rock Different kinds of soil and rock vary in the size of the spaces for water to move through. It is easier for water to move through bigger spaces. Gravel has very large spaces so water moves through it very fast. On the other hand, the spaces in clay are so small that

Congrats to all the 4H and FFA members on a good year at fair. We got to witness and participate at the Linn County auction and we were impressed by all the hard work and dedication the children and their parents show.

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almost no water moves through. Some layers of rock are so solid that they don’t let water move through; this is called an impermeable layer. Others are very crumbly or have lots of big cracks. If the cracks are connected to each other, then water can move thorough the rock. Aquifer Materials A saturated soil or rock layer with spaces that allow water to move through it is called an “aquifer.” Aquifers may be separate by layers of rock or clay that do not allow water to move through it. In Oregon there are three main types of aquifers: • Many layers of basalt from ancient lava flows cover much of Eastern Oregon and parts of the northern Willamette Valley. Between the layers of basalt there is soil and gravel that was on the surface at the time of each flow. Cracks in the basalt and the layers between flows form aquifers. • In the river valleys, there are layers of sand and gravel forming aquifers, sometimes separated by layers of clay. • Bedrock with connected cracks forms aquifers in many parts of the state, especially in

the hills above river valleys. Confined Aquifers Groundwater below a layer of solid rock or clay is said to be in a “confined aquifer.” The rock or clay is called a “confining layer.” A well that goes through a confining layer is known as an “artesian well.” The groundwater in confined aquifers is usually under pressure. This pressure causes water in an artesian well to rise above the aquifer level. If the pressure causes the water to rise above ground level, the well overflows and is called a “flowing artesian well.” Unconfined (Water Table) Aquifers Aquifers that are not below a confining layer are called “unconfined aquifers.” Because the top of these aquifers is the water table, they also are called “water table aquifers.” In a water table aquifer, the water level in a well is the same as the water table level outside the well. Used with permission from “What is Groundwater?” by Lyle Raymond, Jr. (© Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, July 1988).

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 —

Commerical Agriculture Livestock and Forages

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

Working Your “Best Fields First”

Linn-Benton Livestock and Forages Breakfast Meeting • Date/Time: Tuesday, Sept. 13, starting at 6:30 a.m. • Location: Saddle Butte Ag, 31144 Wirth Rd., Tangent, 541-928-0102 • Topic: Forages for Summer Grazing This program will be our “Rusty Skillet Breakfast,” but with a new location and month. Come and join us for a hosted breakfast and outdoor tour. We will have the coffee on early, so don’t be late. Be sure to bring along a folding chair. We will start out at Saddle Butte Ag., and then load up for a tour of some summer grazing forage plantings. Donny Wirth and Roger Ruckert will be our tour guides, so you know it will be interesting. We have invited some special guests to join us – including you (of course) plus some others who will round out our program. For more information, please contact Shelby Filley at shelby.filley@oregonstate. edu or by calling 541-236-3016. Livestock and Forages Breakfast educational meetings for 2016 and beyond will be held on an infrequent basis and on a varied schedule. We hope to have programs that will have high interest and attendance. Please make sure you are on the mailing list (USPS or email) so that you receive notices, or check the Regional Livestock and Forges website http:// extension.oregonstate.edu/douglas/lf , Educational Workshops and Tours page for announcements.

Now is a good time to consider upcoming fall field work. You may have a good idea for how you want your pastures and hay ground to look and work, but you might not have a solid plan on how to go about getting there. Additionally, you might be apprehensive about investing in pasture or hay ground improvement. Please consider the information below on one way to approach field work. The following advice was put together in response to a statement made all too often: “I can’t afford to fertilize all my fields; it costs too much;” and the action of not fertilizing or spreading a little bit here and there and not getting the proper amounts applied. The current focus of the Livestock & Forages Program, called Best Fields First, is a method of helping producers apply time and other resources to the improvement of forage production, in an agronomiceconomic way, to fields that have the best potential to respond to inputs. The first thing that should be done is to identify the differences in soil types of your fields. You can do this by going on the NRCS Web

Figure 1. Aerial map of a ranch showing the outline of different soil types Potential Carrying Capacity (AUM) of pasture by soil type and properties Map Unit

Name

Rating (AUM)

Acres

Percent of total

Awbrig silty clay loam

8.07

0.3

0.7

Coburg silty clay loam

9.89

32.6

70.7

Conser silty clay loam

9.85

4.9

10.6

Malabon silty clay loam

12.00

8.3

18.0

Table 1. Potential yield of grass-legume hay by soil type and properties.

Soil Survey site at http:// websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda. gov/ , identifying the area you are interested in (Area of Interest or AOI), and outlining your fields. The program will give you an aerial photograph with soil types outlined and

numbered (Figure 1). You can select a report that lists the number of acres of the total field along with the acres of each soil type. Some people find this website easy to use, others do not. Sometimes the

computer is at fault. Either way, if you would like to access information for your own fields (and I hope you do) and need help, please contact me and we can work together on it. On the Web Soil Survey you can also access a description and properties of the soils (composition, depth, drainage class, slope, etc.) and use them in choosing what to plant, how best to divide the land into management units, or how to use the land for other purposes. Use these to make sure conditions for forage growth (plant-site compatibility, soil fertility, grazing management, etc.) are optimized for agronomic, economic forage production. Don’t stress on all the work you are faced with. Rather, work smart by starting with a small section of the land that has the most potential to respond to your inputs. The website’s soil data explorer tab leads to information on the potential productivity of each soil type for pasture carrying capacity (animal unit months, AUM), tons of hay per acre (Table 1.),

Continued on Page 11

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

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

Commercial Agriculture Small Farms

Natural Resources Conservation Service Funding Priorities In 2017, NRCS will have the same Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding priorities as 2016. Local Priorities On a local level, one focus will be to improve soil health on farms producing food for local markets. Soil Health is a broad encompassing resource concern that could be treated with practices such as micro irrigation systems, cover crops, applying nutrients at crop uptake rates and pollinator habitat. Another continuing focus is to restore and enhance oak woodland and savannah habitat. Oak habitats are vitally important for many Willamette Valley wildlife species. These habitats are in decline due to invasive species encroachment, and land use changes. Large legacy oaks are being overtopped and shaded by Douglas fir. This funding priority will help cost-share thinning, invasive species treatment, slash removal and herbaceous understory seeding.

