EXTENSION FILE COPY
RECOMMEN DAT IONS for
AGRICULTURE and RURAL LIVING
IN
UMATILLA COUNTY
S
Committee Reports of the County Rural Affairs Planning Conference February1 1958
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PAGE
Foreword 2
Agricultural and industrial History of Umatilla County 3
Economic Problems Committee Report 7
Land Use Committee Report 16
Water Resources Committee Report 20
Crops Committee Report 22
Weed Committee Report 29
Processing Crops Committee Report 31
Family and Community Living Committee Report 34
Recreation Committee Report 42
Livestock Committee Report 44
Dairy Committee Report 48
Poultry Committee Report 50
Horticulture Committee Report 52 The County Agricultural Planning Council met In addition to making the final reports, the con- on February 28, 1957, at which time decision was ference asked some out-of-county folks to give their made to hold a Rural Affairs Planning Conference. ideas on what the future holds for the county. These Previous conferences were held in 1926, 1929, 1936, speakers were: 1938, and 1947. Frances Clinton, State Leader Home Economics, Oregon State College This publication contains the combined reports Dr. Burton Wood, Head Dept. of Agricultural Economics, of the 12 major committees divided into 25 sub- Oregon State College committees and a number of study groups. Arthur S.King, Conservationist, Oregon State College E R. Jackman, Crops Specialist, Oregon State College James H. Maloney, Adams district farmer, was Prosser E. Clark, of the marketing firm of Benson, General Conference Chairman. He was elected chair- Bodine & Clark, Portland man of the County Agricultural Planning Council Clancy Jean, Secretary Agricultural Committee, for a 3-year term in 1955 and was selected by the Portland Chamber of Commerce council to head the Rural Affairs Planning Con- The Rural Affairs Planning Conference was con- ference. ducted in cooperation with the County Extension Agents and the Extension Service of Oregon State The 12 major committee chairmen were: College. Special service and assistance was given Economic Problems James Hill, Jr., Pendleton by the Pendleton Grain Growers, Inc. Land Use Richard Hampton, Pendleton
Water Resources - - Gaylord Madison, Echo Serving as secretaries of committees were: Crops ------R. L. Harris, South Cold Springs Victor W. Johnson, County Extension Agent, Pendleton, Weeds Robert V. Wood, Weston Gen. Conf. Sec. Processing Crops ------Stafford Hansell, Athena Frances Harvey, County Extension Agent, Family and Community Living, Mrs. Ada Sacrison Home Economics Pilot Rock Cora May Miller, County Extension Agent, 4-H Recreation Raymond Reese, Helix Gray Thompson, County Extension Agent, Agriculture Livestock ------William Hansell, Athena Earl Brown, County Extension Agent, Horticulture Dairy Arlen Buroker, Milton-Freewater Herman E. Bierman, County Extension Agent, Agriculture Poultry - - John Bensel, Hermiston Don Sump, Pendleton Grain Growers, Inc. Horticulture-- -Walter Roloff, Milton-Freewater LeRoy Warner, Pendleton Grain Growers, Inc. Members of these 12 committees and their sub- Marr Waddoups, Lamb-Weston, Inc. committees totaled about 400. The 100 problems and Dr. Stanley E. McGough, Pendleton Veterinary Clinic questions they listed at a kick-off meeting Septem- Will King, Superintendent County Schools ber 17, 1957 were subjects reviewed, discussed, and The consolidated briefed reports are presented worked on for five months culminating in a con- here with the hope that they will serve as a guide ference of all committees on February 11, 1958, at for improved agriculture and home and community the Memorial Armory in Pendleton. living in Umatilla County.
2 1958 UMATILLA COUNTY RURAL AFFAIRS PLANNING CONFERENCE REPORT
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An Oregon-bound wagon train Sincethere were no towns At first, wheat harvesting was of 1844, slowly winding up theclose by where excess farm prod-a job for crews of men and horses, east slopes of the Blue Mountains,ucts could be sold, and no trans-limiting the size of farm each fam- finally pushed through the moun-portation facilities to other areas,ily could operate. But by 1900, tain pass and stopped for a mo- populationinthe county grewhorse-drawn combines had entered ment of rest at the top of Emi-slowly at first. Then, in 1862, goldthe picture and a family could grant Hill. was discoveredinthe Powderhandle a bigger farm. World War Looking out from their van-mine, and the trade and travelI found horses replaced by steam tage point, these early pioneersthat had previously movedtractors on the wheat ranches, and surveyed a vast panorama of gent-throughWallaWallasuddenlythesesmoke - belchingmonsters iy undulating hills stretching toturned to the Umatilla Country.were in turn replaced by gasoline the north and west. Below wasMining became the major indus-tractors. the grass-covered valley of thetry. In the 1930's when modern die- lJmatillaRiver,carvinggentle Agriculturesuddenly had asel tractors appeared large scale curves in the rock and sand as itmarket at the mines south andtillage operations became possible wandered westward. east; settlement of Umatilla Coun-with a minimum of effort. Today, It was a sight to sit and lookty was rapid. Wheat is first re-one-manoperated,self-propelled at, but the pioneers were anxiousported to have been grown nearcombines are making it possible to be on their way. Drivers spokeWeston in 1862, and corn aboutfor a family to operate an enor- sharply to their oxen, and the1865. Numbers of livestock weremous wheat ranch with only sea- white-coveredwagonslumberedincreased and before long live-sonal help. and creaked down to the river'sstock ranches appeared.Grazing Wheat growing has proved to edge. Here, a brief pause to fresh-was a natural use of the grass-be an excellent adjustment to the en up a bit, and then the partylands, which earlysettlers hadcounty's land, climate, and distant resumed the hurried trip, press-described as waving fields of grassmarkets.Today, around 200,000 ing on toward the setting sun andgrowing"belly-high"totheiracres are planted to wheat each journey's end, the Willamette Val-horses. When ranchers discoveredyear, and the flood of yellow gold ley. that cattle could be driven withfrom these fields brings more in- This was a settler's first lookprofit to distant markets in Colo-come to the county than does any at Umatilla County - and herado, Wyoming, and Nebraska, theother harvest. could not know of the wealth thatindustry flourished. Crop agriculture provides would later spring from the land As early as 1878 some grainabout three-fourths of the farm he had passed by. Today, withwas hauled to Umatilla Landingincome, and the raising of green the continuous streams of goldenfor shipment down the Columbia.peasforcanning and freezing wheat and green peas, fat live-Grain as a farm product came intohelps to swell the total. stock, and timber products thatits own in the county when, in The peas are now grown in ro- flow from herbounteoussoil, 1880, a new method of farmingtation with wheat in the eastern Umatilla County stands as a pivotcalled "dry farming" was start-part of the county where rain- point of agriculture and commerce,ed. This practice of a summer-fal-fall averages more than 15 inches a leader in the Inland Empire. low-wh eat rotation opened manya year and where different eleva- Agriculture is now the largestnew acres to production, and in-tions can be used to mature the single source of income in Uma-creasing amounts of wheat werecrop over a period of time. Peas tilla County, but this wasn't al-hauled to the river for outsideare well adapted, working in a ways the case. The first perma-market. rotation with wheat since they're nent settlements of the county, in But it was the railroad, withlegumes and help maintain the about 1857, were based on a simpleitstwin barsof shiningsteel soilfertility. They replace sum- subsistence economy. Water andsmoothing the way to distant mar-mer fallow, so the land can pro- the woodlands along river bankskets, that led to the mushroom-duce an income each year. led the first settlers to place theiring of agriculture in the area. A Modern machinery, developed homes and gardens on the bottommainline railroad, now the Unionespecially for the pea industry, lands. Here, the bunchgrass thatPacific, was completed in1883, simplifies harvest and speeds large grew in luxuriant profusion on theanditwasn'tlonguntillushquantities of peas to processing level - to - rollinglandsbetweenbunchgrass pastures were put toplants. The pea vines are made in- streams was used only for graz- the plow. In 1889, there were 126,-to silage, or dried and baled for ing the few cattle and sheep that827 acres of wheat harvested inhay, and are fed to both beef and settlers brought with them. the county. dairy cattle.
3 Around 54,000 acres of peas arePacific Ocean, Umatilla County is10 and 20 inches in the central now gro'n each year ranking nextmade up of 3,231 square miles (2,-part, and from 20 to 40 inches in to wheat in value. 067,840 acres) of highly produc-the Blue Mountains. Much of this Many other field, forage, andtivewheatlands,horticulturalprecipitation comes in the winter horticultural crops are at homefarms, livestock ranches, and for-months, some of it in the form here, some on dryland, some irri-est lands. of snow. gated. These diversify the agri- A natural outlet for this area Thermometer readings also in- culture of the county, lower theistheColumbiaRiver,whichdicate that Umatilla County is a risks, spread the labor, and in-forms part of the northwest boun-land some distance from a large, crease the income. dary of the county.The riverclimate-tempering body of water. The grasslands of the countystrikes the edge of the countyWinters are cold, with an average support an important livestock in-about 35 miles northwest of Pend-minimum of around 26 degrees dustry. Beefcattle,dairying,leton, and then turns and headsduring January and February, and lambs,wool,turkeys, and eggswestward to form a water-levelit can be severely cold for short provide the other one-fourth ofroute through the Cascade Moun-periods of time. During the sum- the county's farm income. Live-tains to the Port of Portland andmer days of July and August, it is stock use lands too dry or too rug-the Pacific Ocean. hot and dry with an average maxi- ged for cultivation and they also TheColumbiaRivera 1 s omum temperature close to 90 de- create wealth from chaff, stubble,marks the low spot in the county.grees.Nights, however, are al- pea vines, cannery wastes, andFrom the river, the land slopes up- most always pleasantly cool and other products formerly wasted. ward to the Blue Mountains oncomfortable. Cattle and sheep are the mainthe eastern and southern edges Length of the growing season livestock products in the countyof the county. From an elevationvaries considerably from place to with hogs on the increase,al- of about 250 feet near Umatilla,place, depending on elevation and though dairying is important, andthe land rises in a series of largewind patterns. At Hermiston, the there is a small but active sad-terraces to an eleation of aroundgrowing season averages 163 days dle horse industry. Livestock fat-800 feet near Echo, 15 miles toa year, while at Echo the season tening is increasing yearly, mak- the southeast. To the east andaverage is 174 days. Downtown ing use of local crops products in-northeast of Echo, the land risesPendleton has an average of about cluding peavine silage. Biggest in- gradually to the mountains, with160 days, lengthening to around crease in feeding for slaucrhter ismost of the area in level to undu-190 days a year at Milton-Freewa- in the Milton-Freewater, Weston,lating plains that average 1,500ter. Since temperatures can be ex- Athena, Adams, and Hermistonto 2,000 feet above sea level. Southtreme at times, the growing sea- areas. and southeast of Echo, the landson at any one spot varies consid- Cropping systems and machin-rises more rapidly and is ruggederably from year to year. Pend- eryrequirelargeacreages,so andmountainous,withpeaksleton is a good example, where farms in the county are large.sweeping to nearly 7,000 feet. the shortest growing season on Each farmer has a large capital Lowlands in the county includerecord is 74 days (June 24-Sept. investment in land, and also athe Echo-Stanfield meadows, the11, 1904) and the longest is 224 large amount of money tied up inirrigated lands west of Milton-days (March 22-Nov. 1, 1940). tractors, tillage equipment, com-Freewater,andtheundulating Climate has, of course, played bines, trucks, and other farm ma-plains just south of the Columbiaa big part in determining the kind chinery. River. of agriculture in each part of the Irrigated agriculture is more The Umatilla River anditscounty.Rainfallincreases from d i v e r s i f i ed. Milton-Freewatertributaries form the major streamwest to east - almost in direct grows as wide a variety of cropslying wholly within the county'srelationship to the rising of the as any part of the state. Horti-boundariesandprovidemaj orland to the Blue Mountains. At cultural crops include prunes, ap-drainage. Other rivers in or brief-Tjmatilla, in the west, annual rain- ples, peaches, and cherries. Vege-hr touching the county are thefall averages only 7.43 inches. At table crops include peas for pro-Walla Walla River in tie north-Echo, the average is 9.56 inches, cessing, some tomatoes and sweeteastern part, and the North Forkand rises to 13.27 inches at Pend- corn, asparagus and small acre-of the John Day in the moun-leton. In these areas west of Pend- ages of snap beans, carrots, andtainous southern section. leton receiving less than 14 inches potatoes. Some of the more importantof rain each year, a wheaL.sum- The irrigated land of the eastcreeks are Butter, Birch, Mill, Mc- mer fallow type of agriculture is and west ends of the county isKay,Camas,a n dWildhorseusually followed, except where ir- used primarily for the growing ofCreeks.Although, it is estimatedrigation is employed. alfalfa, pasture, corn, small fruits,there are 1,503 miles of streams To the north and east of Pend- poultry, dairy, melons, and bees.in the county. There are also aboutleton, where rainfall average is 15 Recently hops, sugar beets, and25 artesian wells, and althoughto 20 inches(Weston averages peppermint have appeared. groundwaterisn'tconsidered20.8 inches), wheat isstillthe abundant, over 1,000 pump wellsmain crop with more and more eographica! and Climatic supply water for thirsty fields. peas for canning grown in rota- Features Umatilla County is known astion with the wheat. Areas that Located in the northeasterna semiarid region.Precipitationget around 17 or more inches of corner of the State of Oregon,averages less than 10 inches arainfall a year commonly follow an about 300 miles inland from theyear in the western part, betweenairnual cropping plan.
