Author Archives: Dan Bigelow

Stable statewide cash rents for Oregon mask large changes across counties in 2024

Agricultural producers can gain access to the land they need through two general channels. Some own their land, after purchasing it from another landowner, bidding on it in an auction, or inheriting it from a family member. The alternative to … Continue reading

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Latest USDA estimates point to continued strong growth in Oregon’s farmland values

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released its latest state-level data on farmland values. The data come from the USDA’s June Area Survey, which asks a rotating panel of producers to estimate the market value of their land. Responses … Continue reading

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Unpacking the 2022 Census of Agriculture

Over the past few months, I’ve been analyzing what the 2022 Census of Agriculture reveals about Oregon’s agricultural sector. Two data points that have garnered attention concern the loss of 667,000 acres of Oregon’s farmland and the substantial 29% gain … Continue reading

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Per the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the value of Oregon’s farm real estate continues to climb

In addition to being a fundamental input to agricultural production, farmland and other forms of farm real estate are the most important assets on the farm sector balance sheet. As part of the 2022 Census of Agriculture, producers are asked … Continue reading

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Have Oregon’s urban growth boundaries been too conservation-friendly?

Promoting an orderly pattern of land-use change, particularly when it comes to the conversion of farmland and forests to developed uses, is the cornerstone of Oregon’s statewide land-use planning system. A key piece of our system, which largely traces back … Continue reading

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Does the Conservation Reserve Program promote organic transition?

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) spends upwards of $20 million dollars each year in an effort to support and grow the organic agricultural industry. One thing that makes obtaining organic certification difficult and risky for producers is what’s known … Continue reading

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California Forever: A glance at the underlying economic and policy issues

With the housing crisis facing many communities in the western US, who can argue against dense, affordable housing with tree-lined streets and easy access to bike lanes, shops, and schools? It’s a gamble that the investors in California Forever are … Continue reading

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How well do surveys capture farmland market conditions in Oregon?

In the past, I’ve written several articles and posts on farmland markets in Oregon. All of these have relied on the results of surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which ask producers to report their best estimate of … Continue reading

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Most recent cash rental rate estimates paint a mixed portrait for Oregon

An OSU Extension article containing the same information as this post can be found here. Agricultural producers can gain access to the land they need through two general channels. Some own their land, after purchasing it from another landowner, bidding … Continue reading

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Per latest USDA estimates, most categories of farmland value in Oregon continue to rise

On August 4th, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its latest state-level data on farmland values. The data come from the USDA’s June Area Survey, which asks a rotating panel of producers to estimate the market value of their … Continue reading

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