Oregon State University Extension-Union County

08/21/2026

🥕 Ready to preserve the harvest? 🫙

Join OSU Extension for our Home Food Preservation Workshops in La Grande! Learn safe, research-based methods for freezing, dehydrating, and water-bath canning.

📅 Sept. 14 & 15
📍 Union Co. Extension Office
📞 Registration required — call 541-963-1010
👥 Space is limited to 10 participants per workshop! Deadline to register is September 10th.

Come learn some new skills and enjoy a recipe tasting at the end of each class!

08/12/2026

08/05/2026

🐴 Livestock Evacuation Information

With wildfires burning in our region, Union County is encouraging livestock owners to prepare now by making arrangements for their animals in case evacuation becomes necessary.

Whenever possible, livestock owners should develop a self-contained evacuation plan with family, friends, neighbors, or other available resources and identify alternate locations where animals can be safely sheltered. Public livestock sheltering facilities are intended as a resource when other options are not available.

However, if you need a safe location for your livestock and do not have an alternate location available, temporary shelter is available at the Union County Fairgrounds. Union County has established relationships with other local facilities in the event that alternate sites are needed.

To inquire about livestock sheltering at the Fairgrounds, please call 541-962-1600 or 541-962-1610. Please call before transporting animals so space can be coordinated and appropriate accommodations can be arranged.

To help accommodate as many animals as possible, livestock owners should plan to bring their own feed, hay, water buckets or containers, halters, leads, and any other equipment needed to safely care for and handle their animals whenever possible.

Now is the time to prepare. Have trailers ready, ensure animals can be readily identified, and make an evacuation plan before an emergency occurs.

We sincerely appreciate the ongoing partnerships with the Union County Fairgrounds and other local facilities within Union County to support our agricultural community during emergencies.

Please continue to monitor official evacuation notices and emergency updates. Preparing before an evacuation is ordered helps protect your family, your livestock, and emergency responders.

07/30/2026

Come down and see us at the Union County Fairgrounds

07/23/2026

Union County Implements Countywide Burn Ban Effective Immediately

The Union County Board of Commissioners voted during this morning's commission meeting to implement a countywide burn ban, effective immediately, following a unanimous recommendation from the Union County Fire Defense Board.

Under Union County Ordinance 2024-02, the Board of Commissioners may prohibit outdoor burning in all areas outside incorporated cities upon recommendation of the Fire Defense Board. Under a complete burn ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited except regulated agricultural field burning and the use of gas or pellet barbecues.

Emergency Manager Nick Vora said wildfire conditions in Union County have reached a dangerous level due to below-normal snowfall last winter and a dry spring that brought very little precipitation. Vegetation and forest fuels are exceptionally dry, and forecasts call for continued hot, dry weather. If a wildfire starts under these conditions, it is expected to spread more rapidly and burn with greater intensity than under typical conditions. With conditions this dry, a single spark could quickly ignite a fast-moving wildfire. At the same time, with several wildfires burning throughout the region, firefighting resources may be limited should a wildfire occur in Union County.

In addition to the county burn ban, forest officials have increased public use restrictions on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests because of extreme fire danger, the risk of human-caused fires, and public safety concerns. These restrictions prohibit campfires, fireworks, open burning, smoking, and off-road or off-trail vehicle travel. Additional information regarding forest restrictions is available at www.bmidc.org.

The burn ban was implemented due to continued hot, dry weather, critically dry fuels, heightened public safety concerns, and the potential for limited firefighting resources should a wildfire occur.
Union County Ordinance 2024-02 is available on the county website at www.unioncountyor.gov.

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07/23/2026

Wildfire season affects more than our forests. It can have lasting impacts on Oregon's farms, ranches and rural communities.

OSU Extension is coordinating with local response efforts to connect agricultural producers with timely resources and support. Whether you're looking for wildfire preparedness information, air quality guidance, livestock resources or assistance after a fire, you'll find practical tools in one place.

The page also includes information on hay and grain donations, available support resources, and how to connect with your local Extension office if you've been affected.

Learn more and access resources, http://beav.es/wildfire-support.

Oregon Department of Emergency Management

07/22/2026

If you or someone you know needs face masks, stop by your local OSU Extension Office! We have plenty available and are happy to help keep our community healthy.
Whether you're looking for a few masks for yourself, your family, or a neighbor, feel free to stop in during our regular office hours and pick some up—no need to hesitate!
Please help us spread the word by sharing this post so anyone who could use masks knows they're available.

07/15/2026

Union County Fair is rapidly approaching!

Join us for the Hawkeyes 4-H Shoot at the UCF grounds on July 23rd!

Curious what our archery club does??? Drop by and watch what these kids have been working on all year!

07/09/2026

Should you remove every plant within 5 feet of your home to reduce wildfire risk?

Not always, but experts recommend keeping this area as free of vegetation and other combustible materials as possible. If you choose to keep a plant close to your home, where you place it and how you maintain it matter.

Learn how to create a safer, Firewise landscape, https://beav.es/fVa.

06/19/2026