4 In the Blue Mountains highergood stands of Douglas Fir, WhiteOregon Telephone Company. rainfall brings forests with it. TheFir, and Western Larch. Twenty- Electric power is in every part rougher land south of Pendleton istwo mills are now cutting lum-of the county, provided by the pa- used mainly for grazing. ber, several of them carrying thecific Power and Light Company, The county has a wide varietyprocessing of pine and other tim- Eastern Oregon Electric Co-op As- of soil types. There are 59 soilsber into the manufacture and salesociation, Umatilla Electric Coop- and six miscellaneous land types,of unfinished furniture and othererative Association, Columbia Ru- from the comparatively nonpro-wood products. With new methodsral Electric Association, and the ductive Ephrata and Rupert sandsand pulp or paper markets muchColumbia Power Cooperative. in some parts of the county totimber now wasted will be used. Umatilla County's labor force the highly productive Walla Wal- Industry is becoming more and more di- la, Athena, and Palouse silt barns Mainline rail service is avail-versified.Average monthly em- in the central and northeasternable through Union Pacific Rail-ployment (excluding farming, in- parts. Much of the land is in broadroad. Northern Pacific furnishesterstate railroads, public employ- rolling hills covering wide areas,effective branchline service. ment) for Umatilla County in 1956 and these fertile, wind-laid soils Mainline highway grids (High- was 6,697. From 1950 through have been ableto withstand aways 30, 395, 11, 730 and 204)1956 the average annual increase single-crop farming practice, thecover the county effectively link-has been 37 (excluding construc- growing of wheat, for almost aing truck and highway transpor- tion workers on McNary Dam). century. tation in all directions.. Umatilla County has had an in- Mainline buses and ten truckcrease in its working force of 152 County Resources companies provide further diversi-percent and a population increase Umatilla County sits favorablyfied and efficient hauling service.of 67 percent from 1940 to 1955. located in a "gardening" or "in- Mainline air service is avail-Food processing has the greatest let-outlet" position in relation toable at Pendleton, the county seat.variation in employment. the prosperousEastern OregonUnited Airlines and West Coast Farm labor is highly seasonal. and Eastern Washington areas. ItAirlines make 13 stops daily atPea harvest requires the largest iscentrally located, 220 to 300the Pendleton Airport. labor force. The small grain har- miles from the large population River barge transportation isvest labor requirements are easily centers of Portland, Seattle, Spo-well established at Umatilla, onfilledfrom theholdover force kane, and Boise. the Columbia River. The Umatillafrom the pea harvest. This peak Agriculture Port district, a public agency, ag-labor requirement period lasts ap- Nearly 75 percent of the landgressively promotes and encour-proximately 75 days. The migra- area of the county or 1,556,051ages river transportation.Rivertory labor force makes up the bulk acres are in farms according tobarges with cargo capacities ofof the seasonal farm labor require- the census for 1954. Of this land1000 tons operate year around be-ment. Local high school and col- in farms, 638,511 acres were intween Umatilla and lower Colum-lege students, with some migra- cropland and 867,529 acres in landbia River ports of Portland, Van-tory labor fill the remainder of pastured. A little over 56,000 ofcouver,andLongview.Grain,the peak farm labor requirements. the acres in cropland were irri-petroleum,chemicals,fertilizers, N e w sserviceisexcellent. gated. and cement now move on the riverPendleton has a daily newspaper This census also shows therein large tonnages. Upon comple-and weekly newspapers are pub- were 1,885 farms in the county attion of the John Day dam, ocean-lished in Athena, Herrniston, Mil- that time, averaging 825.5 acresgoing barges of 2500 to 3000 tonton - Freewater,Pendleton,Pilot each. There were 340 farms overcargo capacity will operate reg-Rock, and Umatilla. 1,000 acres in size. The numberularly between the Umatilla port There are three radio stations of farms in the county is decreas-and oceangoing ports up and downin Pendleton and one in Hermis- ing, but the average size isin- the Pacific cOast.The Umatillaton. Three television channels cov- creasing. PortCommission hasavailableering the ABC, CBS, and NBC net- Much of the noneroplandislarge blocks of industrial landsworks are received from Spokane covered with timber, and forestrylocated adjacent to water port f a-via micro-wave at Pendleton and follows close behind agriculture ascilities. cabled to TV sets. Most farmers the second most important source Natural gas is available. Theget TV reception from Kennewick, of income. Most of this timber ismain pipeline of the Pacific North-Washington. located in the Blue Mountains,west Pipeline Company (used by Business about two-thirds of it within theCascade Natural Gas Company) The 1954 census reports annual Umatilla National Forest. Timbertraverses the center of Umatillaretail sales of over 60 million dol- in the national forest is under aCounty. The main pipeline of thelars. This trade is bolstered by the sustained yield cutting program,Salt Lake Pipeline Company (usedfact that persons from surround- which should maintain the lumberby Standard Oil Company) alsoing counties shop inPendleton. industry indefinitely. passes directly through the coun-This trade area in five counties Of the total of around 800,000ty. has 83,000 peonle. Principal man- acres in forests, a little over 500,- Telephone service is supplied toufactured productsare lumber, 000 are in timber that can be har-14,661 customers in every part offurniture,woolen goods, canned vested with present equipment.the county by Pacific Telephoneand frozen peas, flour, and saddle Much of this land is covered withand Telegraph Company, Helixand leather goods. In 1954, accord- Ponderosa Pine, but there are alsoTelephone Company, and Easterning to the U.S. Census of Man-
5 ufacturers, 67 industrial establish-bass, trout, and steelhead makemate of the Oregon State Board ments in Umatilla County employ-lake and stream fishing popular.of Health in 1957. The 1950 U.S. ed over 2,500 people with a pay-The county is a well-known hunt-Census shows that about 37 per- roll of over nine million dollars. ing ground for China pheasant andcent of this population lives in Chances for further expansionduring the fallitattracts somecities and towns, 43 percent in of industry in EJmatilla County ap-20,000 hunters in search of deer,rural areas but not on farms, and pear excellent. There is an abun-elk, and geese.Skiing facilitiesthe other 20 percent on farms. dance of water,electricpower,and dude ranches broaden the rec- The county has 30 elementary and natural gas.Location andreation possibilities. schools, 11 high schools, several transportation seem favorable for: Parks also add to the attrac-junior high schools,several pa- Wholesale distribution. tiveness of the county during sum-rochial schoo1s, and an academy. Branch offices administra-mer months.TherearesevenVocational courses are available in tion to serve all of easternparks in the City of Pendieton,some of the schools. Oregon, southeasternone with a swimming pooi. Four Library service is supplied by Washington, and southernState Parks - Hat Rock Statethe TJmatilla County Library. The Idaho. Park,EmigrantSpringsStatemain library building is in Pend- Processingand manufac-Park, Battle Mountain State Park,leton, with 12 branches and 10 ture of agricultural and for-and Ukiah Dale State Park offerstations throughout the county. A est products. facilities for camping and picnick-total of 75,225 volumes are avail- Manufacture of products toing. be used in the Inland Em- Boating, swimming, and waterable. The library also contains val- pire area (primarily in ag-skiing are popular on two largeuable historical material on Uma- riculture). man-made lakes in or adjacent totilla County and Eastern Oregon. Forest and recreation the county. McKay Reservoir, on Catholic and protestant The forest areas of the BlueMcKay Creek,6 miles south ofchurches are located throughout Mountains provide summer range-Pendleton, offers excellent facili- the county. All leading denomina- lands for much of the county'sties. And MeNary Dam on the Co-tions are represented. livestock, and also year-round rec-lumbia River provides a lake 50 With its well-established agri- reational opportunities. miles in length. culturaleconomy,stableindus- The tourist and recreation in- Part of the tourist trade re-tries, and prime business location, dustry is, in fact, the third ma-suits from the county's being thethe county has a future bright jor sources of income for the coun-transportation hub of northeast-with opportunity. A large num- ty. Best known single event is theern Oregon. It is served by theber of the citizens are aware of Pendleton Round-Up, for Pendle-main lineof the Union Pacificthe potentialities of the region, tonisworld-renownedastheRailway, and by a branch line ofand are actively working to plan "Round - UpCity"andbringstheNorthernPacificRailway.for and build a still more vigorous around 35,000 visitorsinto theTranscontinental U.S. Highway 30and profitable economy that will county each year for this eventpasses through the middle of theimprove the way of life and guar- alone. county, and U.S. 395 is an ex-antee the security of the county's The Blue Mountain forests, un-cellent north-south route. In addi-people. der the supervision of the U.S.tion there are over 390 miles of The following report on Uma- Forest Service, provide 12 devel-good state highways. tilla County agriculture, listing its oped forest camps and one ski area problems, challenges, and oppor- pius numerous undeveloped camp Community Living tunities,isa long step toward spots, attracting over 100,000 for- Population of Umatilla itselfmaking this bright future a re- est visitors annually.Abundantwas 43,840 according to an esti-ality. eee 'eftcvit
Committee Members James Hill, Jr., Pendleton, Chairman Don Sump, Pendleton, Secretary
Taxation Subcommittee: Economic Farm Unit Subeonunittee: Fred Westersund, Chairman Steve Thompson, Chairman Bert Haynes Fred Hill Carl Nelson Randolph Dorran Milo Adkinson Glenn Thorne Ferdie Hudemann Jack Duff Joe Ramos Frank Tubbs Lloyd E. Stafford Sheldon Lieuallen Ralph Saylor Ralph Saylor Sam Cook Joe Ramos Rodney W. Esseistyn Emil Zivney Clarence Weltzin Henry Kopacz Bill Duff Federal Agricultural Programs Henry Lazinka Subcommittee: Raymond Rugg Jens Terjeson, Chairman Gaylord Madison B. Taylor L. E. Pearson Frank Tubbs J. A. Kilby Layton Mann Oscar McCarty Clarence Hoeft Ben Kilgore Lou Levy Frank Bensel Marshall Patton Reuben Gettman Army Korvola Harold Meissner Dick Hampton Duff Knight Elmer Pahl George Clausen Robert Allen Barlow Clark Don Hawkins Harold Holdman Manufacturing, Processing & Marketing James Beamer Subcommittee: Lloyd Key, Chairman Roads & Transportation Subcommittee: Pat Davis James Hutchinson, Chairman Irvin Mann, Jr. Walter Holt, Jr. Bill Johns Orlin R. Hanson John Stone Robert Harper Bob Howard Dale Tucker N. R. Mueller D. W Easton Don Weber James Sturgis Herschel Fullerton Paul Graf Francis Miller Earl Donahue Henry Stoddard Forrest Baker H. B. Taylor James Hoskins Bob Schubert D. R. Cook James Sturgis Lyle Ledbetter Tremayne Rea Gayle Marks Pete Scymanski Jerry Landau R. A. Brogoitti Al Beard Rulon Smith E. Brogoitti Russ McKennon Verne Dale Tom Davidson Keith D. Babcock Verne Hendershott
gricu1tura1, business, and in- IJmatillacounty's major in-to attempt to solve our own prob- dustrial growth in the countycome is derived from agriculturelems, rather than be dependent up- are dependent upon solving the ec-with timber second. Wheat is theon the government. The produc- onomic problems of the present,largest single commodity in thetion of more livestock would help and intelligent planning for the fu-agricultural income picture.Asus solve our problems and develop ture. "Economic problems" is awheatproductionissomewhatabetterbalancedagricultural broad term covering many gen-regulated by the federal govern-economy. eral and specific problems.Thement and its price is determined For a well balanced economy, committee hasdealtonly withby the support price, the majorthe county must have more stable broad economic problems.Otherpart of our agricultural economyindustries. Further processing of commodity committees willdealis dependent upon government ac-agriculturalproductsoffersa with the more specific problemstion. It is economically desirablegreat industrial potential. in their reports.