In Linn County, there is a watershed enhancement focus on streams in the Northwest portion of the county. The focus is based on improving habitat for salmon and steelhead. Practices include riparian enhancement, irrigation system improvements, grazing land improvements and upgrading run-off systems from livestock confinement areas. National Initiatives The high-tunnel initiative is available to provide costshare for establishing high tunnels (hoop houses). These structures need to be situated on cropland; crops need to be planted in soil rather than pots; and no ventilation or lights will be included. This initiative is a great opportunity to extend the growing season. The organic initiative is for operations that are already certified organic, or are transitioning to organic certification. Practices include, irrigation improvements, pollinator habitat, and many soil health practices.

Future Priorities NRCS is currently developing a strategy that will improve habitat structure and quality in forest stands. It is anticipated that there will be funding for forest operations in 2018. Practices will include thinning and tree/shrub establishment to improve stand diversity. While benefitting wildlife habitat, these practices will also reduce the risk of disease/pest pressure and wildfire. NRCS is excited to work with local producers to improve their operations. NRCS will help farmers take their 10year plan and implement it in 5-years with some technical and financial assistance. If you are interested please contact: • Tom Snyder at thomas. snyder@or.usda.gov, or 541967-5925 x118. • Dan Olson at daniel.olson@ or.usda.gov, or 541-9675925 x138.

Best Fields First continued from Page 10 or other crops under irrigation or dry-land (rain-fed) systems. Use it to help you identify your “best fields” and work with that one first; then work on other fields as need, finances, and time allow. The reward for all this hard work, done in a smart way, is that forage can be produced

economically by comparing current and potential yields, knowing what inputs are needed to close any gaps, and applying science-based management. For example, a survey of producers in western Oregon found that soil testing and fertilizing according to the OSU Pasture

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn

Fertilizer Guide saved an average of $30.25 per acre per year in resources (lower fertilizer inputs) or improved forage production (quality and/or yield). Other management practices proven to work in Oregon can be obtained through OSU Extension Service. We are here for you!

Registration Open for National Women in Sustainable Agriculture Conference The 5th National Conference for Women in Sustainable Agriculture, Building Connections Towards Resiliency, will be held Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at the Doubletree by Hilton, in Portland. The conference will bring together farmers, educators, technical assistance providers and activists engaged in healthy food and farming to share educational and organization strategies, build technical and business skills, and address policy issues aimed at expanding the success of women farmers and ranchers. Every few years, a regional women’s network or agricultural organization takes the lead in planning this national conference for women, supported by the Women, Food & Ag Network (WFAN) and others. The first national conference was held in fall 2005 in Vermont. This year, organization of the conference is being led by Oregon State University Small Farms with support from a national team of leaders in sustainable agriculture and agricultural women’s organizations. The conference will feature keynote speaker Natasha Bowen, founder of the The Color of Food, a multimedia project focusing on Black, Latino, Native and Asian farmers. Participants will also enjoy eight concurrent interactive workshop sessions, a trailblazer panel of venerable sustainable agriculture pioneers, a diverse sponsor trade show, author roundtable, incredible tours of area food and farms, and capstone speaker Cathy Whims, Chef and owner of Nostrana, a top Portland restaurant. Registration for the conference only is $200. Tour selections and additional events can be added for a modest fee. Sponsorships are still available. For $200, sponsors receive an 8-foot table and may sell product at the trade show. Registration, tour descriptions, lodging information, and more are live on the conference website, http://2016wisa.org/, and news and updates will be posted to Facebook: www.facebook.com/WiSA2016. For more information, please contact Chrissy Lucas, 541766-3556, chrissy.lucas@oregonstate.edu. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 —

Commercial Agriculture Field Crops South Valley Field Crop Notes September/October

• Test soil pH and lime as needed. Watch for pH stratification in no-till fields. • Monitor soil test P and K levels, especially if removing straw. • On fall planted wheat and grass seed crops, limit N and K placed with the seed to 25 lbs/ac each or less. • Aim for timely burndown of weeds prior to planting. Efficacy of herbicides increases when plants are actively growing after some moisture (0.5-1” rain). • Begin scouting fields for slugs, European crane fly, cutworms, and winter grain mites once 2-3” of rain have fallen (or in irrigated fields). • Attend the fall Extension meetings to learn more about the Winter Cutworm, a new pest in the Willamette Valley. • Slug bait timing is just as important as product choice! Ideally soil is moist (>2” of rain) but bait is applied early before steady rains begin.

Grass

• Aug. 31 was the last day for broadcast application of zinc phosphide bait for vole control. Baiting down holes may continue throughout year. • Best window for carbon seeding grass fields is late September – early October. • On carbon seeded plantings use ethofumesate preemergence for annual bluegrass and volunteer wheat control. Do not wait for rain to dissipate the band for effective control of these two species. • On new PRG plantings consider using a low rate of oxyfluorfen (1-3 oz/ac) with glufosinate (10 oz/ac) herbicide at the 2-3 leaf – 1 tiller stage. This can follow a pre-emergence ethofumesate treatment to improve annual and roughstalk bluegrass and volunteer wheat control. • In established grass seed fields complete pre-emergence herbicide applications by early October for maximum effectiveness and crop safety, coinciding with the onset of fall rains. • Scout for adult billbugs and leaf feeding in orchardgrass and control (Oct. 15-30). Pyrethroid products are suggested for control. Continued on Page 13

12 — SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Successful Summer of Trials This was a busy summer of field trials: I worked with growers and researchers on ten field trials that were taken to yield, plus other projects that were continually monitored throughout the season. The trials were conducted in annual ryegrass, tall fescue, white clover, field peas, and mint; and included work on fertility, herbicides and plant growth regulators. This was the first year of harvest for these trials; therefore, the results from 2016 are only preliminary indications that need to be explored further next year. Below are a few interesting points from the trials so far. Annual Ryegrass Row Spraying As explained in the last issue of GROWING, we are exploring alternatives to Axiom for row spraying in annual ryegrass. Two trial sites evaluated nine herbicides for row spraying at planting to suppress volunteer annual ryegrass; however, both trial sites did not end up having volunteer annual ryegrass pressure. Overall, there were no significant differences in yields across the nine treatments and the control, and yields ranged from 2460 to 3047 lbs/ac. In fact, the control (no spray) ended up yielding on the higher end of all treatments, likely due to the lack of annual ryegrass volunteer pressure. Axiom, Fierce, Alion, and Eptam caused the most crop injury across the trials; however, there was no obvious correlation between crop injury and yield. This fall we will be seeking field sites with heavy volunteer pressure to re-evaluate selected treatments. The other two trial sites evaluated herbicide treatments for row creation in volunteer

PHOTO BY CLARE SULLIVAN

General management

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

The annual ryegrass row spraying trials were harvested with a plot combine. There were four trials conducted in 2016.

