Ranching

As the legislative session heats up, here’s how Oregon Republicans are gaining ground within the state’s Democratic supermajority.

More than a million acres of wildlands in Eastern Oregon could be preserved through federal legislation or a monument declaration from the president. This could be the last chance for the Owyhee Canyonlands to see additional protections for years.

A Gilliam County conservation group will pilot a program that uses GPS, collars and cows. The concept could make Eastern Oregon rangelands more resilient against wildfires.

Whit Deschner, the founder of the Great Salt Lick auction and contest in Baker City, and Mib Dailey, a rancher and auctioneer, share their perspectives on the enduring success of the annual event which has raised more than $200,000 for Parkinson's disease research since 2006.

Virtual fencing could offer a more flexible way to manage grazing herds, helping ranchers adapt to the effects of climate change.

Wildfires in Eastern Oregon have significantly altered the landscape this summer — and burned crucial livestock range grounds. That’s left many cattle displaced or dead, and ranchers facing major losses.

Researchers at Washington State University will track respiratory viruses that could spread between livestock animals and humans. That includes the avian flu strain that has recently jumped from birds to dairy cattle, and from cattle to at least two people.

Like hundreds of other ranchers in Colorado, the Stanko family is anxious about wolf packs being airlifted back to this state, where they were eradicated by the 1940s. Supporters of the effort, however, see a bright future.

Some Oregon farmers say they need less regulation, not more. But Governor Tina Kotek recently signed new laws on water rules for big farms. It’s called Senate Bill 85.

During spring’s prime calving season, lots of newborn calves have been dying from the cold.