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Some idea canbe obtainedprices would be beneficial to tilebe done by expanding the activi- from the following charts as tocounty. ties of farmers marketing coop- how much processing adds to the Grain production here exceedseratives, by processing the raw value of one product within thelocal needs and will continue toproducts when advantageous to do county. Nearly all of the greendo so in the future. so, and perhaps by being more ac- peas produced in Umatilla CountyCommercial marketing of wheat tive in wholesale and retail mar- are processed within the county. In attempting to strike a bal-keting activities,disregarded in Most of the green peas producedance between supply and demandthe past by producers. The situa- in Oregon are produced in Umatil-for wheat, an all-out effort shouldtion should be carefully watched Ia County. be made for full use through alland steps taken in the suggested FrozenPeas - 1955 -Oregon Figures possible outlets. Wheat for fooddirection whenever, after careiul Raw Product $2,485,401 Labor 455,502 uses, the most profitable outlet,study and evaluation, it appears Supplies 1,856,958 proper to do so. The Federated Miscellaneous 2,396,424 should be explored fully. Feeding Livestock Corp. and its joint ven- f.G.b. value $7,194,285 The feeding of wheat and otherture program is an example of Canned Peas -1955 -Oregon Figures what might be done. Raw Product $1,720,434 grains is a very important outlet. Labor 533,137 Feeding should be encouraged to Supplies 2,010,243 Wheat Straw and Chaff Miscellaneous 576,745 provide use for feed grains and wheat surplus. As long as we have Marketing and Processing fob,value $4,900,559 General observations (f.o.b. value is the value of the product the wheat acreage allotment pro- before it is shipped). gram, grain produced on diverted The only known commercial The value added to the rawacres probablywillbe within priceuses for straw and chaff are for product (peas) by processing inreach of feeders. Any change inlivestock feeding and paper pro- Umatilla County in 1955 was ap-price support and/or productionduction. proximately $7,500,000. In 1956,control programs should take in- Straw is more valuable re- approximately $13,700,00 was add-to consideration the need for sur-turned to the soil than for any ed through processing. Prices toplus grains to be within the reachconceivable commercial use except the farmer were a great deal high-of feeders price-wise.Statisticswhere in excess of a ton of straw er in 1956 than in 1955. presented by the general managerper acreis on the ground. At of the Federated Livestock Corp. leasta tonof straw per acre Grain Marketing and Processingshould be considered when study-should be returned to the soil for Under the present wheat acre-ing the feed picture. erosion control before any is re- age allotment program, the wheatProcessing moved for any other purpose. acreage in the county is limited In considering this matter, the Chaff alone can be removed to 200,000 acres, somewhat belowcommittee could not see much pos- from the land without creating the level of 220,000 acres recom- sibility of any increase in grainerosion problems but it also has mended 10 years ago by the Coun- processing in this county exceptvalue returned to thesoil,and ty Planning Conference. for feed. commercialusesmust compete The reduction in wheat acre-Export with its value as organic matter age has been offset by increases in Since we have special types ofand as a fertilizer. production of other grains, main-export wheat, it is imperative that Chaff has much higher value ly barley. everything possible be done toas a feedstuff than does straw. The following table indicates The cost of gathering and maintain exports at a high level. transportinglowvaluebulky the relationship between produc-Quality straw and chaff make its com- tion and sales of grains in Uma- The matter of quality of allmercial uses uneconomical except tilla County in the year 1954: product is stressed. The best waywhere the use is very near the Production-1954 Sold Lo develop and maintain marketssources. Wheat 6,094,000 Bu.5,913,964 Bu. is to offer commodities of quality Barley 2,125,475 Bu.1,938,837 Bu. Recommendations Corn 67,502 Bu. 32,801 Bu. and to be sure that purchasers re- 1. Except in those rare instances Oats 220,236 Bu. 163,036 Bu. eive what they desire and arewhere the amount of strawis All other paying for.This committee be-great enough to make the return Including rye- 18,084 Bu. 11,246 Bu. Lievesthatconsideration mightof all of it to the soil physically Figures indicating the amountwell be given to the matter of impossible,itisthe opinion of sold do not necessarily mean thatquality in our current export pro-thesubcommitteethatstraw the total moved out of the county,gram, as we hear some criticismshould not be removed for any but the largest portion did. Feedof the fact that sometimes it ispurpose and that we cannot afford grainsproducedonlandthatdifficult for purchasers to secureto consider commercial uses of this otherwise might have beeninthe grade and quality desired. residue, which is essential to the wheat are usually lower in priceVertical integration continued productivity of our soil. and have, in most instances, come For along-range marketing 2. The most feasible commer- within reach of livestock feeders.program,itissuggested thatcial use for chaff is as a livestock A program that would makefarmers follow their product near-feed for wintering purposes. Ore- surplus wheat available at feeder to its ultimate use. This couldgonStateCollegeexperiments
8 have shown that wheat chaff andloading and handling of vines isand 100 mile radius of Pendleton, properproteinsupplementwillmoreeconomical;thefarmers430,000. Projected 'population fig- winter calves more economicallycould have the vines at cost forures indicate a 35 to 40 percent than a mixture of alfalfa hay andfeed or fertilizer; and good meth-population increase over 1956 pop- straw. ods of loading and handling haveulation figures by 1975. This area 3. Gathering and transportationreduced the loading cost to 50c aincludes the major cities: Pendle- costs for wheat chaff are greatton. ton, The Dalles, La Grande, and enough so itis generally neces- Baker in Oregon; and the Pasco- sary to move livestock to the chaff Meat Processing and Marketing Kennewick - Richland area, Walla rather than transport it any dis- Oregon State Board of HealthWafla, and Yakima in Washington. tance. Dumping chaff and allow-estimated Umatilla County popula-Population centers of Portland and ing cattle to run to it in the falltion at 45,320 for 1958. AccordingSeattle are about 200 miles from and winter have been practiced forto a study by G. M. Henderson ofPendleton. years as a profitable utilization.the First National Bank of Port- Committee members agree that This is a good method of reduc-land, completed in May, 1955, thea good, locally owned and control- ing wintering costs. projectedpopulation of Umatillaled meat processing plant would 4. Development of equipmentCounty for 1975 is 75,000 people.benefit Umatilla County agricul- forgatheringandcompressingThis is a 62% increase over theture in these ways: wheat chaff into a form that1956 population. Provide a closer and cheap- could be transported economically Using the United States aver-er source of animal proteins for would widen the possible use ofage per capita consumption fig-local poultry and hog feeds. chaff as a livestockfeed. Weures and county production fig- Provide offal fats to be used commendandencouragethoseures, here is an estimate of thein beef, hog and poultry rations. concerns now working on this ap-productionandconsumptionof Save 40 to 60 percent of proach. meat animals within the countyfreight cost by shipping dressed for 1956: meats on the tonnagebasisto Pea Vine Processing and Production and Consumption In Animal Units Marketing Meat Animal Produced* Consumed Umatilla County produces about Beef & Veal. 31,600 head 9,785 head 54,000 acres of peas annually. Pea Hogs 6,500 head 19,100 head vines average about two tons per Sheep & Lambs 33,800 head 5,100 head acre. Eighteen poundsofsilage Chickens & Broilers 279,500 birds 504,900 birds are equal to about six pounds of Turkeys...... 73,000 birds 14,100 birds hay in feeding value. Pea vines *Nmnber marketed - does not include farm slaughter produced in the county would feedLivestock supply Portland. The double freight rate an annual average of 40,000 head The county is a major beefon locally consumed meats would of cattle. be eliminated. Pea vines can be stored for sev-producing area, and is centrally eral years cheaply. Therefore, alocated for a large supply of feed- Increase the economic activ- reliable supply of pea vines can beer cattle produced in Northeasternity in the county, as new industry built up and maintained in theOregon. Cattle feeding is increas-increases population which increas- ing in the county. es the local markets for meats and county. by-products. Marketing pea vines As a major county in sheep Feeding is and should continueproduction, the area is centrally Enable the plant and the to be the major market for pealocated for feeder lambs.Thereproducers to capitalizeonlocal vines, because they can be storedare very few commercial lambproduction advantages. and they complement alfalfa hay.feeders located in the county. Provide an increased mar- Pea vines also provide good ma- Hog numbers are increasing inketing source for locally produced nure value when spread while drythe county. The supply of cheaplivestock. in late summer and early fall, butfeeds available will determine the The committee believes that it the practice is costly and some- amount of increase. is possible that the meat packing times increases weeds. Unless the Livestock supply, cheap feed,industry will show rather drama- vines are used for feed or ferti- ideal climatic conditions, and loca-tic changes during the next ten lizer they will create an extra costtion make this county an ideal live-years, with greater emphasis on in disposal. Such conditions couldstock feeding area. Somelocalnew preserving practices, greater adversely affect the price of peasmarkets are also available for feduse of tenderizing processes, fur- to growers by as much as $5.00livestock, and good rail and high-ther prepackaging of meats at the per acre. It is therefore, importantway routes give ready access topacker level, family freezer deliv- that the vines be used for live-large coastal markets. eries, and financing the food in stock feeding. Markets for processed meats the family freezer Centralized vining operations Potential local markets for pro- If these changes came about, a Unless a combine is developed,cessed meats depend upon the pop-local plant could take advantage centralized vining is going to be-ulationconcentration within anof them to develop new markets come universal in the pea industry.area.1956 population estimatesfor locally grown livestock.We Advantages of centralized viningare: Umatilla County, 45,000; 50urge local growers to keep this in operations i n c 1 u d e: centralizedmile radius of Pendleton, 165,000;mind.
9 ccw,imc vzst1.tee Se6ecøtmeeeee
In determining economic farmGeneral assumptions Market price of wheat - units for TJmatillaCounty,the These assumptions pertain to$2.00 per bushel - Green pea committee has established the min-all types of farm units: price average at least $80.00 per imum essentials to becoming es- That weather conditions willton. tablished in any type of farming.remain normal as of the past ten Land values range from $200 These essentials would enable ayears. to $450 per acre, depending upon farmer to maintain a standard of That total labor costs willthe area. Wheat rents for 1/3 to living for his family and himselfremain approximately the same. 2/5 share and pea land 1/4 share. comparable to other personsof That no additional income is Governmentprogramfor like qualificationsin other seg- obtained aside from the farmingwheat remains the same. ments of our social system. operation. That a five year crop rota- Census data show that over Wheat Ranch tion be followed of wheat one year, the past 25 years, the number of peas three years, and summer fal- Assumptions used to figure thelow one year. farms has decreased and the aver-economic farm unit: age size of the farm has increased. Market price of wheat - Economicunit Production per acre has also in-$2.00 ner bushel and the loan price 900 acres of farm land with a creasedthroughmechanizationof barley - $35.50 a ton. 46 bushel per acre wheat yield and and better farming methods. Land values range from $200a one ton per acre green pea yield. Size of an economic farm unitto $450 per acre, depending uponGross income fromthisranch is measured in gross production.the area. Rent paid for wheat orwould be approximately$62,000 This may be increased by addingbarley ground ranges from 1/3 to(292 acres wheat - 440 acres more acres or by greater produc-2/5 share. peas - 168 acres summer fallow). tion per acre or a combination of Government programsre-Minimum investment for this unit the two. Each farm is organizedmain the same, allowing the farm-would be $34,000 for used machine- with the following production fact-er to plant 2/3 of his base acreagery and equipment or $65,000 for ors land, labor, capital, and man- to wheat. new machinery. Land investment agement. A proper balance of these Wheat summer fallow rota-would depend upon area. A con- factors must be determined and servative expense figure (not in- tion is followed. cluding operator's labor) would be applied fully to each unit. Economic unit Each individual farm unit is 960 acres of farm land with a60% of gross income. different. This fact must be taken45 bushel per acre wheat yield, andConclusions into consideration when comparinga one ton per acre barley yield It is not usually possible to your unit with what the commit-(2/3 acreage in wheat- 1/3 inpurchase wheat and pea lands in tee has suggested. barley). Unit has a gross incomethis area. A person going into farmingof approximately $35,000. A large percentage of change must be mechanically minded and This unit would have a mini-of land ownership and farm opera- have sufficient farm experiencemum investment of$25,000intion will be within the family. and business knowledge to be aused equipment or $50,000 in new To maintain the margin of good farm manager. He must ownequipment. The valueperacreprofit in the pea business, farmers all of the machinery and equip-would depend upon the area inmust become more efficient or the ment necessarytooperatehiswhichit was located. Expensesprice must remain within present farm efficiently.The p e r s o ncan be expected to run over 50%limits. should have enough cash or creditof the grossincome,depending Irrigafed Farm to operate his farm for one year.upon the operation (does not in- He should limit his debt to 50% ofclude the operator's labor). (Specialized Alfalfa) his capital outlay. Conclusions Assumptions used to figure an Minimum standards for an eco- In the future, it will be mosteconomic unit: nomic farm unit are: 1. Return todifficult to purchase wheat lands That the following prices re-- the operator at least $5,000 for hisin this area. main the same: Alfalfa (10 year labor and management; and re- Thelargepercentageofaverage) $22.50 per ton; wheat turn at least 6% on capital invest-change of land ownershipa n d$2.00perbushel;sugarbeets ment. farm operation will be within the$14.50 per ton; and corn $50.00 Commodity divisions for family. per ton. determining economic The individual wheat farm- Land valuesrangefrom units er must become more efficient and$300 to $500 per acre and land Wheat Ranches Sheep Ranches should integrate his operations torents for 1/3 share. Hay and Irrigated Swine Ranches includelivestockfeeding,thus An alfalfa row crop rota- Farms utilizingall by-productsof low Poultry Farms value crops. tion (8 years) as follows. Alfalfa Wheat and Pea Ranches Dairy Farms - 4 to 6 years. Row crop - 2 to Diversified Irrigated Fruit Farms Wheat and Green Pea Ranches 4 years. Farms Turkey Farms Assumptions used to figure an Raise 6 tons of No. 2 extra Cattle Ranches economic unit: green hay or better per acre.
