Adopt a Farmer

Did you know Oregon has a sweet place in cherry history? Milwaukie is the birthplace of the famous Bing cherry, and Oregon horticulturist Ernest Wiegand helped perfect the maraschino cherry using Oregon-grown Royal Anne cherries.

This summer, Portland ice cream shops are celebrating with limited-edition cherry treats. It's a delicious way to support local businesses while celebrating the farmers who grow one of Oregon's favorite summer crops.

So grab your family or friends, visit a participating ice cream shop, and treat yourself to a cherry-inspired dessert! Whether you enjoy them in a sundae, gelato, or fresh from the orchard, every bite is a celebration of Oregon agriculture.

Six Portland-area ice cream shops launch cherry dessert crawl We've reached peak cherry season. To celebrate, six Portland-area ice cream shops are teaming up with Northwest cherry farmers for a limited-edition dessert crawl.

Check it out! Adopt-a-farmer volunteer, Bobbi Frost, is featured today in honor of International Year of the Woman Farmer. Follow the Oregon Department of Agriculture to learn about more incredible women farmers from Oregon.

2026 is International Year of the Woman Farmer and in celebration of that, ODA is thrilled to shine a spotlight on Oregon women whose hard work powers our communities and beyond.

Meet Bobbi Frost, who is currently the president of the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, and herself a dairy farmer in Creswell, Oregon -- the fourth generation to work on the farm her great-grandfather started in 1946.

Learn more about Frost -- and/or nominate a woman farmer in your life to be featured by ODA throughout 2026 -- by visiting our web site: https://oda.direct/IYWF

Did you know? 2026 field burning season began yesterday. Field burning may occur in Marion and Linn counties.

Field burning can look concerning, especially in years when wildfire awareness is top of mind, but it is a long-standing, highly regulated agricultural practice that serves an important purpose.

Burns are only allowed under strict permitting requirements and carefully monitored conditions to ensure they are done safely and responsibly.

Field burning helps farmers:
• Manage pests and plant disease
• Reduce w**d pressure
• Return nutrients to the soil
• Prepare fields for planting

Safety is always the priority. Each burn is planned with attention to weather conditions, air quality, and protection of nearby communities.

Field burning is one of several tools Oregon farmers use to maintain productive, sustainable farmland for future growing seasons!

Happy Independence Day from Adopt a Farmer!

Today we celebrate the independence that defines our country and the people who keep agriculture strong across Oregon. With Adopt a Farmer, we see independence every day in the partnership between classrooms and farms, where students learn firsthand how farmers and ranchers make decisions, solve problems, and care for the land that feeds us all.

Wishing all our teachers, farmers, and families a safe and meaningful Fourth of July.

🌾 New crop identification signs are popping up in St. Paul ahead of the 90th St. Paul Rodeo (June 30–July 4)!
In partnership with the St. Paul Rodeo Association and Oregon Hazelnut Commission, Oregon Aglink helped create 58 signs highlighting crops grown by 24 Oregon farmers and ranchers.
These signs help connect rodeo visitors, and students in programs like Adopt a Farmer, to the farms and crops that make Oregon agriculture so unique.
Hope to see you this evening!

Looking for fresh ideas to bring agriculture into your classroom?
Join the free virtual Illuminating Agriculture Conference on July 16, 2026! The day begins with an inspiring keynote before breaking into elementary and secondary education tracks, so you'll leave with practical resources tailored to your students.
Reserve your free spot today: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oYO2xKVyRsu3MrlY0aiVDg

Join us for the free, virtual conference, "Illuminating Agriculture" on July 16, 2026. The conference will kick off with a keynote speaker and then sessions will then break out into an Elementary and Secondary track.

Reserve your free spot today at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oYO2xKVyRsu3MrlY0aiVDg #/registration

My Family's Corn Farm Meet Presley – a farm girl who narrates the busy life of a modern, working corn farm in this fun and informative picture book about a family growing one of the top crops of American agriculture. There are a lot of jobs to do on the family farm! Presley and her farm family work on planting corn, wa...

Happy Fresh Veggies Day!
Did you know? The more colors on your plate, the more nutrients you're likely getting! Different colored vegetables provide different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support a healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, Oregon farmers grow more than 220 agricultural commodities, helping keep our plates colorful, nutritious, and delicious.

Teachers! Another grant opportunity to expand your classroom resources. Applications due before July 17.

We’re proud to support teachers shaping tomorrow’s agricultural leaders! The Christina Sue Lilja Resource Grants are available to educators seeking to expand their classroom resources.

Applications must be submitted by July 17th.

https://www.agfoundation.org/grants-awards/christina-sue-lilja-resource-grants

One more day to apply!!

White-Reinhardt Grants | American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture Community grants now available!