OSU Extension - Polk County

08/13/2026

Have you tested your well water recently? Stop by the Dallas Farms Market Friday August 21st from 4-8pm to get your well water tested for Nitrate! Bring 1/2 cup of unfiltered well water in a clean container to be tested.

08/12/2026

08/05/2026

The OSU Extension Polk County office will be closed to the public as we relocated to the Polk County Fair Monday, August 3 through Saturday, August 8. We will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, August 10. We hope to see you at the Polk County Fair!

08/03/2026

Wildfire smoke is expected to affect air quality across western Oregon this week as winds shift from the west to the east.
Smoke can affect anyone's health, especially children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung conditions. Take steps to reduce your exposure by staying informed about air quality and limiting time outdoors when smoke levels are high.
Learn how to protect yourself and your family during wildfire smoke events: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em9404-s-d

07/31/2026

For Sofia, becoming an Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener volunteer has been about more than learning to garden. It has been a way to answer what she calls "the call to do my part in conservation," while finding friendship, purpose and peace along the way.

"The Master Gardener Program was an amazing experience because of the talented educators," Sofia said. "The learning environment was insightful, and I never wanted it to end."

Through the program, Sofia found a community of enthusiastic volunteers who inspired her and helped her build new connections. She also discovered how gardening could improve her own well-being.

"I recall feeling a significant difference after spending time maintaining the Inspiration Garden," she said. "I had more peace in my mind and in my body. At home, I have added gardening as one of my many outlets to manage stress. Feeling whole is important to me and how I show up for my family."

For Sofia, volunteering is also about leaving a lasting legacy.

"I am excited for my future plans being enjoyed by generations I may never meet."

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program. We’re collecting and sharing stories from volunteers across Oregon. If you are a Master Gardener volunteer — or ever have been — we would love to hear from you. Share your story with us!

beav.es/mgstory

07/29/2026

Agritourism can be an important diversification tool for farms, but what do these operations mean to customers? Learn about the latest agritourism customer sentiment research from OSU Extension and discover how the insights can be applied to current marketing strategies and offerings. After the study results are presented, there will be a Q&A session. The webinar will be recorded, and it is free. Registration link is beav.es/f97 (or in bio)

This webinar is for farms and ranches that have or are interested in adding agritourism activities, tourism professionals, economic development partners, decision makers, and those interested in local food systems.

Questions? Please contact Audrey Comerford at [email protected]

07/29/2026

07/28/2026

Polk County 4-H alumni joins OSU Extension Internship program supporting the OSU Extension Service Groundwater Protection program.
Look for Abby tabling at events in Polk County and surrounding counties this summer!
https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/extintern/2026/07/15/osu-extension-intern-serves-through-the-intersection-between-health-and-the-environment/

07/26/2026

Canning season is here, and preserving food safely starts with trusted advice.

Oregon State University Extension Service has expanded its statewide Food Safety and Preservation Helpline, making it easier than ever for Oregonians to get research-based answers about canning, freezing, drying, fermenting and other food preservation methods.

Whether you're preserving your first batch of jam or stocking your pantry for winter, help is just a phone call or email away.

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/osu-extension-expands-food-safety-preservation-helpline-canning-season

OSU Extension

07/25/2026

As water challenges continue to grow across Oregon, researchers and Extension faculty are helping producers make informed, practical decisions.
The new Agricultural Water Management Technical Assistance Program (AgTAP) connects research with real-world solutions, providing science-based tools, hands-on demonstrations and technical support to help farmers and ranchers improve water-use efficiency, strengthen drought resilience and protect groundwater resources.

Learn how this statewide initiative is helping Oregon agriculture adapt for the future here:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/osus-agtap-initiative-helps-oregon-producers-manage-water
of Agricultural Sciences - Oregon State University