10 Economic unit ty cattle ranch property and ex-from this unit approximately $31,- 200 acres of irrigated land withpect a favorable return on invest-200. Minimum investment of $29,- 40 acres in row crop each yearment. 000 in farm machinery and dairy and the remainder in alfalfa. The equipment, $15,000 in animals, and following yields per acre are neces- Beef Feeding Operation $16,000 in land and buildings. Ex- sary: Alfalfa 6 tons; wheat 60 There are two sizes of econom- penses would amount to about 70% bushels; sugar beets, 23 tons; andic units for this type of opera-of the gross income. corn, 3 tons. A gross income fortion. Feeding out a minimum of Conclusions this unit should be approximately300 head would be economical 1. The dairy farmer would have $26,400. A minimum investmentwhere the feeder depends upon histo obtain a Grade A fluid milk for this farm would be $15,000 forown labor and a minimum of me- quota to make an economic unit. machinery and equipment.Ex-chanical feeding equipment.For penses would be approximately 60units where mechanical feeding Swine Ranch percent of the gross income. equipment is used, a minimum of Thecommitteerecommends Conclusions 1,000 to 1,200 head would makethe following size units as a mini- The priceofalfalfa hayan economical unit. mum: must be at least the average price In reviewing the economic unit Straight farrowing program stated for this to be an economicsituation for many ofUmatilla- With average costs andprices, unit. County'scattleoperations,theit cOsts $6.00 to raise a pig to committee feels that the county'sweaning size. If it is sold at $9.00, Jrrigafed Farm (Diversified) farmersshoulddiversifywiththe operator would realize a $3.00 Under the same price assump-either range cow-calf operationsprofit per pig.At that rate, it tions and the same acreage yieldsor. cattle-feeding operations. would require 140 brood sows on as mentioned in the irrigated al- the basis of two farrowings per falfa unit, the unit would be be- Sheep Ranches year per sow to establish an eco- tween 80 and 160 acres. The farm Assumptions used in figuringnomic unit. would have one or maybe twoan economic unit: Straight feeding program specialtycrops,withonesoil- A rangesheepoperation Paying $9.00 for the weaner, and building crop. These crops wouldwith 110% to 120% productiongetting 160 pounds of gain at a be combined with some type ofbased on a fall count of ewes. cost of 12c per pound, the oper- livestock on a diversified farm. A Lambs sold to average $18ator should sell 200 pounds for 17c minimum investment of $12,000 toper head, and ewes to yield $5per pound. At this rate, it would $15,000 for machinery is requiredworth of wool per head,. take an operation involving 1,050 for this operation. 8 to 12 acres of range andfeeders to establish an economic hay ground per ewe. unit. Cattle Ranch Economic unit Combine farrowing and feed- Assumptions used to figure an 1,500 to 1,800 ewes, with aing program - With 50 sows pro- economic unit: grossincomeofapproximatelyducing 800 pigs per year, the oper- 1, This is a range cow-calf op- $40,000. This unit would requireator could feed these out, and us- eration based on a 90% calf crop.a minimum investment of $15,000ing the above-cost-price figures he Replacement heifers will be raised.in machinery and equipment. Ex-should expect $6,400 as a combined Calves sold will average $95penses are approximately 70% tolabor income and return on the in- to $100 per head. Dry cows sold75% of gross income (does not in-vestment. will average $150 per head. clude operator's labor). Of these three programs, the Land values, including hay Conclusions combined farrowfng and feeding land, will range from $10 to $20 Higherproduction,h i g h e rprogram is the soundest. Exper- per acre. Each cow will requireprices, or a subsidy necessary toience is a must to anyone going from 20 to 30 acres for range andearn 6% on investment. into the hog business on a full time hay land. 2. Side line operations of farmbasis. He should either have the Economic unit flocks have proved profitable. experience or work gradually into 500 cow herd(1%lossin an economic unit getting experi- cows). This unit should gross be- Dairy Farms ence en route. tween $45,000 and $48,000. Mini- Assumptions used in determin- mum investment will be from $145ing an economic unit: Tree Fruit Farm to $160 for each cow, 22 bulls at Selling price of milk is $2.70 Due to almost complete winter $400 each, and approximately $15,-cwt., cull cows $100 per head, andkill in 1955, orchards are now be- 000 for machinery and equipment.calves $10 per head. Replacementing replanted and will not be in Expenses are 60 percent of grossheifers will be raised. commercial production for 4 or 5 income. Land is valued at $400 peryears. The committee recommends: Conclusions acre. An economic orchard unit to A price of 25c a pound or An all-pasture program isprovide full time employment, a $120 per head for calves sold isused, and all grain, concentrates,reasonable return to management, needed to return 6% on invest-and hay used will be purchased. and a reasonable return on invest- ment. Economic unit ment. It should consist of at least At present, it is difficult to 50 milking cow herd. 40 acres20 acres of producing fruit or- invest money in a Umatilla Coun-of land in pasture. Gross incomechard. This acreage should be di-
II versified into different types of Equipment and housing cost Turkey Meat Production fruit, consisting of at least fourof approximately $30,000. Assumptions: different crops, early prunes, late Working capital of $12,500. Priceassumptions - 27c prunes, cherries, and apples,in Total investment of$60,- per lb. for toms and 30c per lb. equal size blocks. 000. for hens (live weight). Toms 22- Equipment used in fruit pro-Conclusions 24 lbs. Hens 13-15 lbs. duction does not vary with types Operators feel that they need Cost of production - 25c of tree fruits grown. The reasonabout 3c per lb. margin to raiseper lb. therefore for varying the types ofbroilers. Economic unit fruit grown is to level out the pro- Broilercontractsaverage Two separate 5,000 - 7,500 ducer's income so that it will beapproximately 2c per lb. spread. bird broods. 80 acres of land. fairly constant every year. This must be a commercial Equipment and housing in- At present, vegetables raisedoperation. vestment of $20,000. commercially are interplantedin Total investment of $60,000. young orchards, and the present Egg Production Conclusions acreage will be reduced materially Assumptions used in determin- 1. Growers goal of returning when these orchards comeintoing an economic unit: $1.00 per bird to management and production. Production of 220-240 eggsinvestment. Broiler Production per layer, of AA grade. Turkey Egg Production The following assumptions are Producer will brood his own Assumptions: used in figuring an economic unitchicks. Price of eggs remains at 25c for broilers: Economic unit each. Sellingpriceof22cper 4,000layers minimum at Cost of producing an egg pound, and 19c per pound cost ofpresent. In the future it will re-remains at 20c per egg. production. quire 5,000 birds. Each layer will produce 70 Operating on a 4 cycle pro- Investment of $4.50 per birdeggs per pear. gram of operation (complete turn-for housing and equipment. Economic unit over 4 times a year). $12,500 to $15,000 operat- Turkey egg productionisa Economic unit ing capital. profitable operation in connection 1. 20,000 birds or total of 80,- Return of $1.50 per bird towith a turkeyproducingenter- 000 birds per year. management and investment. prise. ad4 aad 7#a, e4eeoøe SJc,møctee With truck transportation play-in the economic development ofthe State Highway Commission, ing such an important role in thethe county. be improved immediately. transportation picture, a highway Nearlyallagriculturalpro- That theStateHighway ducts, either directly or indirect-Commission rebuild the Tollgate network within the county helpsly, are exported in the raw or pro-highway for approximately five determine future agricultural andcessed forms. The major part ofmiles from the end of the present industrial development.Highwaythe industrial productsusedinnew construction. planning without careful consider-the county are now imported. As That Highway 395 be devel- ation of all factors may hinder eco-industry and further processing ofoped between Pilot Rock and John nomic development more than aidagricultural products grow within it. Without due consideration forthe county, the need for transpor-Day. each highway involved in the high-tation will increase. That the Oregon State High- way network, a county may become way Commission accept the Inter- subservient to another county orRecommendations state Highway, asproposedat area in its economic growth. The That the new State High-present, to be built via Ellensburg, improvement and development ofway 11, as surveyed, from AdamsWashington, across the Umatilla t h r o u g h Milton-Freewater, beBridge to tie in with Highway 30. major thoroughfares aswellasbuilt. county roads must be taken into That Highway 395 be im- That work be continued on consideration.Otherformsofproved from Pendletonto Coldthe John Day Dam to allow deep transportation are either directlySprings Landing to handle presentdraft navigation to inland points. or indirectly dependent upon theday traffic. That the Port Commission road network. That the Helix highway, be-be urged to build general cargo The county has a main lineginning at Highway 11, be made adocks at the Port of Umatilla. railroad that seems to be adesecondary highway to the state That the railroadsadjust quate to serve its needs. Railroadline and be improved to handle thetheir rates to help pea processors their facilities can be developed if thepresent day traffic. (The commit-- in Umatilla County place need arises. tee was not unanimous on thisproducts on Eastern markets in a River transportation is becom-recommendation). competitive position. ing important. Its development is ThattheMissionNorth- That air transportation be dependent upon the highway net-South road, from Highway 30 toencouraged and developed as need- work, and it will play a large partHighway 11, recently acquired byed.
12 7aaeeca,t S4eeimmeetee
Umatilla County real and per sonal property taxes for the past four years are as follows: Tax Year Amount 1954-55 $ 941,227.00 1955-56 976,940.00 1956-57 1,014,797.06 1957-58 1,054,924.88 This does not include the 6% limitation.
74e'Te 7e 1'957-5t laz Asét4 3dØe4 oøt
Improvements Land Outside Cities Outside Cities 00- /0 8.8%
Livestock & Farm Mach. Aol/0
Land Inside Cities L0l /0
Public Utilities I4.7% Improvements Inside Cities 21 .2% ?'ee 7e t'957-St 7a o1(a i4 4ftew Personal Property 9.2%
Hospital Dsfricts 0.46% Port Dstric+ 0.65% Cemetery Districts 0.34% Park District 0.12% Fire Districts 0.32% A.C.C. Districts 0.05%
13 T h ecommittee recommends Committee recommendationstaxes in direct relation to assessed that the following studies be made:for future action: valuation. That a study be made of the At least forty percent of all Oregon'spersonalincome personal property tax in relationeligible voters must vote in anytax should be brought into line to a substitution of a net businessfiscal election and any election towith the federal income tax laws tax. createa new taxdistrict,orin relation to capital gains. That a study be made of thethe election will be declared in- We recommend that a por- present Basic School Support Fund valid. formula, in determining a more If and when the county un-tion of the corporate excise tax equitable base than assessed val-dertakes its reappraisal program,collected from utilities be returned uationfordistribution,which the contract with the State shouldto the counties to offset the loss should include costofbuilding,provide for maximum local partici- in property taxes resulting from operating costs, 0 & C timber re-pation by farm committees in allthe state equalization program. ceipts, forest receipts, and otherrural appraisal. We oppose a homestead ex- sources of revenue, including fed- The State of Oregon shouldemption for any group or for any eral aid. adopt a severance tax on timberamount other than those in exist- That a special county com-and minerals. ence, and furthermore, mittee be appointed to make a We recommend the adoption We recommend that a thor- study of both federal and state in-of a general retail sales tax withough study be made of all exemp- heritance taxes as they affect ag-at least half of the income there-- tions from federal, state, and local riculture. from to be used to reduce propertytaxes. edeita1 ,4zeeieea'ia1 4m4 See6coøtmeeeee
Program for Wheat nation-wide, of pastry-type flours.what in the last two or three years, New and better pastry-typerains in the drouth area could eas- For the purpose of marketing,wheats. An example is the smut-ily reverse this trend in 1958. Umatilla County wheat cannot beresistant Omar. There was a record carry- separated from Pacific Northwest Public law 480 has aided inover of feed grains in 1957. This wheat, of which Umatilla Countythe export program of wheat. has been building up for the last furnishes about 7%. three or four years. Present con- Oregon Crop and Livestock Re- Unfavorable conditions 1. Thenationisproducingtrols have apparently not been suf- porting Service reports the supplynearly one billionbushel wheatficiently effective on overall pro- and distribution of Pacific North-crops with a 55 million acre allot-duction. west wheat for thepastthreement. U. S. wheat acreages have The 15 acreprovisionof years: been as high as 78 million acres.present law has increased heavy NORTHWEST (Oregon-Washington- North Idaho) production of wheat outside wheat (Figures in Million Bushels) areas (corn belt, eastern states, 1954-55 1955-56 1956-57 1957-58 and irrigated areas).Extremely Item Season Season Season Season* high average yields have been ob- Total Production 109.7 88.2 95.0 105.4 tained on this acreage. This acre- Carryover July 1 79.8 131.3 135.0 55.5 age, plus the farmers disregarding Inshipments 29.2 30.9 61.1 Total Supply 218.7 250.3 291.1 allotments, is estimated to produce Outshipments, Water 45.8 63.5 196.1 100 to 150 million bushels of wheat Outshipments, Rail 3.5 2.9 1.8 under the present program. Flour 36.4 36.2 36.3 Feed 5.6 5.0 4.5 PacificCoast is the only Seed - 3.8 4.4 3.6 area where the loan price is gen- Accountable Use 95.1 111.9 242.8 erally exceeded by market price. Preliminary Estimates Some areas are 15 to 20 cents be- Production Public Law 480 is a temporarylow the loan price. This is due to Umatilla County wheat produc- program and may be discontinuedthe heavy export demand for white tion for the past three years was:by Congressional action.Ifthiswheat under the Public Law 480 Year Acres Production in bushels program is discontinued, wheat im-program. 1955 -- 201,000 4,039,952 porting counties will have to obtain Although the wheat surplus in
1956 200,000 5,110,635 dollars or have commodities withthe Pacific Northwest is being re-- 1957 200,000 6,340,079 which to barter for wheat fromduced to normal carryover, the sur- With acreage remaining con-the United States. plus nationally is remaining about stant,productionhas increased Present wheatprogram the same. Therefore, wheat grow- 50%. This increase was due to fer- Support price for 1958 wheaters have the following alternatives: tilizer and weather. is $1.82 perbushel,nationally, Take more acres out of pro- Favorable marketing conditions compared to $2.00 per bushel na-duction or control bushels market- Oregon Wheat League hastionally in 1956-57, which woulded. developed good export markets forbe about $1.65 per bushel in the Maintain wheat exports with Pacific Northwest white wheat inwarehouse in Umatilla County. a program similar to Public Law South Asia. Althoughthesurplusof 480. Trend toward increased use,wheat has been declining some- Increaseandmaintaina '4 good wheat export market by help-to. Any wheat over and above hisused or sold as grain on the free ing to develop industryinthebushelageallotment m u s tbemarket, or stored. United States to use raw materialsstored, fed on the farm, sold to \/ DomesticParityPlan as produced in wheat importing coun-feeders or other farmers directlyPassed by the 1956 Session of tries so these countries would haveat a feed price. It may not be sold Congress. This program is well un- dollars to buy wheat. through commercial channels. derstood by all growers and was 4. A supportprogramthat The Domestic Parity programnot discussed in detail. would price wheat according to itscould be used with acreage controls V Conservation Reserve of the end use. In this manner, wheatas well as bushelage controls. Soil Bank Program. This program could be fed aid used by industry. Wheat to be marketed un-should be strengthened. The new Progriis being considered der bushelage allotment would beconcept of putting it on a bid basis V Domestic Parity Plan withsold or put under loan at 65% ofshould be explored. It could be Bushelage Controls. This programparity. Approximately 55% of theused as a separate program or in would havebushelagecontrols.wheat under bushelage allotmentconjunction with other programs. Bushels allotted each farmer to beor that used for domestic consump- V Industrial Uses of Surplus marketed t h r o u g h commercialtion would have a parity certifi-Wheat. Research on the industrial channels would be based on hiscate issued for it. This would mean present acreage allotment and his- use of wheat and feedgrains torical yield on his farm. Farmersa farmer would actuallyreceiveshould be increased to make in- without any allotments would not100% of parity for 55% of hisdustrialuseseconomicallyfeas- be allowed to market any wheatbushelage allotment and at leastible. through commercial channels. This65% of parity for 45% of his This committee feels that these would eliminate much of the pro-bushelage allotment. programs as outlined are worthy of duction in nonwheat states. Wheat grown abovet h econsideration and recommends that Under this program, the farm-bushelage allotment would not bea more detailed study be made of er may raise all the wheat he wantspenalized,cJ but would have to beeach program.
