[06] Agriculture and Related Industries

According to the OR Dept of Ag, there are 6 major growing regions in the state.



1 - Coastal Oregon
2 - The Willamette Valley
3 - Southern Oregon
4 - Hood River Valley
5 - The Columbia Basin
6 - Southeast Oregon
Coastal Oregon
The Pacific Ocean provides many sea items like oysters, clams, salmon, bass, and scallops. Dairy farms found along the coast are well known for the cheese they produce. Dairy production is the largest near Tillamook on the north coast. Specialty crops in this region are cranberries and lily bulbs, which flourish due to the mild climate. Cranberries are produced along the south coast near Bandon and Port Orford. Easter Lilies (right)are found in abundance along the southern tip of the coast.

The Willamette Valley
This area runs from Eugene to Portland. This is a diverse area includes over 170 different items including grains, hays, nuts, berries, wines, Christmas trees, dairy, poultry and beef. Many sheep farms reside here, too. The capitol of OR, Salem, is located in this Valley; In the past, many pioneers settled here because of the fertile land. Lumber and farming became the first commercial enterprises as the farmers established saw and grist mills on Mill Creek. The mills were also relied on by neighbors to grind wheat and saw trees off lots.

Southern Oregon
In the hilly and mountainous areas of s. OR, sheep and cattle graze the land. Fruit, potatoes and livestock are also found here. Hood River Valley High quality tree fruits such as apples and pears are grown here. In The Dalles area to the east, there is a vast production of cherries.

The Columbia Basin
About 60% of the wheat production in the state takes place here. Farms here range from 4,000 acres or larger. Crops here include potatoes, alfalfa, wheat, watermelon, carrots, onions, field corn, etc.

Southeast Oregon
The livestock industry dominates this region where there is a low annual rainfall. Major crops include onions, potatoes, and sugar beets.

OR ranks first in production of...
Hazlenuts (filberts) (100% of U.S. production). [pic on right]
Fescue (100% of U.S. production).
Ryegrass (100% of U.S. production).
Blackberries (94% of U.S. production).

**National ranking highlights - 2004**




Sources
Stuff About States.com
Salem: Agricultural Overview
Agriculture in Oregon
ODA