Swathing peas in the early morning hours near Monmouth. This field was one of three yield trials evaluating nitrogen application rates for sprouting peas.

There was a lot of regrowth in the tall fescue swaths this year due to the summer rains. Regrowth can make the swaths more difficult to pick up with the combine header, and risk seed losses.

stands, and we had some more obvious effects. Although results were not statistically significant, all treatments yielded at least 100 lbs/ac over the control, and many treatments were 200-300 lbs/ac above the control. Results from the two trials varied, but three treatments were in the top five for yield in both trials:

Axiom + glyphosate, Goal + Rely, and Kerb. Tall Fescue Plant Growth Regulators Four trials were conducted throughout the Valley this spring looking at new combinations of PRGs in tall fescue seed production. The standard application of Palisade (trinexapac-ethyl) was compared to applications of Cyclocel (chlormequat chloride) on its own and in combination with Palisade. All treatments with Palisade performed significantly greater than the control (no PGR), and preliminary results indicate an additional yield bump when Palisade was combined with a low rate of Cyclocel. Whether the yield increase was great enough for the treatment to be economic is yet to be determined. Additional analyses of biomass and seed samples and an additional year of data will inform these results further. Field Pea Nitrogen Rate This spring three trials were conducted to evaluated nitrogen (N) rates of field peas grown for the sprouting market. Four N rates were applied when peas were at the 3-node stage: 0 N, 40 lbs N/ac, 80 lbs N/ ac, and 120 lbs N/ac. All fields were harvested with grower equipment and yields were compared using a weigh wagon. The range of yields across all trials was 2613 to 3689 lbs/ac (dirt weight), and trial yields were comparable to average field yields. There were so significant yield differences between the N treatments at any of the sites. The treatment averages across the three sites

Continued on Page 13

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Another Year ‘Not Like the Rest’ This was the third harvest season for me here in the Willamette Valley, and I can truly say that every year has been different. Summer rains were the biggest difference this year for me. (I do recall being told that it does not rain in the Valley for four months straight … not always I guess.) This growing season had a bit of everything: the fall started off incredibly dry, then moved into a very wet winter, followed by a warm spring that brought us ahead of 2014/15 in

terms of growing degree days, and then a somewhat cooler and wetter summer. Overall it seems to be an average year for crop yields, while some areas/ crop types experience belowaverage yields. There did not seem to be many yields to “write home about.” The hot and dry summer and fall of 2015 likely set perennial grass seed crops back, and then the overly wet winter made it difficult to keep weeds under control. The aboveaverage temperatures in spring

resulted in earlier and drawn out flowering periods, which may have negatively affected the yield of earlier maturing annual ryegrass and foragetype tall fescues. Summer rains and pockets of hail were also causes of delay and seed loss for growers during harvest. The rains caused significant regrowth under the cut swaths, which were then more difficult to be picked up with the combine, resulting in some seed loss.

2016 Fall OSU Extension Seed Crop and Cereal Production Meetings Thursday, Sept. 22 • 8:30 a.m.-noon, Roth’s Hospitality Center, 1130 Wallace Rd, West Salem • 1:30-5 p.m., Linn County Fair and Expo Center, 3700 Knox Butte Rd, Albany Agenda: European seed production under a restrictive regulatory environment – By

Special Guest Birte Boelt, Seed Science Research Leader, Aarhus University, Denmark; Grass seed weed management: A focus on heavy straw load situations – Andy Hulting, OSU Weeds Specialist; New slug research program at OSU – Rory Mc Donnell, OSU Slug Researcher; Winter cutworm: What to

expect this fall and scouting tips – Amy Dreves, OSU Entomologist; Winter wheat variety selection and fall management recommendations – Mike Flowers, OSU Cereals Specialist. Three ODA Pesticide Recertification Credits will be available.

Successful Summer of Trials continued from Page 10 were: • 0 N = 3439 lb/ac • 40 N = 3302 lb/ac • 80 N = 3439 lb/ac • 120 N = 3492 lb/ac It is important to note this is only one year of data, and one N application timing; therefore,

I do not recommend basing management decisions on this limited dataset. Next year I plan on looking at an earlier N application timing and refining the fertilizer rates. I am still processing additional data that will help inform this trial, including: soil N results; nodule

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn

counts; pea N uptake; clean seed weights; pod counts; and seed size. Please stay tuned for more information! If you have questions about any of the trials, please feel free to contact me at Clare. Sullivan@oregonstate.edu or 541-602-2009.

Crop Notes First continued from Page 12

Mint

• Sample for mint root borer larvae in the first 2 weeks of September. Take square foot soil samples 2” down, and take ~ 20 samples/100 acres. • Consider sampling residual soil nitrogen to check fertilizer efficiency.

Wheat

• Consider the traits you are interested in for 2017 wheat varieties. Attend the fall Extension meetings for 2016 results and learn more about your variety options (see inset for dates). • Soil pH below 5.4 can limit wheat growth. Check for pH stratification in no-till. • Winter wheat planting should be delayed until mid-Oct to avoid BYDV (transmitted by aphids) and reduce disease pressure. Earlier plantings require an insecticidal seed treatment. • Conventional wheat drilled mid-October should be seeded at 60-90 lb/ac (depends on seed size). Later and no-till plantings should be drilled at 100-140 lb/ac. If broadcasting, increase seeding rate by 1.5-2 times. • Plant Bobtail and Rosalyn in Oct. Other varieties may be planted later. Yamhill is still recommended for wetter soils. • Apply 20 lbs N/ac at planting for winter wheat following a grain crop. • Use Axiom, Zidua or Anthem Flex for control of grass weeds. Ensure wheat is seeded 1-1.5” deep and the majority of wheat has germinated and is emerging to maximize efficacy and provide good crop safety. Axiom is not recommended for use on Yamhill wheat due to Yamhill’s sensitivity to metribuzin. • Pre-bait for slugs before crop emergence and use in-furrow or dribble banding in no-till fields where slug problems are expected.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 —