15 Icuid4e'ommeetee eftote
Committee Members Richard Hampton, Pendleton- Chairman Victor W. Johnson, Pendleton- - Secretary Sub-Committee - Soil Conservation Ronald Hoeft Pilot RockClyde J. Stimson Warm Springs Ed Hoeft, Pilot Rock Chairman Ralph Hutchison Pilot Rock George B. Woodward- - - Pendleton LeRoy Warner, Pendleton Secretary Sheldon Lieuallen Adams Ray Warren - - Pendleton Layton Mann Cayuse Norton Taylor Milton-Freewater George J. Barth Pendleton Edgar F. Bauman Mervin R. Meiners- - Middle Cold Springs Melvin Wakefield Pendleton PendletonHenry Lazinka Ukiah Ellis J. Wyland McKay Creek James B'eamer Weston Don Coe Milton-Freewater Henry Kopacz Hermiston Lester Murray Sub-Committee - Forestry John Dennison - Pendleton Echo Randolph Dorrari- Helix John Kucera - PendletonArt Shumway, Milton Freewater, Chairman R. A. Fletcher Ukiah James Nelson Pilot Rock Earl E. Brown, Milton-Freewater Jack Correa Echo Joe C. Norton Stanfield Secretary Bill Etter Pilot Rock Merrill Oveson - Pendleton Charles Rector Pendleton Herman Bierman Hermiston Louis Parton Hermiston John Kucera Pendleton Paul Froese Athena Charles Rector Pendleton Louis Umbarger Mission Charles Herrick - - - -Stanfield Ronald Rew - Pendleton Al Moltke Pilot Rock R. L. Herndon Milton-Freewater Ralph Saylor- - Echo William Coppock Adams
The proper use of land is vitaluniversally adopted to the benefit to all. Present users of ourof all. Dry-Farmed Land soil resources are merely transitory There are 572,000 acres of dry custodians. We have a responsi- Irrigated Lands farmed land in the county. bility to generations that follow There are 87,902 acres of ir- Tillage and related practices rigated land in the county. Stubble mulch is an increas- to leave our soil better than when Twenty-seven percent of theing practice in the summer-fal- we took it over. irrigated land has been improvedlow area. No new equipment, such There has been progress in theby better water application andas drills and plows, should be pur- last decade towards more stubbleland leveling in recent years. chased without considering its use mulch farmingi n the light-soil The nexttenyearsshouldon stubble mulch land. areas and more cloddy farming inshow a similar improvement. Farm across the slope to help the heavier rainfall sections, but stop water erosion. soil erosion is still a major prob- Soil Conservation Stubble mulch is the number lem. Soil conservation is best de-one practice for erosion control. Ten percent ofthedrylandfined as "The practical and profit-Strip cropping may be necessary crop acres in the county are nowable use of the land and otheron some fields, and where used, farmed in a trashy fallow or clod-natural resources without waste."some type of subsoiling may be dy seed bed manner. Farmers us- Protectingthesoilagainstnecessary on the stubble strips to ing these methods are saving soilwind and water erosion and mak-get water into the soil. and getting better yields.Thising a living at the same time is Investigate broad based ter- progress has resulted from a com-not easy and would not be prac-races and diversion ditches. Build bination of factors including: re-tical without a great many re-only under the supervision of a sults from tillage and fertilizercent advances in technology. Thecompetent engineer and plan out- research, farmers' know-how, newSoil Conservation Committee o flets to prevent damage to roads machinery,fertilizers and weedthe 1947 Conference had a markedand other farm land. Seed adapt- sprays, and educational work. influence on the development ofed grasses in terrace and diver- Some farmers have been re-- practical soil conservation withinsion release areas. Seeding grain luctant to adopt the trashy fal-the past 10 years. early in the faIl (August or Sep- low program because of: yield re- 1,250,000 acres (67 percent) oftember) in swales has proved ef- duction, lack of proper machinery,the total acreage of the Countyfective and is more convenient and the weed problem. is now in Soil Conservation Dis-than grass waterways o n some Recently these objections havetricts and another 115,000 acresfarms. been overcome and now a farmeris in the process of annexation. Small diversionditches may loses money if he does not stub- ble mulch. District Acreage South Umatilla Soil Conservation District 1,034,240 In the next ten years your West Umatilla Soil Conservation District 214,502 committee believes this practice Heppner Soil Conservation District 77,500* and that of cloddy seed beds in Area being added to the West Umatila District - - 115,000 *The southwest corner of TJmatilla County Is included in the Heppner Soil Con- the heavier rainfall areas will be servation District.
16 fill up with snow and cause break-County A.S.C. Practice F-2-5 can Seed grass on all logging road- throughs and serious erosion dur- assist in financing. ways and skidways to protect the ing a rapid thaw. Use larger ditch- Adapted trees and shrubs insoil against erosion, keep out nox- es only. If small ditches are onwell planned wind breaks is rec-ious weeds, and furnish grazing. the place, make furrows in theommended. Seeding should generally be in the snow for water to follow. Crop residuesa n dstrawfall of the year prior to the first Rough tillageisan excellentmulches on blow areas help tosnowfall and late enough so that conservation practice in preparingprotect spring seedings. Keep thegermination will not occur until pea land for wheat. Where sub-soil surface as cloddy, rough, andspring. Logging operators should surf acetillageimplementsaretrashy as practicable. shareintheresponsibilityfor used for this purpose, they should Drainage seeding these areas. beofsufficientweightand Gooddrainagesystemsare Natural grass meadows should strength to penetrate to an evenneeded for reclamation of alkalinebe protected to prevent logging depth. and saline areas. Fifteen thousandequipment from tearing up exist-- Maintaining soil organic matter acres need drainage in the west- ing grass. Logging should be done Use all crop residues.If aern part of the county and Milton- at recommended times to keep large amount of straw is presentFreewater areas. Subsoiling maydamage to soil and vegetation to a use nitrogen fertilizer at plowingbe helpful in breaking up subsur-minimum. time, or during the summer fal- face hardpan layers. Spray sagebrush and other un- low period, to help break down Irrigation desirable range plants. the straw. Straw without nitrogen Leveling reduces water wast- The Committee Recommends: may reduce yields. age, leaching of fertilizer, and crop That stubble mulch be rec- Use peas as a green manuredamage. Length of run should beognized as the basic conservation crop in the higher rainfall areas.adjusted to the soil type, texture,practice for the county as a whole, Commercial dry peas should b eslope, and depth.Ten thousandwith other practices used where compared with Austrian peas toacres have been leveled in the pastnecessary. Cost of equipment has determine the value of each as aten years. Another 18,300 acresbeen the major limiting factor in green manure crop. could benefit from leveling. stubble mulch farming Profile soil samples help to de- Large areas have received lit- Pea vines spread back on thetermine when to irrigate and thetle benefit from the present Pilot land are an excellent source ofamount of water to apply. EachFarms and, therefore, the com- organic matter but may create aoperator should study the irriga-mittee recommends the consolida- weed problem. Feed the vines-andtion characteristics of his soil, be-tion of some of the work and the let the manure age or rot. cause each soil varies in waterestablishment of new Pilot Farms Annual cropping is best adapt-holding capacity. in the South Reservation, Pilot ed to the higher rainfall areas. New sprinkler irrigation unitsRock, and West Pendleton area in Summer fallowreducesorganic the vicinity of Rew Elevator. matter and leads to erosion. Go toshould be engineered to fit spe- annual cropping as soon as fed-cific soil and crop conditions. An A.S.C.paymentfor eral programs allow on all suit-Organic matter trashy fallow and rough tillage able lands. Weed control is more Organic matter is important onpractices. of a problem but chemicals areirrigated land. Save all crop resi- That farm lands not now in rapidly taking care of weeds. dues, manures and in some cases,a soil conservation district might Controlling wind erosion use green manure. Some organicwell be included. matter recommendations: That meetings and tours be Control sand blows wherever Seed cover crops in the fallconducted for farmers not now in formed. Here are several meth-on all land growing annual crops.soil conservation districts so that ods: Use alfalfa in short rota-they may have a good understand- Cover the blow area withtions a s a green manure crop.ing of the work of the districts. straw or manure and work it in.Plow under first or third cutting, Seed down to grass as soon asdepending upon rotation. That the Umatilla Branch possible. It may be necessary to Use all available crop resi-Experiment Station conduct irriga- seed grain first because it growsdues including pea and bean vinestion research work (a) to establish faster. improved irrigation methods and to in the areas close to processingincrease the efficiency of irriga- These plantings can serveplants. - as wild life cover. Plant to wind Use alfalfa and pasture intion water and (b)to establish breaks of trees or shrubs. allrotationsthatincluderowthe most efficient Use of commer- If area is large seed downcrops. cial fertilizer. to grass and alfalfa and put in That no additional land be theConservationReservePro- Foresf and Grazng Land brought under the present irriga- gram. Stream flow is directly affect-tionsystems,unlessadditional ed by the land cover, whether for-storage is provided. Irrigafed Land est, grass or cultivated crops. That a flood control and ir- Wind erosion Lumber, livestock, irrigation,in- rigation darn be constructed near Sand blows in or adjacent todustrial, and recreation interestsMission as early as possible. irrigated land should be controlledshould all work together for prop- That the headwaters of East to protect farm land and irriga-er management of the upper wa-and West Birch Creek watershed tiondistributionsystems.Thetershed. be studied for combination irriga-
17 tion, municipal, and flood control FOREST DATA FOR UMATILLA COUNTY development. That the Tutuilla watershed Amount be studied and appropriate action Ownership of Commercial Forest Land, 1945 * taken for erosion and flood con- Private 217,000 acres trol. National forest 310,000 acres The establishmentofa Bureau of Land Management 4,000 acres demonstration area to show the Other Public t 21,000 acres effectiveness of flooding meadows at higher elevations through co- Total 552,000 acres operationoffederal andstate Total land area in county, 1954 § 2,067,840acres agencies with private individuals. Such a project would slow run- Ownership of sawtimier volume, 1945 * off from the high meadows and Private 898 mil b.f. provide later and more abundant National forest 2,087 mil. b.f. forage. Bureau of Land Management 21 mil. b.f. That all Federal, State, and Other public 124 mil. b.f. private agencies and organizations Total 3,130 mu. b.f. have a free exchange of knowledge and ideas. The present good work- County share of National Forest receipts ing relationship should be kept. Fiscal year 1956 - - $38,081 Fiscal Year 1957 $50,628 Forestry Value of farm forest products sold, 1954 § $245,158 Forested lands are a major as- *From Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, 11.8. Forest Service, Portland, Oregon. Timber volume is in trees 11 inches in diameter, breast height, and larger, 5cribner set. They produce timber, grazing, log scale. water, hunting, and other recrea- tlncludes State, County, Municipal and Indian Ownerships. tion. §From U.S. Census of Agriculture, 1954. According to the State Unem- IFrom Regional Forester, U.S. Forest Service, Portland, Oregon. ployment Commission, payrolls in Oregon forest industries in 1955,of pulp timber from two stationsland should be carried out wher- totaled $24,243,485.Farmers inin the county was started in 1956.ever practicable. the county in the last census yearA pulp and container factory is We recommend that less valu- received$245,158fromforestunderconstructionatAttalia,able, marginal land be planted to products. Washington, and this county willforest trees and placed in the Con- Twenty-five percent of all ofsupply much of the raw products.servation Reserve. The Soil Bank the land in the county is covered Problems and recommendations practice has not been giving rec- with forests. The future demand Studies show that an averageognition to the lower productivity for timber should be stronger thanpine stand will grow 100 to 150of land adjacent to new wind- for any other product of the land. breaks and tree plantings.The board feet per acre yearly. Bet-committee, therefore, recommends
FACTS ABOUT TIMBER ECONOMY OF UMATILLA COUNTY that strips adjacent to these plant-- (Information from Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Expeiment Station.U.S.Forest ings be considered for payment, Service, and other sources.) due to the reduced yields adjacent Item Year Amount to trees. Extension forester Volume of live sawtimber, million board feetf 1945 3,130 Log production, million board feet 1940 27 Many individualshavesold 1950 54 timber, not realizing their obliga- 1955 79 tions to good forest management Lumber production, miffion board feet 1948 56 practices and law pertaining to Numbers of sawmills (estimated) 1957 22 slash disposal, and often not re- Employment in all covered industries (Av. Mo. 1955) *6,376 alizing the true value of their tim- Employment in forest products industries (Av. Mo. 1955) *1,410 ber. Payrolls in all covered industries 1955* $24,243,485 Timber owners need assistance Payrolls in forest industries 1955* $ 5,799,316 innegotiationofloggingcon- tIn trees 11 inches in diameter, breast height, and larger, Scribner rule. tracts, management of cutting and *Covered industries are those submitting returns to Oregon State Unemployment Compensation proper land use after logging. Commission. Recent legislation requires that a representative of the State For- In 1953 payrolls from forestter stocked stands will grow twiceester'soffice must inspect the products industries were $2,945,-that. Annual return on a stump-timber and area prior to the issu- 000. Two years later these pay-age basis without paying laborance of an agricultural timber har- rolls jumped to a high of $5,799,-will return a forest owner an av-vesting permit to see if the land 316. More sawmills and a modernerage of $2.50 per acre per year.meets minimum requirements set fiberboard plant, at Pilot Rock,This is income from growth onlyup in the Oregon Forest Conserva- were responsible for doubling theand larger returns can be expect-tion Act of 1957. Adequate person- payroll. ed if prices rise for forest prod-nel to do this job is not avail- The harvesting and shippingucts. Reforestation of logged overable.
