Most Oregon soils begin to lose their ability to support plants when they erode more than 5 tons of soil per acre each year. This usually occurs through a process called sheet erosion, the gradual wearing away of a thin layer or "sheet" of soil. Since 10 tons of soil lost per acre equals the thickness of a dime, sheet erosion can be very hard to see!

We are reminded of the magic of water during the hot, dry summer months in Oregon. Irrigation water, or the lack of it, determines the land use options on our properties. If you have the good fortune to have irrigation water, you can conserve this precious resource by preventing over-irrigation.

Near stream areas can provide flood and erosion control, wildlife habitat, and higher property values. Read on to learn how to protect your environmental and real estate investment.

Times are changing. It used to be that livestock watered freely in ditches, ponds, and streams. Those days are over, as people understand how this practice can affect animal health, water
quality, and wildlife habitat. It makes good sense to install a fence and an alternative watering system to protect surface water and your animals' health.

Nutrient management is a practice that applies fertilizers efficiently - saving you money and not polluting water.

A quick guide to getting started farming in Oregon.