The Oregon State University Extension Office shared an impressive update at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce luncheon, spotlighting the many ways their team supports Malheur County. From youth development and health initiatives to agriculture and rangeland management, OSU Extension continues to play a vital role in strengthening local communities.
Building the Next Generation through 4-H
In 2024–2025, more than 260 youth and 47 volunteers participated in 4-H, with nearly 800 projects showcased at the county fair. Local students also represented Malheur County at the Oregon State Fair. Looking ahead to 2025–2026, the program will expand by adding superintendents to each project area and increasing community connections through partnerships with schools and youth programs.
Family & Community Health Initiatives
The Family and Community Health team promotes wellness across Malheur County with programs in physical activity, behavioral health, food safety, and emergency preparedness.
• StrongPeople™ Program offers free exercise classes in Ontario, Nyssa, Adrian, and Vale, helping more than 100 participants each month improve strength and reduce fall risks.
• Behavioral Health Initiatives include “Skill Up for Life,” a youth-led training program for grades 7–12, offering certifications in CPR, Safe Sitter, and food safety. Suicide prevention training (QPR) is also available for local organizations.
• Malheur Works Internship Program has connected more than 100 students with 75 businesses since 2021, building career skills and workforce readiness.
• Food Safety and Preservation resources are available, including pressure canner testing, food safety classes, and a “Library of Things” at the Nyssa Library.
Agriculture & Natural Resources
OSU Extension’s agricultural programs remain essential to the region’s economy and resilience.
• Master Gardener Program: Since launching in 2024, 28 volunteers have donated over 800 hours, growing and giving away more than 3,600 pounds of fresh produce.
• Pest Management Training: More than 110 participants attended workshops on integrated pest management and regulatory updates.
• Field Crops Research: Local projects explore solutions for weeds, soil health, irrigation quality, and drone technology to improve onion, potato, and other crop production. Quarterly water systems meetings bring together farmers, agencies, and vendors to address irrigation and water quality challenges.
• Livestock & Rangeland: Malheur County is ranked #4 in the nation for cattle numbers, and OSU Extension supports ranchers with wildfire recovery, rangeland restoration, and livestock biosecurity programs. Grants totaling over $1 million in recent years have supported conservation and biosecurity efforts.
Supporting Community Resilience
The OSU Extension team emphasized that their work is not just about research, it’s about people. Whether through mentoring youth, helping families stay healthy, or assisting farmers and ranchers with pressing challenges, their programs are designed to build resilience across the community.
For more information about OSU Extension programs in Malheur County, visit OSU Extension’s website.
