I just wanted to take the time and just brag about how awesome Eastern Oregon is! Wednesday I had the opportunity to leave the field and attend the 40th Annual Union CO. Crops and Conservation Tour with my professors and co-worker; and let me tell you, I was blown away by the community support for one another and the developments and improvements each farmer and rancher is trying to achieve for the Eastern Oregon Community. I met some of the greatest people and learned so much about operations around me that I had no idea that existed. To give you a short insight I wanted to hit on some points that really stood out to me and what I had observed.

First off, we stopped and looked at TRICO Farms and observed their malt barley production and research plots. There, a few speakers talked about the project and how they had added the variable of nitrogen amount put in the soil to their research, along with the range of barley selection they were testing. What was really interesting about this stop, is I was able to get an in-site as to what I will be anticipating once our plants are seeded and grow, as well as see what variables can effect plant production. Furthermore, Tom Hutchison, from Gold Rush Malt and Craft Malting, had spoke and expressed his goals and purpose of this company. Tom had mentioned that his goal was to create craft malt that can be sold to smaller firms and local businesses to impact the economy of Eastern Oregon and bring jobs back here.

We had also stopped at Grande Ronde Dairy out side of Union. There’s a dairy in Union you may ask. You aren’t alone. I had asked the same question myself, however this is no ordinary diary, it was a goat dairy! Who knew that there was a local goat dairy a few miles from where I worked! Stephanie Rovey, owner and operator, gave us a tour of her operation, her shipping process, and much more. I even found out that you could buy her goat cheese at our local Safeway here in La Grande. Something I found really unique about Stephanie’s operation is she only has female staff, for the reasons that women could relate more the goats during the birth process and milking phases, as well as 90% women in the United States do the grocery shopping and need to know what they are buying and how their food is processed. I found this so fascinating and thought it was a interesting way of integrate knowledge through the community. I am not much of a goat cheese eater due to allergies, however I heard their cheese was so good and recommended to anyone to try it.

These where only a couple stops that we made throughout the day. We also stopped at Hines Meat Co., Conservation Farm of the Year, and many other window stops to observe plants and forages. But, my favorite part about stopping at all these companies, was the drive by owners to help the local economy and bring more of the things they produce back to the community for everyone to enjoy the local product. Not only that, but how willing and nice the owners and people on the tour were. I asked so many questions during the tour and every time I did I got an ear full, plus some! If you are looking for information about Eastern Oregon production and facilities, or either what farmers and ranchers are doing, I highly recommend attending the Union Co. Crops and Conservation Tour next year. I promise you wont be disappointed!’