Commercial Agriculture Community Horticulture continued from Page 5

PHOTO BY BROOKE EDMUNDS

Though they look tropical and taste exotic, figs grow fine in the long corridor of western Oregon, where the climate offers not-too-cold winters and hot-enough summers. “I get a lot of people asking me if they can grow figs,” said Steve Renquist, a horticulturist with Oregon State University Extension Service in Roseburg. “Boy, can you grow figs.” The cooler summers of the coast and colder winter temperatures east of the Cascades are a different story, though. The weather in those areas is not conducive to growing the love-it or leave-it fruit. Not all varieties of figs thrive, however. Of 100 or more cultivars, Renquist recommends three figs: ‘White Kadota,’ ‘Desert King’ and ‘Lattarula,’ which he prefers for fresh eating. All have yellowish-green skin and amber flesh. They are sufficiently cold hardy, ripen nicely and may produce two harvests. Except for pruning, which can be tricky for beginners, the plants are pretty bullet proof, according to Renquist. Plant them in quick-draining soil in the hottest spot in the garden Avoid propagating fig plants and you’ve done your duty. infected with Fig Mosaic Virus. “One of the things I like really well is that figs are a wonderful fruit crop for home gardeners because you never have to spray for anything,” he said. “These trees work so well in backyard situations.” When it comes time to plant – fall is optimal – choose a south-facing aspect where the sun shines all or most of the day. The soil should be loose enough to drain well. Adding organic material will help with that. Make sure the pH is Continued on Page 17

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Jenifer is interested in finding ways to extend a cow’s functional lifespan in the herd. This herd seems to happy with that line of research.

as statewide, and is interested in the practices of conventional and organic farms milking cows, goats, or sheep. Jenifer has a Ph.D. in Dairy Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she investigated the genetics of twinning and of productive herd life in dairy cattle. Prior to life in Wisconsin, Jenifer earned a Master of Science in Animal Science and a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from

the University of California, Davis. Most recently, she has been on the biology faculty of a regional state university in upstate New York. Despite education and work elsewhere, Jenifer is a native of Oregon, where she grew up on a dairy and field-crops farm. To her new post, she brings extensive teaching experience and a strong desire to engage with dairy producers in improving their operations.

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Jenifer joined the OSU Dairy Program as Assistant Professor of Practice in June of this year. Her primary focus is on dairy management practices. She has a strong background in genetics/ genomics and reproduction. She is developing program areas in herd health, animal welfare, technology applications (particularly robotic milking systems), regulatory compliance, and extending a cow’s functional lifespan in the herd, which combines aspects of genetics, reproductive persistence, heartiness, and day-to-day management. An additional interest is in making better use of the large volume of data collected on many dairies. Closer analysis of this information can yield useful information about individual cows (such as an early heads-up if one isn’t feeling well), about how the herd is performing as a whole, and, when using data from many herds, about effects of particular management strategies. She will be working specifically with producers in the Willamette Valley, as well

PHOTO BY LYNN KETCHUM

Don’t Be Fooled, Figs Grow Fine in Western Oregon

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Preserving Food Can Tap Garden’s Full Potential Continued from Page 1 PHOTO BY MITCH LIES

garden is easy and carries extremely low risk, Brandt said. “You need no special equipment to freeze vegetables and fruit. It is very simple, and it is something that can be done in small batches or in one big project,” Brandt said. “You can freeze the handful of green beans that you pick each morning until you have a container full that is enough to serve for one big event,” she said. “You don’t have to get out the canner and fill jars full of produce all at once.” Drying foods is another food-preservation method often overlooked, Brandt said. “People who dry foods often do so to add some variety, or just for snacks, or in small batches,” Brandt said. People can dry food in ovens, but that takes a significant supply of energy, Brandt said. “You have to crack the oven door open and put it on very low, so it is not very efficient.” Gardeners also can dry food in the sun, she said, but they will need to protect it from insects and will need to take the food in at night. “An electric dehydrator is definitely your best option,” Brandt said. “They are very predictable and the air flow is very effective. They work well.” In general, properly preserved food can remain safe to eat for several years, Brandt said, but often loses flavor after a year. “More food is wasted based on the quality, as opposed to the safety,” she said. If properly preserved, however, food quality also can

Properly canned, food can remain safe to consume for years, but typically will start to lose quality after a year or so.

be maintained well beyond a single year. “In the case of frozen foods, proper food preservation may mean double or triple wrapping things, using very well sealed containers, or putting multiple containers into one large container so there is absolutely no air exchange,” Brandt said. And keep your freezer very cold – zero degrees. Then the quality of frozen foods will last for an extended period of time, as well.” Dried foods also need to be packaged extremely well, Brandt said, particularly in a damp environment like the Willamette Valley. “Dried foods are very absorbent, so they will quickly re-absorb moisture out of the air, and will mold,”

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn

Brandt said. “So if you dry something, you need to package it well so it stays dry, such as using a container with a snap-on lid.” When storing canned foods, Brandt cautioned against exposing them to high temperatures. “Ninety-five or 100 degrees can be damaging to the quality of canned food and can break the seals, which can allow very small amounts of bacteria to infiltrate the container, which could then multiply,” Brandt said. Brandt noted that the Oregon State University Extension Service offers several avenues for people to obtain information on proper food preservation, including a hotline staffed by the Service’s Master Food Preserver Program, which

people can call between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday from the middle of July through October 14. That number is 1-800-354-7319. The Extension Service also hosts a food preservation website that includes access to all Extension Service food preservation publications. “We have all of our food preservation publications online in their entirety, because we want people to have free and easy access to safe, research-backed, foodpreservation instructions,” Brandt said. “There is so much misinformation out there in both electronic and printed forms that we want people to be able to find what we know is safe.” In addition to helping ensure food safety, information on the website

can help ensure food preservers are optimizing food quality, said Carol Walsh, a Master Food Preserver and Master Gardener from Corvallis. “That is another reason why we encourage people to use the most current recipes and recommendations so that you don’t have to overcook something,” she said. The website can be accessed at http://extension. oregonstate.edu/fch/foodpreservation. The climate and soils of Oregon’s Willamette Valley offer gardeners a bounty of opportunities to grow safe, healthy and delicious foods, Walsh said. “There is so much in the Willamette Valley to take advantage of,” Walsh said. “There are so many fruits, and you can only eat them fresh for so long. So to be able to freeze them, or make jam with them, or make syrups with them, make a chutney, there are all sorts of things you can do to preserve the flavors of those fresh fruits.” “We really do have some very good quality produce in this area,” Brandt said. “There is nothing like sunripened garden produce. If it’s been trucked and marketed and pulled in and out of cold storage, it is just not as delicious and tender as what you can get right from your garden or right from a local farm.” And, Brandt said, if food preservers follow the guidelines provided by the Extension Service, they can be assured their food will be safe and flavorful long after that garden has been harvested. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 —

Forestry and Natural Resources

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

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

PHOTO BY B WITHROW-ROBINSON

Can Your Woodland Have Too Many Trees?