18 Pruning and thinniig.practicesal forest timber would be possible We recommend that the state should be studied and demonstra- with less pressure on private own-legislatureenact laws requiring tion plots made to encourage thisers. that anyone engaged in the cut- practice. Appropriations made by theting of forest products be requir- We recommend that an Exten-federal government for additionaled to enter into a plan with the sion farm forester be employed toforest access roads in Oregon areState Forestry Department a n d work with the State Forestry De-mostly for western Oregon. post a bond to the State of Ore- partment in the Blue Mountain We recommend that more for-gon for the management and re-- area to service farm forest owners.est access road funds be madeduction of fire hazards. available for the Umatilla Nation- We recommendt h a tt h e Information for forest landowners al Forest. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. We recommend that the Ex- Forest land taxes Forest Service and State Experi- tension Service obtain a mailing Tax policies under the ad va-ment Stations work cooperatively list of all forest owners and thatlorem tax method tend to encour-in research on controlled burning. annual mailings be made of up-to-age landownerstoclearcutThinning and pruning datesampleloggingcontracts,stands of timber, whether mature Pruning and thinning forest regulations governing c u t t I n gor not. This tax policy alsO dis-trees is a good practice but is a practices, responsibilities for slashcourages tree farms and farm re-long term investment not being disposal, land use following log-forestation. applied within the county. ging and up-to-date forest man- We recommend that a new tax- We recommendthatforest agement practices. ing method be devised to encour-ownersbeencouragedthrough Access road age rather than discourage treedemonstrational plots and training With the increase of saw millsfarms and good forest manage-meetings to practice pruning and in the county greater pressure hasment. thinning. This is a recommended been placed on the private timberSlash disposal ACP practice and it should be con- owners to sell. Much of the tim- Slash disposal is a major prob- tinued and used. ber is cut before itis mature.lem. It has been impossible to en- Porcupines Large acreages have been clear-force good slash disposal practices Porcupines are a menace to the cut. that will lessen the fire hazard,forests and especially to young With the present access roadsencourage rapid re-seeding, and in-trees. These animals are not pro- in our national forests it is im-crease the amount of forage fortected by law. They do cause seri- possible to meet the yearly allow- game and livestock. ous damage to our forest trees. able cut. Large additional amounts More researchisneeded onWe recommend that publicity be of timber would be availableifcontrolled burning of forest landgiven about the forest damage and access roads were made. to prevent thickets and undesir-that porcupine killing be encour- Thus, more cutting of nation-able trees.cJ aged.
19 ?Oaee e4oace4 edstmeeaee efto1
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Gaylord Madison, Echo, Chairman Herman E. Bierman, Hermiston, Secretary
Sub-Committee: Milton-Freewater area P. S. Gibbons, Jr., Milton-Freewater, Chairman Earl E. Brown, Milton-Freewater, Secretary
Marvin Shearer, Corvallis Joe Hilsenkopi, Stanfield J. C. Hoskins, Pilot Rock Tom Davidson, Hermistcjn Leo F. Clark, Stanfield Bud Seibel, Stanfield Frank N. Mueller, Hermiston Ben Dreyer, Stanfieid Emmett Meyers, Hermiston Byron Rentfro, Hermiston Joe Ramos, Echo Clausie Ammon, Echo E. Ebsen, Stanfield Emil Zivney, Stanfield Quentin Bowman, Salem Dr. M. J. Belton, Pendleton N. D. Bard, Stanfield Charles Herrick, Stanfield Milton-Freewater Area Committee Members J. L. Richartz, Milton-Freewater Robert Millar, Milton-Freewater Harold Stiller, Milton-Freewater Fred S. Groth, Milton-Freewater Andy Millar, Milton-Freewáter Bill Bade, Milton-Freewater John Brinker, Milton-Freewater Lawrence McBride, Milton-Freewater Ray Richardson, Milton-Freewater Archie Harris, Touchet, Washington Howard Murray, Milton-Freewater Tom Fehrenbacher, Milton-Freewater Clarence Waliser, Milttn-Freewater Walt Miller, Milton-Freewater Ray Huffman, Milton-Freewater Carl Mason, Milton-Freewater
Umatilla County has an abun- The underground supply in the Recomrnendaf ions dant water resource poten-Milton-Freewaterareahasap- tial, only partially developed andproached a critical point because V Establish permanent water Used. of expanded use of wells for irri-resources committee: The State Two reservoirsstorewintergation and industrial use. Water Resources Board, establish- flOod water for summer use to ir- There is interest in reclaiminged by the legislature, was given rigate 24,860 acres ofsemiaridsome 50,000acresof semiaridbroad powers over the use of un- lands in the Westend area. Theland, Classes 1, 2, and 3, in theappropriated waters. It is charged Cold Springs Reservoir near Her-Westend area to be irrigated withwith the responsibility for develop- miston holds 50,000 acre feet andwater from the undeveloped poten-ing programs designed to "encour- the McKay Reservoir near Pendle-tial. age, promote, and secure the max- ton 74,000 acre feet.The Cold Irrigatedacreage:Accordingimum beneficial use and control" Springs Reservoir sujplies the Her-to the Oregon State Engineer's of-of water resources in the state. mistonIrrigationDistrict.Thefice, adjudicated water rights and Phases of water use specified McKay Reservoir storage is con-permits total 87,902 acres. Totalin the law are: Domestic, Live- tracted by the Bureau of Reclama-invested,inchoateandpermitstock, Municipal, Mining, Power, tion to supply: Stanfield Irriga-rights are estimatedat139,500Recreation, Wildlife, Fishlife, and tion District 30% (5% additionalacres. There are 18,500 acres un-Pollution abatement together with requested),WestlandIrrigationder sprinkler irrigation, with waterrelated subjects including Drain- District 30% (10% additional re-suppliedprincipallyfrom deepage, Reclamation, Flood Control, quested). It is reported that 15,-wells. and Watershed Management. 000 acre feet have been requested Theefficiencyofirrigation We recommend establishment by the Teel Irigation District. Awater in the Westend area is con-of a permanent County Water Re- proposed Water Users Associationsidered abnormally low. The Stan-sources Committee to work coop- composed of farmersalong thefield Irrigation District delivers 7eratively with the State Water Re- Umatilla River in the Echo areaacre feet, the Hermiston 9 acresources Board and other agencies. is developing a firm contract withfeet and the Westland 11 acre feet V Solve the underground wa- theBureau of Reclamation forof water per acre. There are 18,-ter problem in the Milton-Freewa- McKay storage. 000 acres underfullirrieationter area: Major streams of the Umatillarights in thesethreedistricts. Recommend that the Walla River and the Walla Walla basinsSome water rights are not satis-Walla River bed be chiseled and discharge an annual average 637,- fied. ripped up each year from a point 000 acre feet. Only 40% of this one-half mile below the Nursery water is now used. The McNary Dam pooi on thebridge to a point just above the Industrial development and pop-Columbia River will provide ancity of Milton-Freewater. This will ulation growth in tJmatilla Coun-abundant source of water for irri-permit filtration to the water table. ty will require additional water. gation and industrial development. Recommend that all possible
20 existing gravel pits and abandonedacre feet. Birch Creek discharges VCompliance with Ground Wa- wells be fed using surplus water32,430 acre feet annually. ter Act of 1955: This law governs in the winter and early spring to 3. We recommend that full de-the development and use of all raise the water table of shallowvelopment of theUmatillaandground water except under limit- wells. Walla Walla watersheds be facil- ed volume use. Any person plan- Recommend that the U.S.itated by the construction of smallning to drill a well should contact Geological Survey and/or the Statereservoirs, under Public Law 566,the State Engineer to comply with Engineer's office study the under-forindustrialandagriculturalrequirements of this act. The fil- ground water supply and determineneeds. ing of well logs is required. whether there is water for addi- \/ Develop Water Conservation V Develop more Efficient Use tional wells. practices on the Watersheds: of Irrigation Water: Recommend that farmers in 1. We recommend that Water Water Use: It is apparent the area with wells check the staticConservation practices be employ-that there is low efficiency of wa- water levels in these wells weeklyed on watersheds to insure a moreter usage on irrigated lands. We and that the U. S. G. S. be askedcontrolled stream flow. Subsoiling on the contour of the summer fal-recommend that research work he to aid and to furnish measuringlow land in the watershed areasconducted by the Umatilla Branch devices. has been beneficial in preventingExperiment Station at Hermiston V Underground Westend Wa-damaging run off.This systemto develop improved practices. ter Resources: There is a definitebreaks the plow sole, getting deep- Flood Irrigation Efficiency: need for determination of grounder penetration and infiltration toIt is recommend that farmers who water resources in the Westend. springs and creeks. floodirrigateshouldorganize V Develop water resource po- 2. We recommend that loggingtheir distribution system for effi- tential: and grazing on federal and privatecient handling of water.Proper That a reservoirbecon- land be studied to determine itsland leveling gives efficient irri- structed on the upper regions ofeffect on stream flow. Forests aregation and greater yields. the Umatilla River to make 138,-rapidly getting to be more impor- Drainage: There are areas
000 acre feet of flood water avail-tant for water delivery than forin the irrigated sections that re-- able for existing projects and forlumber. quire drainage to promote recla- use on a potential 25,00Q acres in V Inventory Potential Watermation of "water-logged" land. We the Westend. Urban developmentUse: We recommend that the proj-recommend that a drainage sys- may need additional water for in-ected Umatilla Water Resourcestem be planned in the initial phase dustrialgrowth.ThisreservoirCommittee establish an inventoryof any new irrigation district de- would also serve for flood control.of all water resources available andvelopment. The annual average flood damagecheck against present use, value, SprinklerIrrigation: W e caused by the Umatilla River to-and demand for additional develop-- recommend sprinkler irrigation for tals $325,000. ment. those lands not suited to flood ir- We recommend that the Bu- V Establish a Centralized Wa-rigation, where leveling and dis- reau of Reclamation explore theter Resource information Library:tribution systems would betoo full benefits to be derived from theWe recommend thatthethree costly,or where theoperators diversion of Birch Creek winterCounty Extension offices develop and maintain a complete library onhave a limited water supply from flood water into the McKay Reser-Water Resource information per- wells. voir. McKay Creek usually fails totaining to the county supply, fore- Sprinkler systems shouldbe fill McKay Reservoir by11,000 casts, development,cJ and use. well engineered for best results.