Members of a Basic Woodland Management class practicing some easy skills for measuring trees.

Learning in the Woods Please visit the Upcoming Events page of the Benton County Forestry and Natural Resources website for more details on these and other events. http://extension. oregonstate.edu/benton/forestry/events Linn County Tree Farmer of the Year Tour and Potluck • Date:Sept. 24, 2016 • Time: 4-7:30 p.m. • Location: At the property of Joe and Shirley Holmberg, the 2016 Linn County Tree Farmers of the Year, northeast of Lebanon. Woodland Management; a Basic Forestry Shortcourse • Dates: Tuesdays Oct. 4, 11, 18, & 25. Registration deadline is Sept. 27 • Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m. • Field Session: October 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Location: Junction City Fire Hall • Cost: $50/individual, $60/family Also pending this fall: • Twilight tour on slash management and pile burning (details tbd); • Young stand thinning workshop (details tbd).

16 — SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Yes, you can have too much of a good thing. How so? Seedlings can have a tough time in the face of summer drought, weeds, voles, and deer, so it makes sense to plant more than the minimum needed to produce a healthy stand of trees. But when things go well, as indeed they sometimes do, we end up with too many trees. That’s no problem at first, but as seedlings grow into trees they start to compete. Left too long, they become crowded, weak and unsightly. Stands planted at common spacings of 11x11 feet or closer are at risk of becoming too crowded before they grow large enough for a selective harvest thinning, which would give trees more room to grow. The challenge is, the best time to take care of this is generally long before the trees look crowded. You need to anticipate it if you want to avoid problems. Learn more about this common situation and how

PHOTO BY B WITHROW-ROBINSON

By Brad Withrow-Robinson, Extension forestry agent Benton, Linn, and Polk Counties

Competition among trees in young stands can be both beneficial and harmful.

to deal with it by reading a recent series about young stand management and thinning. A link to the series

can be found on the Forestry & Natural Resources page of the OSU Benton County Extension website.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton

Don’t be fooled continued from Page 5 neutral; shoot for 6.5 to 7. Adding lime to the soil will bring western Oregon’s typically acidic-leaning soil up to the correct level, Renquist said. Planting is no different than other trees. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth as it is in the pot. Work some compost into the hole, place the plant and backfill with soil. Water well and you’re good to go. Rather than using commercial fertilizer, top dress the soil around the tree with compost once a year. Don’t expect fruit for the first few seasons. As far as watering, less is more. Once roots are well established, an inch of water every couple of weeks is sufficient. “If you’re soaking them, you’re making more plant growth, which you don’t need,” Renquist said. “These really are drought-hardy trees. You’ll have more concentrated flavors and control of growth if you’re giving a modest amount of water.” To add more fig trees to your collection, propagating by cuttings is an easy task. In winter when the plant is dormant, clip off a piece about 8 to 10 inches long. Cut below a node and at the tip of the stem. Stick the piece in a pot of potting mix and leave it through spring. At that point, the small plant can go in the ground, but keeping it in a pot for a year is not a bad idea. Renquist doesn’t recommend growing figs in pots for the long term. They are vigorous plants that need room for sustainable root growth. If you have a small space to garden and a container is the only choice, start with a pot that will accommodate several years of growth and then transplant

to a larger one. A 7-gallon container should be sufficient for three to four years; a 15 gallon for seven to eight. Once the pot fills with roots, growth will become weaker and he suggests pulling the plant out and pruning the roots severely. The top will have to be pruned significantly, also. Make sure the pot has good drainage holes and use a soilless potting mix. Don’t overwater. Check by sticking a finger into the soil. If it’s dry an inch below the surface, it’s time to water. Feed with a thick layer of well-rotted manure on top of the soil, a foliar fertilizer once a month or a balanced (5-5-5) fertilizer in early spring, late spring and summer. Though not as complicated to prune as other fruit trees, it takes some practice to learn the art of pruning fig trees. First, Renquist strongly suggests growing your fig as a multi-trunked plant. The plant’s natural tendency is to branch, so why fight it? “The biggest thing people do is try to grow them with a single trunk,” he said. “You don’t need to. With two or three trunks, you can keep the tree lower and have the fruit easier to reach. There’s a lot of fruiting wood if you have multiple trunks.” To get going on pruning, follow Renquist’s tips: • Prune in January or February by opening up the interior of the tree and reducing its height. Start by standing back and studying the tree to see where you want to cut. To open up the interior, concentrate on taking out old wood, including a few large limbs. Leave about a third to a half of the 1-year growth because that is what

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produces fruit. It’s easy to tell the difference: The 1-year growth is green and smooth. Mature wood is gray. Also, the 1-year wood will have developing fruit on the tips of new growth that look like tiny nubbins. • Move on to the top of the tree. Unlike the rule not to cut the top off other trees, figs can be “topped” to restrict height. When reducing the height of a tree always make your reduction cut to an outward growing branch. In other words, come down the branch to a point where a side branch is growing outward and cut above that. This will spread the growth of the tree to improve light into the center. By keeping good light in the interior, it will help to generate new wood lower in the canopy and keep fruit where you can reach it. • In colder winters the first crop of fruit may freeze, although Renquist said that hasn’t happened in the last four years. Check fruit when the tree leafs out in spring. If the fruit is black, it’s dead. As soon as you can, prune out the dead branch tips to generate new growth. The earlier you do this the better chance you have of getting the second crop of figs to ripen. Note from Brooke Edmunds: Avoid propagating figs that have yellow & green blotchy leaves as they may be infected with a plant virus called Fig Mosaic Virus. This virus causes the leaf discoloration and may also reduce fruit set. Any plants propagated from infected trees will also carry the virus.

Woodland Management Course Offered By Brad Withrow-Robinson, Extension forestry agent Benton, Linn, and Polk Counties Extension and supporting partners will be offering a popular course for family woodland owners this fall. The Basic Woodland Management Shortcourse is ideal for anyone who is just starting out taking care of a woodland property, providing a broad introduction to woodland ownership. It is offered in four evening sessions with a Saturday fieldtrip. This year’s class is offered in conjunction with Lane County Extension. Course themes include: • Getting Started – Assessing your property and your site; • What’s Going on in Your Woods? – Understanding tree biology and forest ecology; • Taking Care of Your Woods – Tree planting, care for an established forest, weed control; • Getting it Done – Safety, timber sale logistics, and laws and regulations. This is one of several recurring programs that we move around from year to year to better serve people across the three county area we serve. It is open to anyone in the three-county area. See our section “Learning in the Woods” for details, and go to our webpage to register online.

Un-beet-able continued from page 7 and yogurt smoothie for added flavor and nutrition. Here are more recipes using beets: Preserving beets: Beets freeze, can and pickle well. Remember spices can be safely added to pickled products. Consider including ginger, cardamom, peppercorns or a sprinkle of chili powder for your own unique version of pickled beets. Freezing: Follow the instructions above for cooking and peeling. Cool promptly and completely after cooking in ice water. Drain well, slice or cube, package in air-tight containers, leaving head space for expansion during freezing. Keep frozen at 0° F or below. Use within a year for best quality. Canning: Follow the instructions above for cooking and peeling. Leave baby beets (1-2 inches) whole. Cut medium or large beets into 1/2 inch cubes or slices. Halve or quarter very large slices. Fill jars with hot beets and fresh boiling water, leaving 1-inch headspace. Add 1 teaspoon of salt per quart jar, if desired. Adjust lids and process in a pressure canner. Dial-gauge Pressure Canner: Pints – 30 minutes 11 PSI Quarts – 35 minutes 11 PSI Weighted-gauge Pressure Canner: Pints – 30 minutes 15 PSI Quarts – 35 minutes 15 PSI http://extension.oregonstate.edu/fch/sites/default/files/ documents/pnw_172_canningvegetables.pdf SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 —

Benton County 4-H Youth Development

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 Hosts 4-H Information Night PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAROLYN ASHTON

Join us at our annual 4-H Information Night to learn about the Benton County 4-H Program. The event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 6, at 6:30 p.m., at the Benton County Fairgrounds auditorium building. This is a great opportunity to meet and talk to current 4-H members and leaders about their 4-H experiences. There will be tables represented by different project areas at which participants can learn about all that 4-H has to offer. The 4-H year begins Oct. 1. Youth who are 9-19 years of age as of September 1, 2016 are eligible to join 4-H.

Come out and meet Flat Lucky at the Benton County 4-H information night!

We also offer a 4-H Cloverbud program. It is for children 5-8 years old as of Sept. 1. The focus is on exploring many different

topics, is non-competitive, and allows children to develop social skills. Benton County 4-H Ambassadors will emcee the event and will provide details about available project areas, costs of joining, how to join or become a volunteer. Some clubs have limited space, and we are always looking for new 4-H volunteer leaders to start new clubs. If you cannot attend 4-H Information Night, but would like more information on member and/or volunteer leader opportunities, please visit our website or contact our Benton Extension office.

Volunteer Today; Inspire for a Lifetime 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.

The Benton County 4-H Program is looking for adults who want to share their time and talents with youth, aged 5-19. Adults who are interested in making a positive impact on youth, who have an expertise they want to share, or who want to learn new skills, are encouraged to apply.

Volunteers will receive new leader training, support from OSU faculty and staff, and from other 4-H leaders, as well as access to project books for leaders and members. If you are interested in volunteering with the Benton County 4-H Program, please contact our office for more information.

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http://extension.oregonstate.edu/benton

Climate Science in the Schoolyard

Educator Workshop

PHOTO BY JODY EINERSON

PHOTO BY TOM DAY

Are you a teacher interested in bringing hands on science into your classroom? Join us in Corvallis on Oct. 14 for a workshop to learn how to incorporate climate science into your curriculum. This workshop is for new and returning 4-H Wildlife Steward teachers and community volunteers that work outdoors with youth in grades 4-8, although other grades are welcome to attend. Involve your students using hands on citizen science to report data on precipitation and make connections to climate science, ecosystems, geography, and literature. The workshop provides opportunities to use technology applications including web based data

Above: Rain Gauge Kit. Left: Muddy Creek student reading the classroom rain gauge.

reporting and iPads. Lessons will address Next Generation Science Standards. Teachers can enroll their classrooms in the Oregon Season Tracker 4-H Schools. Visit our website for further information http://extension.oregonstate.

edu/benton/teachers-andcommunity-educators or call the OSU Extension Service Benton County office at 541-766-6750. We also have new classroom teaching kits available to support the lessons from this workshop.

Would you like to receive the 4-H Natural Science Educator E-news? It is a quarterly E-news that gives updates of local natural science/outdoor happenings for classroom teachers, informal educators, and their students. Contact Jody Einerson at Jody.Einerson@oregonstate.edu, or Maggie Livesay at Maggie.Livesay@oregonstate.edu, or call the OSU Extension Service Benton County office at 541-7666750 to be placed on the list.

Lee Allen Youth Livestock Auction The 2016 Lee Allen Memorial Youth Market Auction had a total of 191 animals sold totaling $340,000. Thanks to all the buyers for their support of 4-H members! Thanks to Peak Livestock –

Swine 4-H Club and contact leader Scott Drahn for raising the donation animal this year, which supports the Steve Moos Scholarship. This year, the Steve Moos Scholarship was awarded to Emmitt and Shyane White. Thanks also to

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the Corvallis Lions Club and the Auction Committee for organizing the auction. If 4-H members need addresses for their buyers to write their thank you notes, contact your club leader who received a list of buyers.

Benton County 2016 Fair — A Success! Thanks to our outstanding Benton County 4-H families and friends for an amazing fair! We had more than 510 members with more than 2,000 entries participate in this year’s fairs (including horse fair). 4-H members participated in a wide variety of activities at fair, including family and consumer science art and science interview judging; horse, beef, sheep, swine, goat, llama/ alpaca, dog, rabbit, cavy, poultry and pigeon shows; archery and rifle contests; a marketing contest; animal costume contests, table setting contest and a Master Showmanship contest. Our success comes from our 250-plus Benton County 4-H volunteers and chaperones. Thank you for sharing your time, talent, and energy to create a positive youth development experience for our 4-H members.

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Linn County 4-H Youth Development

Linn County 4-H Open House Linn County 4-H will be hosting an informational open house on Tuesday, Oct. 4, at the Linn County Fair and Expo. Join us from 6:30-8 p.m. to learn more about what 4-H has to offer youth ages 5 to 19. We Need Leaders We have a limited number of clubs in the area and are always looking for more adult volunteers to help lead kids in their interests and passions. Information about becoming a leader will be available at the open house as well. PHOTO BY ROBIN GALLOWAY

Barb Kreilech is a longtime volunteer that shares her knowledge of sewing, crocheting and knitting with many Linn County members.