21 eoft4 eommeeeee eftoie
COMMITTEE MEMBERS R. L. Harris, South Cld Springs, Chairman Victor W. Johnson, Pendleton, Secretary Dryland Crops Subcommittee: Tom Vaughan, Jr., Pendleton, Chairman Richard Egg, Helix Roy Temple, West Pendleton Merrill Oveson, Pendleton Experiment Merton Winn, Helix Bill Purchase, Reservation Station Robert Brogoitti, Helix John Stone, South Reservation Charles Hoeft, Pilot Rock Roy Hobby, Reservation Charles Rohde, Pendleton Experiment James Whittaker, Pilot Rock Guy Moore, Athena Station Art Lindberg, North Pendleton Robert Hawkins, Pendleton Glen Thorne, Hoidman Robert Fletcher, Ukiah Lauren Beutler, Pendleton Experiment Ronald Rew, West Pendleton Bob Cresswell, Pendleton Station Irrigated Field Crops, Sub-Committee Emil Zivney, Stanfield, Chairman Co-Chairmen - Ray Huffman, Milton- Freewater;StanleyGreen,Stanfield; Jerry Cooper, Stanfield; Don Mills, Stan- field; Pete Scymanski, Hermiston Secretary, Marr Waddoups, Milton-Free- water & Herman Bierman, Hermiston ECHO Joe Myers STANFIELD Oscar McCarty Dee Wallace David Raalds Fred Andrews Howard Murray Leonard Stevens Harland Crawford John Richartz Joe Cooper Harry Andrews Glenn Seeley Ralph Saylor HERMISTON Loy Gossler Joe Ramos Louis Parton Ted Peterson Clausie Ammon Ron Baker Tilford Stillings Glen Cochran Ralph Richards, Jr. Glenn Hastings Elmer Pieper Jim Kendall MILTON-FREE WATER Tom Davidson Joe Norton Marvin Key Elroy McDole Al Seibel Dean Beauchamp Harold Rankin Charles Herrick John Mills Erwin Kessler N. R Mueller Tom Fehrenbacher Frank Mueller Misc. Cecil Stanton Eddie Bensel Harvey Kaiser, Silverton Ray Northrup Archie Harris, Touchet, Washington
DryId crops are the largest source of income inthe COUNTY WHEAT PRODUCTION county. Cultivated acres total ap- Av. Yield proximately 660,000. A n o t h e r Year Acres bu./acre Total bushels 867,000 acres are in pasture and 1947 257,000 28.1 7,227,000 1949 275,000 22.7 7,110,000 range. 1951 270,000 32.2 8,752,000 Wheaf 1953 305,000 29.9 9,119,000 1955 201,486 27.7 5,581,000 Wheat is the king of our crops, 10 yr. ay. 259,500 29.18 7,435,875 accounting for 42% of the coun- 1957 200,069 38.0 7,600,000 ty's agricultural income. 1957 was a transition year for WHEAT VARIETIES PLANTED(1957) the Omar variety of club wheat. Club Varieties - - - 75% Hard Winter Red - - 3% Common White - - -22% In 1958 it will make up 90% of Elmar 58.5% Rio 1% Forty-fold 10% the club wheat acreage. The club 16.5% Brevor 6% varieties grown in 1957 were not Oman Mosida 1% even heard of in 1947. We may Columbia 1% Orfed 1% be growing, in 10 years, varieties Idaed 1% unknown now. Federation 2% Thecommitteerecommends Requa 1% that only known and recommend- Burt 1%
22 ed varieties of wheat should bereduced about 5%.The groweramount of soil moisture in rela- seeded. New varieties should notthus loses in yield and in price,tion to available nitrogen. be introduced until they have re-since 1% of smut causes a 3c price When seeding in the lighter ceived t h o r o u g h experimentaldockage. soils, we recommend seeding about tests for yielding and baking qual- Growers feel that they are pen-the middle of September if soil ity.Each year moneyislostalized excessively for wheat grad-moisture permits. through seeding some variety saiding ½ % smut. An investigation For medium phases ofsoil, to be a wonder in some other lo-leading to some changes in thisseeding shouldstart about the cality, but not satisfactory here. system was recommended by themiddle of October, again if soil Spring wheat 1947 Planning Conference but nomoisture permits. Spring wheat has not provedchange has been made to date of When seedinginthe heavy generally economical or popularthis report. The committee reiter-phases of soil it is recommended here. When a winter freezeout oc-ates this recommendation. that seeding be started from the curs, or a farmer for some reason The variety Omar should helpfirst to the middle of October, if is unable to sow winter wheat inin reducing smut. This variety issoil moisture permits. the fall, he may be forced to relythe first white club with other de- Rates of seeding tie in closely on spring wheat.Disadvantagessirablecharacteristicsthat haswith the time of seeding. Gen- are lower yields, possible weed in- built-in smut resistance to a higherally, the earlier the seeding, the festation and later maturity. degree. So long as it continues re-less seed needed. After the first Varieties now used are Federa-sistant to the races of smut foundof October the rate of seeding tion and Idaed.Federation, thehere, the smut problem should beshould be increased by five pounds leading variety for spring seedingless. per week if the weather begins to for30years,yieldslessthan All wheats planted in Uma- cool. Idaed. More research is needed totilla County, regardless of their When seeding in dry soil, develop better strains of springvarietal smut resistance, should beincrease the rate to compensate wheat and to prepare for the daytreated with 1 ounce of 40% Hex-for possible loss in germination. when wheat allotmentswillbeachlorobenzene per bushel. It con- abandoned. trols soil borne as well as seed Early seedings use soil nitro- Smut control borne smut. gen to better advantage and con- Even with new resistant varie- Treatingmachineoperatorstrol erosion better. ties and improved chemicals andshould be trained to recognize the Type of soil preparation has no treating machinery, the losses suf-importance of uniform coverageeffect on rate of seeding. With fered from smut compare withfor smut control. The best equip-clean fallow, soil moisture is less those of earlier years. ment won't help if run too fast,than with trashy fallow. Size of the seed makes some WHEAT GRADING SMUTTY IN UMATILLA COUNTY IN'957difference in the rate of seeding. Total A seeding rate of from 30 to District Samples .5% 1% 2% 3% 4% 60 pounds per acre is recommend- ed. Adams 78 11 10 3 1 0 Spacing of drills and different Athena- - - 103 20 12 5 2 1 types of openers should make no Blakeley 15 3 0 1 0 0 difference in the rate of seeding. Downing 10 1 4 0 1 0 Duroc 9 2 1 2 0 0 The openers will make a difference Echo 53 0 0 0 0 0 in the time of seeding. Fulton 47 6 4 0 0 0 Grazing early..seeded wheat Helix 115 19 14 2 0 0 Factors to consider a r e:soil Hoidman 53 3 0 0 0 0 moisture,availabilityofplant Juniper 31 0 0 0 0 0 food, soil conditions and erosion Mission 104 11 2 0 0 0 Myrick 34 10 3 1 0 0 by water and wind. Pendleton- 29 1 0 0 0 0 Factors that make wheat graz- Pilot Rock 156 12 4 0 0 0 ing inadvisable are: low soil mois- Rew 61 1 0 0 0 0 ture, lack of available nitrogen, Sparks 55 0 0 0 0 0 the probability of erosion, reduc- Stanton 26 0 0 0 0 0 tions in yield and the compaction tjmatilla 74 4 1 0 0 0 of heavier soil types. Vansycle - 9 0 0 0 0 0 Benefits of grazing wheat: Win- Waterman & Wayland 11 4 3 1 1 0 ter wheat has more protein than Weston 94 12 6 3 1 0 winter grasses. It gives a cheap Totals 1,173 120 64 18 6 1 wintering program for cattle. 17.80% of total samples graded smutty 1957 Nearly all winter wheat is graz- 6.77% of total samples graded smutty 1946 ed in the Southern Great Plains. Their rainfall largely comes in the Smut causes losses above thoseor if the wheat is fed in unevenly. indicated. Wheat grading 1% smut Seedinq wheat summer and their soils are usual- usually had at least 5% of smut Time of seeding is largely de-ly dry on top in the winter. The in the field and the yield is thuspondent upon type of soil,and reverse is true here.
23 Spring Barley Varieties Av. Yields Nomad variety with its great root Barley is important each timeMarkton 85.5 structure will not be so easy to we have diverted wheat acres. Re- Carleton 95.1 get rid of as the other varieties. search performed by the Pendle- Best ay. yielder Where pasture is needed, Nomad ton Branch Experiment Station and Rhizoma are superior. and at pilot farm locations has Cody 93.8 Grasses failed to locate a dependable win- Centore 93.8 TheCommitteerecommends ter barley. In the tables following,Park 91.9 the following varieties of grass: spring barleys are shown to out- Victory 83.6 Low rainfall areas: yield winter varieties, mainly due Crested Wheatgrass - most to winter killing a third of theShasta - - 83.5 desirable for good stand, but low time or more. palatibility for summer grazing. Yield results for spring barley Rye Whitmar Beardless Wheatgrass would be tabulatedasfollows, Barley is not entirely success-- (Native Bunchgrass) based on records to date: ful in light soils in the county, Sherman Big Bluegrass because of its lack of winter hardi- SiberianWheatgrass(cousin Varieties Bu. per acre nessandinabilitytoproduceto crested wheat and similar in Trebi 76. enough straw to control wind ero-yield.) Best in Helix area -. will lodge sion.Therefore, we recommendHigh rainfall areas: Gem 81.4 growing Tetra Petkus rye in areas Intermediate W h e a t g r a s s Best all around of light blowing soils. This rye gives sufficient cover to control(highest yield f o r seed produc- Harlan 78 wind erosion and its feed value istion) Least lodging tendency Pubescent Wheatgrass (adapt- comparable to that of wheat orable also to intermediate rainfall Bonneville 74.5 corn. Rye is somewhat of a weedareas for grazing) Best where irrigated in a wheat area, however, and we need more information on how to Alta Fescue (very good f o r Flynn 37 72.6 control volunteer rye. pastures) Early-good on light land Understory grasses Hannchen 68.2 Grasses and Legumes These grasses are seeded in a Brewing type mixture primarily to keep out un- These crops are gaining impor-desirable grasses such as cheat- Meloy 3 63.1 tance in the county. A combina-grass.These are shallow rooted Best hay type tion of alfalfa a n d grasses on ground leftidle under the Soiland have the desirable quality of Compana 70.7 Bank Conservation Reserve pro-spreading. Sheep fescue and bul- Not Brewing type; not recommended bous bluegrass are recommended gram is recommended because thefor the Columbia Basin areas. Hanna 58.5 combination controls erosion and Brewing type - good in Helix area builds fertility better than eitherGrass Seeded Waterways seeded alone. If a farmer accepts TheCommittee recommends Winter Barley Soil Bank money, he should fol-the following grasses for seeded low the practice that will accomp-waterways: A winter hardy variety of bar-lish the most in building fertilityHigh rainfall areas: ley is needed. The following are-which is what he is paid to do. Intermediate Wheatgrass the best tried so far, and although Pubescent Wheatgrass noneshowsthehardinessofAlfalfa Alfalfaisrecommended for Alta Fescue wheat, they are all grown in the Low rainfall areas: county. medium and high rainfall areas. Improved management and n e w Pubescent Wheatgrass Varieties (Tons per acre) varieties p r o d u c e satisfactory Crested Wheatgrass Winter Club 1.24 yields where rainfall is above 13Safflower Most hary, best at Weston inches. Results at the Pendleton In the opinion of the commit- Branch Experiment Station are astee, the commercial trials to date Olympia 1.25 follows: Wind shatters badly are fairly conclusive.The crop Trebi 1.27 Varieties (Tons per acre) Not winter hardy 1953 1954 1955 1956 Average Alpine 1.33 Naragansett 1.79 1.36 1.60 3.53 2.07 Appears best yet tried, but needs Rhizoma 1.81 1.25 1.56 2.95 more research 1.89 Ladak 1.61 1.26 1.52 3.13 1.88 Nomad Oafs 1.30 1.24 1.63 2.98 1.79 Ranger 1.33 1.20 1.49 3.05 1.77 Oats will often produce more height than spring barley, and The most widely used alfalfasdoes possess possibilities in this usually sells for about the samein lighter rainfall areas have beenarea. price. It is a later crop and is sub-Nomad,Ladak,a n dRanger. Growing safflower presents no ject to damage in summer by hotWhere short-time production is de-problem of extra equipment. Prp- winds. sired forsoil improvement, thearation of the ground to be seeded 24 is important because once the crop will be made with insecticidesin the use of fertilizers include: is up and growing, weed sprays applied when needed. modern, easy-pulling and accurate we now have cannot be used. Per- Sweet corn and field corn -applicatorsmakefertilizeruse haps, pre-emergence sprays would results not encouraging. convenient; fertilizers have been help.The late maturity of the Soybeans - results noten- dropping in price for 10 years; plantisthe most objectionable couraging. fertilizer supply is plentiful and feature. The use of rod weeders Sorghum - results not encour- the services are adequate. on the ground after the fall rains aging. Genera condusions is recommended. Asparagus has been success- Proper use of nitrogenlies Yield of safflower in the 12fully grown in the Athena arealargely within the good judgment to 13 inch rainfall area has beenand may be worthy of furtherof each individual farmer, for no 1,000 pounds per acre. One farm-consideration. two fields can be farmed identical- er reports 995 pounds in 1955, and With any new crops, growersly even though they are within 1096 pounds in 1957. This was onshould consider expense of specialthe same area. Fertilizer is a good stubble mulched summer fallowmachinery, labor costs and theinvestment if used properly. with nitrogen spring-applied at atime the labor is needed. Many Anhydrous ammonia and aqua rate of 45 lbs.N.(Nll-3)perfarmers might grow some forageammonia are preferable, but oth- acre. crops if they get into livestocker sources of nitrogen give good Yields in higher rainfall areas,enterprises. results. Those available are: am- on pea ground, have been about monium nitrate, ammonium sul- the same or a little less. The av- Fertilization in Dryland Farming erage yield at the Pendleton Ex- fate, urea (dry), urea solutions, periment Station, after fallow, has Prior to 1949 and 1950, mostcalciumnitrate,sodium nitrate been 1,901 pounds. of the fertilizing done on smalland Cyanamide. At70.00 per ton, this cropgrains was with dry fertilizer in- Urea is a new source of nitro- is about comparable to oats orcluding the forms of ammoniumgen and there is much interest in barley, which would yield twice assulfate, ammonium nitrate and 16-the urea solutions, due mainly to much, but sell for about half that 20-0.Nitrogen was not readilytheincreasingpracticeoftop price. available in the war years and lit-dressingwinterwheatinthe The crops of 1955 and 1957tIe was used. spring, and because a selective were grown under contract with In the past 10 years, with theweed killer can be added to the an assured market. introductionofanhydrous am-solution. It has been used here but Austrian peas monia, aqua ammonia and others,two years, so no conclusions can Austrianpeasgivebenefitsuse has increased each year. Morebe drawn as yet, though results other than the price-per-ton. Thefarmersareapplyingfertilizerso far are good. Sulfur has given fertilizer value of this crop com-each year, and now fertilization isgood response on Athena silt loam pares favorably to the applicationone of the most important farm-underwheat-pearotation,but of about 30 pounds of nitrogening operations. there has been no response on and is definitely of a more last- ing nature.Harvesting is more FERTILIZERS SOLD, I952-1956, UMATILLA COUNTY difficult than with safflower. A straw walker type of harvester is Fertilizer 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 preferred for threshing peas, and the cylinder speed must be re- Anhydrous ammonia 2,963,677 3,817,322 4,409,1673,749,4964,199,838 duced to control cracking the seed. Aqua ammonia 1,366,901,096655 2,368,529 An even spread of threshed pea vines over the fieldis im- Ammonium sulfate 880,740 695,360 343,203 157,125 252,811 portant because excessive bunch-Ammonium nitrate 877,122 1,159,100 547,450 314,158 746,580 ing of pea straw has been known to produce the same effect as an 16-20-0 35,456 36,800 40,400 15,072 19,648 overdoseofnitrogen.Austrian Totals 4,756,995 5,708,582 6,707,1405,332,5067,587,306 peas may be seeded either in the late fall or in the spring. Nitrogen is the most impor-Walla Walla silt loam (light text- tant fertilizing element on smallurephase)underwheat-fallow Other New Crops grains and grass pastures.Therotation. Other crops tried at the Pend-type of nitrogen is not important, It is wise for each farm op- leton Branch Experiment Stationbut the rate is. erator to use a dependable soil include: Fertilizersare applied on atest service to find the moisture Lima beans - yield up to 617year around basis, depending uponand fertility level of his fields. pounds per acre - up to 42"weather. row spacing. Rate of application should be Fertilizer experiments carried Carrots - yield up to 6.72 tonsgoverned by a soil test and byon in the county by Oregon State per acre - up to 42" row pac-available moisture. On dry landCollege reveal that 30 to 60 pounds ing. most farmers use 20 pounds toper acre actual nitrogen (as rec- Canary seedyields very poor,80 pounds - on irrigated lands,ommended) has returned a net in- a 1 t h o u g h infestationwith100 pounds or more are common.come over cost of fertilizer of $12 aphids noted and further trials Some other important factorsto $18 per acre.