Andrea Leao 541-730-3534 andrea.leao@ oregonstate.edu

Cloverbuds Have Fun While Learning “Cloverbuds” are the name given to children in 4-H who are between 5-8 years old. They are pre-4-H clovers, until 9 years old, when they can be in “regular” 4-H projects. On July 27, Linn County 4-H held a camp for all Linn County youth who wanted to attend Cloverbud camp at Happy Valley tree farm near Lebanon. The free camp got sixteen children out into the woods for a perfect summer day. They learned about natural resource topics, like a nature walk where they saw and handled real wildlife bones, feathers, and fresh deer scat. An insect bingo game sharpened their observation skills to find bugs, plants with bug damage, and tree galls. For the scavenger hunt, they took little nets and containers to capture tiny critters, then looked at them through magnification. One craft activity was to make a hat with aspects of plant growth decorating it. Each hat had representation of the sun, soil, water, and air in creative ways. A Dirt Cup snack followed the

PHOTO BY ROBIN GALLOWAY

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.

Robin Galloway 541-730-3469 robin.galloway@ oregonstate.edu

Newspaper hats provided both shade and an art project at 4-H Cloverbud camp. The youth learned about natural resources at Happy Valley Tree farm near Lebanon.

nature theme when chocolate pudding was topped with gummy worms and cookie soil. Helping run the camp were two members of the Linn 4-H Youth Leadership team, Maddi Neuschwander and Haley Armstrong. In addition to the educational components of the camp, was plain old fun play time in the woods. First they had a reminder about not getting into poison oak

or nettles, which can be in non-mowed areas. Some of the children made a fort in a tree grove, honing their engineering skills. They enjoyed finding long straight branches to make the sides and entrance gate, and included everyone into the special area. Just allowing the kids to be kids and use their imagination was a highlight of the day for everyone. This learning-by-doing is what 4-H always advocates.

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Turner Representing Oregon at 4-H Horse Roundup

Linn County Fair Fun Had and Memories Built This year our number of participants and entries were up from previous years. Our Horticulture area grew from one small table to four tables. We also had to add more pens in the

Linn County’s exhibits in horticulture nearly quadrupled this year.

PHOTO BY ROBIN GALLOWAY

PHOTO BY MICHELE WEBSTER

Even the 4-H Faculty at Linn County Fair had a winning year.

barn to accommodate all the livestock entries. Working hard, sharing knowledge, and demonstrating teamwork is what fair is about for both the volunteers and participants.

PHOTO BY CASSIE TURNER

We would like to thank all of our volunteers that made Linn County Fair a success. Many people put in countless hours preparing for and helping to facilitate the 4-H shows and contests.

In May, Hannah Turner competed at the Spring Horse Classic and earned her trip to the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup to represent Oregon in the presentation contest. Hannah’s illustrated presentation, entitled “Waging War on Equine Parasites,” focuses on how parasites are affecting the equine industry and ways to control parasites. The requirements of the presentations include: focusing on the equine industry, use of visual aids, and that the presentation be between 9 and 12 minutes long. We want to wish Hannah the best of luck when she competes in Louisville, Kentucky, in November.

Poultry members are demonstrating their knowledge during their showmanship class at Linn County Fair.

Record Breaking Youth Livestock Auction Thank you to all the buyers and volunteers that made the youth livestock auction a monumental success this year. We had 241 lots that brought in more than $475,000 to the

members selling animals. Thank you to the Sayer family for donating the 4-H donation animal, and to all the people that made donations to the 4-H program. We want to thank

PHOTO BY MADDIE NEUSCHWANDER

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn

PHOTO BY MADDIE NEUSCHWANDER

Evan Breen showing off his Reserve Cole Weber displaying his Reserve Champion Chickens at the Linn County Champion Market Lamb at the Linn Auction with his buyer, H & K Meats. County Auction with his buyer from Farmland Tractor.

Liberty & Justice Swine Service for donating the FFA donation animal, and all the people that donated to the FFA program.

Hannah Glaser exhibited and sold the Reserve Champion Steer at the Linn County Fair and Auction.

Representing Oregon at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup, Hannah Turner will be competing in Public Speaking.

4-H ATV Training Offered On Saturday, Sept. 24, at 9 a.m., there will be a one-day hands-on training for adults wishing to become certified to teach youth about ATVs and become a 4-H ATV Club Leader. Training will take place near Brownsville. Cost is $120. Oregon law requires ATV riders of all ages to possess an Oregon ATV Safety Education Card when riding on public lands. Youth under the age of 16 must possess a card with a hands-on training endorsement. To certify adults as leaders, they need to attend a hands-on class. Participants bring their own quad or 4x4 and personal safety equipment. For more information contact: Robin Galloway, Robin. galloway@oregonstate.edu, 541-730-3469. To register visit https://apps.ideal-logic.com/osuextension?key=F3T925VWY_K9K-5PTF_03a925d5 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 —

Linn County Extension Association

President Sheryl Casteen

2016 LCEA Undergraduate Scholarship Winners

Jordan Bruslind

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 — SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Five exceptional Linn County students will each receive $500 toward their college tuition. All of the applications submitted had noteworthy community service records with an emphasis on helping others. They are all to be commended for their academic achievements and their work ethics. Our Scholarship Recipients Jorian Bruslind graduated from Lebanon High School 2016 and has chosen to attend Oregon State University this fall. His intended major is electrical engineering. His goal is to work with renewable energy, wind turbines, solar energy, and creating new methods for renewing our energy sources. Over the past 10 years Jorian has been a part of Linn County 4-H. He has raised and shown pigs, expanded into swine breeding and managed “at

Maddison Fergason

its peak, four sows.” He has bred sheep and dairy goats. His extra-curricular activities included soccer, varsity tennis, Science Olympics, Junior Rotarian, Youth Watershed Council for Santiam River – President, Venture Robotics Team, Lebanon Chamber Orchestra (viola), LHS Honor Society, and LHS choral performance. He has worked with Linn-Benton Food Bank, river restoration site testing, COMP-NW Science Day, Cub Scouts, and been an assistant at Conversion Brewing Company. His work ethic is shown in a reference letter from Jessica Tran of Community Outreach, Inc. when she describes Bruslind’s ability to easily work with the other volunteers, his calming demeanor with clients, and impeccably executed duties including arriving early and staying late. Congratulations Jorian! Maddison Fergason graduated from Scio High School, but also included time at Linn Benton Community College in the P.A.C.E. program, taking various agriculture classes, animal

Westin Martin

Emily Reyes

science, criminal justice, and health and fitness courses there. College plans include an Associates of Arts from Linn Benton Community College and transfer to Western Oregon University to major in criminal justice and to minor in psychology. Her ultimate job preference is to become a juvenile probation officer to “make a difference in kid’s lives . . . this is a key time and some kids just need a little more help than others.” Fergason has also spent 10 years with Linn County 4-H Santiam Wranglers, and five years in the Scio FFA chapter. She started showing dairy cattle in 4th grade, and has shown a market lamb for the past four years. Her last project was showing two dairy heifers, one market lamb, two breeding ewes and a beef calf. She says she “has a better view of time management now” from this experience. Her community service, leadership, and sports activities included school government president, Sunday school helper, 4-H president/camp counselor, and mentor. Congratulations Maddi!

Timothy Rodriguez

Westin Martin graduated from West Albany High School 2016 and has chosen to attend Central Oregon Community College in Bend, to pursue an education in Structural Fire Science and Paramedic training. Martin has participated in football and baseball, and is a member of Greenback 4-H Club where he raised and showed his livestock. For the past three years he has worked running a big baler, straw rake, and other farm equipment. He has his tractor safety certificate. He is also active with the Albany Fire Department fundraisers – The Treasure Hunt and MDA Fill the Boot. His carpentry skills helped when building treehouses. He has held two jobs for the past three years, while excelling in academics. Martin has impressed many with his ability to teach others, especially children at the 4-H events near large livestock, answering their questions, and taking the time necessary to help them enjoy the animals, but always keeping a watchful eye so no one is harmed. He has earned the respect of

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Calendar of Events for Linn and Benton Counties September 2016 *

Benton County Master Gardeners will be at the Corvallis Farmers’ Market most Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the season. Demonstration Garden Summer Workshop, Cover Crops and Soil Building, 1-3 p.m., Benton County Fairgrounds, Corvallis.

Linn-Benton Livestock Forages Breakfast Meeting, 6:30 a.m., Saddle Butte Ag, 31144 Wirth Rd, Tangent.

Benton County Master Gardener Potluck Picnic, 4-7 p.m., Benton County Fairgrounds Floral Courtyard, All Master Gardeners, including friends and family, are welcome to join us at our annual end of season picnic.

Free Family Community Education class – The Importance of Immunizations for Adults and Communities, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Lebanon Senior Center, 80 Tangent St, Lebanon. Call the OSU Extension Linn County office at 541-967-3871, to register for the class.

Corvallis. 12

PNW Brownbag talk, Safe Gardening Practices, noon-1 p.m., Albany Public Library, 2450 14th Ave SE, Albany.

4-H Wildlife Stewards Educator Workshop, Science Climate in the Schoolyard, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., location TBA, online registration:

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!

PNW Brownbag talk, PNW Mushrooms & Other Fungi, noon-1 p.m., Albany Public Library, 2450 14th Ave SE, Albany.

Benton County 4-H New Leader Training, 6:30-8 p.m., Sunset Room of the Benton County Extension Office.

PNW Brownbag talk, What You Should Know About Raised Beds, noon-1 p.m., Albany Public Library, 2450 14th Ave SE, Albany.

Free Family Community Education class – Talking With Your Doctor, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Lebanon Senior Center, 80 Tangent St, Lebanon. Call the OSU Extension Linn County office at 541-967-3871, to register for the class.

October 2016 *

Benton County Master Gardeners will be at the Corvallis Farmers’ Market most Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the season.

Republic Services Compost Workshop, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Corvallis Farmers’ Market.

Linn County 4-H information night, 6:30-8 p.m., Linn County Fair and Expo Center, Albany.

2016 Fall OSU Extension Seed Crop and Cereal Production meetings, 8:30-noon, Roth’s Hospitality Center, West Salem; and 1:30-5 p.m., Linn County Fair and Expo Center, Albany.

Woodland Management Series, A Basic Forestry Short Course, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, and field session, Oct 29 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Junction City Fire Hall. Registration required.

Let’s Pull Together, 9 a.m.-Noon, choose one of five locations, register online at: solveoregon.org.

PNW Brownbag talk, Fall Plants for Color and Birds, noon-1 p.m., Albany Public Library, 2450 14th Ave SE, Albany.

Linn County Tree Farmer of the Year tour and potluck, 4-7:30 p.m.

Benton County 4-H Information Night, 6:30-8 p.m., Benton County Fairgrounds Auditorium,

Continued from Page 22 others. One reference wrote “I am impressed with his determination whether it be in academics, sports or raising and showing his livestock. His commitment exceeds his years.” Congratulations Westin! Emily Reyes-Phearson graduated from Central Linn High School 2016 and has chosen to attend Corbin because it is a private Christian university, where she plans on majoring in early childhood education intending to become a kindergarten teacher. She has been active in student leadership, serving as

student body president, also a member of FFA, 4-H, National Honor Society, and volleyball, basketball, track, and softball teams. Phearson has been recognized as Linn County Junior First Citizen 201516. Her school activity list is lengthy with numerous student body elected positions for school, FFA (Upper Willamette District Vice President), 4-H, and sports. Her community service includes the Bi-Mart Willamette Country Music Festival for the last four years, Elementary classroom

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assistant, and American Red Cross blood drive. In addition, this last year she has taken college courses along with her high school classes. She is a dual sport athlete for both basketball and softball and has won multiple team and All-League Awards. She is in position to be named All State in softball this year. Her references tout her as a positive role model, leader, and scholar who will be successful in family as well as her career. Congratulations Emily! Timothy Rodriguez graduated from West Albany

High School 2016 and has chosen to attend Gonzaga University, a private Roman Catholic school in Washington where he will major in mechanical engineering. For the last nine years he has been involved with the 4-H program in Linn County. His projects included Shooting Sports and Livestock. Rodriguez has been exceptionally active in football, robotics, track, St. Mary’s Science Fairs and choir, soccer and Youth and Government at YMCA, holding State Senator position for the latter. He is a National Honor

Society member and has held elected positions in school government. He is active in his church programs. Mid Valley Farms, Martha Glaser advises that while “he only held general knowledge when he came to work for them, he learned quickly with attention to detail and worked every operation with minimal training and oversight. With GPS units in most equipment, the ability to learn new technologies and apply them in ever changing ways is a quality highly sought after in our industry.” Congratulations Tim!

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