25 Crop Rotation for Higher Rainfall Both 1956 and 1957 were sur-tein as compared to other pro- plus alfalfa hay years. Productiontein feeds. Excellent qualityal- Areas in Oregon during 1954-1955, as re-falfa contains 16.5% crude pro- What can be done to stop ero-ported by the U.S.D.A. Crop Re-tein. At $25 per ton, this quality sion in higher rainfall areas? porting Service, averaged 510,000of alfalfa will price its crude pro- TheCommittee. recommendstons annually. The 1956 crop wastein at 7.6 cents per pound and that as soon as wheat allotments761,000 tons and in 1957, 740,000the TDN at 2.3 cents per pound permit, all areas that can do sotons. This resulted in a 20% sur-an excellent buy in comparison to should go to annual cropping, be- plus or 150,000 tons. other feed sources. But we would cause it is the summer fallow that The surplus has been caused bylike some official way of figur- causes most of the erosion. greateryields,fewerlivestocking the value of alfalfa protein. In general, this proposal ap-numbers in the Northwest, mild Alfalfa should be sold on a plies to areas in the county re-open winters, and by an increasedcrude protein basis, rather than on ceiving 16 inches or more of an-tonnage of silage, potatoes, sugargrade. Here is a suggested pric- nual precipitation and to the fol-beet pulp and canning wastes.. ing system. lowingsoiltypes: McKay Silt It is estimated that in 1956 and The base price would be: LOam, Pilot Rock Silt Loam deep1957, one-third of the productionCurrent U.S. No. 2 Green, Port- phase, Waha Silt Loam, Palousestored in bale piles was exten-land quotations less freight($9 Silt Loam, Athena Silt Loam. sively damaged by rain. DamagedHermiston and $10 Milton-Free- In the area here consideredhay is unfit for sale and cannotwater). soilerosionis the major prob-be safely fed to producing dairy Standard base quality: 14% lem and we believe that future ad-cows. crude protein with 15% moisture justments in the agricultural pro-9uality improvement content.Plus or minus adjust- gram that would allow annual Leaf content is a true measurements would be made according to cropping would be a great stepof crude protein, because 75% ofvariations from this standard. towards saving soil loss. the protein is in the leaves. A Alfalfa crude protein above Dryland Ranges and Pastures minimum leaf content of 40% is14% to be valued equal to the desired. Higher quality alfalfa iscrude protein in cottonseed meal. The 1954 U. S. Census shows Example: U.S. No. 2 Green, 1,368farmsreporting867,529 produced from thick stands. Va-
- f.o.b. Portland, quoted at $30.00 acresoflandpasturedintheriety, soil fertility, color and prop- county. There is room for con-er timing of harvesting are im-less freight or $21.00 f.o.b. Her- siderable improvement in the car-portant. miston. The sample tested 18% rying capacity of these acres par- Harvesting at one-tenth (ear-moisture giving a 3% discount or ticularly sagebrush range land. ly)bloom is best for yield and 20.37.The crude protein tested The Committee recommends: quality. 16.2% or 2.2% premium. When Rain during harvest, handling43% crude protein cottonseed is That sagebrush be eliminat- worth $70.00 per ton, the crude edwhereverpossible.Methodswhen too dry, baling when not dry that have worked here are chem-enough, and weedy stands are theprotein in alfalfa is worth $1.63 most common enemies of quality.per cwt. Adding the 2.2% crude icals and cultivation. Strip re-seed- protein premium Worth $3.58 per ing may be best under some condi- The Committee makes the fol- tions. lowing recommendations: ton would value this sample at That the County Extension Expand livestockfeeding$23.95 per ton f.o.b. Hermiston. Agents establish more grazing al-programs that will utilize all lowNew methods of handling falfatrials w i t hcooperatingquality or unsound alfalfa hay, alfalfa hay ranchers. Grazing lands need a le-sellingonlyhighqualityhay, There is growing interest in gume growing with grass for bet-thereby building a reputation formore economical methods of han- ter nutrition and increased pro-the county as a source of a qualitydling and feeding hay. At present, duction of grass. product. baled alfalfa is an expensive com- That four more grass nurs- Construct pole frame haymodity to transport and does not eriesbeestablishedandlatersheds to protect a third of thelend itself to mechanized feeding. grazed after they are well estab- crop. We request the Experiment lished. Plow upalllow-yieldingStation to explore fully the vari- stands. ous ways of processing hay. Alfalfa Marketing Production varieties Alfalfa hay is a major crop Fequently, high quality alfal- TheCommitteerecommends on the irrigated lands of the coun-fa hay sells for no more than av-that growers buy only Certified ty. In 1957, it was estimated thaterage kinds. The Committee makesBlue Tag seed, of whatever variety there were 17,000 acres harvest-the following recommendations: is used. ed with an average yield of four We recommend educational Lahontan, an alfalfa stem nem- tons. and promotional work to estab-atode resistant alfalfa, aphid re- Eighty percent of the alfalfalish the true feeding value of qual-sistant and wilt resistant, high is grown for cash. It is believedity alfalfa hay. yielding variety, is recommended that 40% of the total crop is mar- We recommend U.S. officialfor all Westend areas where al- keted outside the county.Theregrading for all shipments to out-falfa stem nernatode is prevalent. are not enough livestock enter-side markets. Ranger is recommended in the prises locally to use more than We ask for research work toirrigatedsections where alfalfa 60% of the crop. establish the value of alfalfa pro-stem nematode is not present.
26 Vernal and Ladak are best attrol them, the Committee recom-twenty tons of barnyard manure high elevations or where water ismends such management practicesper acre is recommended especial- short. Of the hay varieties, Ver-as rotation (one week of utiliza-ly for the cut areas of newly lev- nal is best for pasture. tion and a three week's rest per-eled land. Commercial fertilizers Other Practices: Plow standsiod); phenothiazine; fresh sourcebenefit seedling establishment. Ni- as soon as they get weedy, useof drinking water and proper ir-trogen, phosphate and sulfur can chemicals for weed control as theyrigation. Wet areas or stagnantbe combined and applied according are developed, keep in touch withwater invite liver fluke and red-to recommendations. new varieties and methods. water diseases. Seeding: Drilling the seed Harvesting More information is needed toso that it is not covered over one- Harvest for quality and hightie in pastures with a feedlot pro-half inch is desirable. Legume seed protein. gram. Beef gains per acre need toshould be inoculated just before An acre of alfalfa harvested asbe improved. At the present time,planting. Cut the first growth for silage during poor weather condi-there is about a 10% decrease inhay, thereby promoting root de- tions may yield 50% more live-per pound valuation between Aprilvelopment. stock products to an acre than1 and October 1. Inexpensive pas- Fertilization. Nitrogen ap- itwillif cut for hay.Alfalfatures are needed to maintain feed-plications stimulate grass growth silage yields more total digestibleers and keep them gaining so theywhereas phosphate and sulfur stim- nutrients per acre thanif thecan move into the feedlots withulatelegumegrowthandthe same acreage is harvested as baledno time lost in bringing back lostright proportions of these fertili- hay, even if the weather is good.condition. zer elements will keep the plant Field chopped alfalfa can be We recommend that researchgrowth in balance. Thirty pound handled mechanically and at aboutand demonstrational work be con-split applications of nitrogen dur- one-half of the cost of baling. Weducted to establish the most pro-ing March, June and August are recommend a gradual shift fromductive way of using pastures todesirable. Bluegrass does not grow balers to choppers. If the crop istie in with the growing feedlotmuch in hot weather, regardless to be used for pellets, briquettes,program. of fertilization,so use fertilizer or alfalfa meal, itis a positive Since varieties change rapidly,on grasses that will respond to it. detriment to have it baled. the Committee recommends no va- rieties, but urges all growers to Corn Irrigated Pasture keep abreast of experimental work Field corn is a well-adapted ro- According to the 1954 Census,so that each new pasture will havetation crop. About two-thirds of there were 13,400 acres of im-the best varieties to date. the field corn here is grown for proved irrigated pasture in the Alfalfa as a pasture plant maylivestock feed and one-third for a county. In 1957 acreage was esti-be best under certain soil a n dcash crop. As a cash crop it now mated at 12,000. Only 4,000 acresmanagement conditions.Farmersis produced in excess of local de- of the pasture acreage can befear to use alfalfa because of themands. classedasimprovedproductivebloat hazard.Strip grazing by In 1957, there were 3,100 acres pasture. twice daily moving a portable elec-of field corn. Most of it is in the Under good management, im-tric fence has been reported towestern part of the county. proved irrigated pastures will bework satisfactorily as a bloat pre- Our corn grain and silage are productive April 10 to October 10.ventative. New chemical bloat pre-equal in nutritive value to mid- Key points to a good manage-ventatives appear promising. west corn. ment program are: Improved va- Here are some steps to con- rieties, weed control, land level-siderin the establishment and Corn grain yields vary between ing, proper irrigation, good drain-maintenance of an improved irri-75 and 175 bushels per acre and age, clipping, harrowing, rotationgated pasture: silage yields vary between 15 and grazing and fertilization. A four to eight year rota-35 tons per acre. Three producing dairy cows ortion with a cultivated crop is like- It costs $125 per acre to grow three beef cows and calvesorly to give higher yields than aand market a 135bushelcorn three to four feeder steers, or 20permanent pasture. grain crop. In 1957, the market gilts and sows per acre can be The irrigation distributionaveraged $1.50 per bushel or $53.- handled on an improved pasture.system should be well organized55 per ton f.o.b., Hermiston. This An improved irrigated pastureand planned for efficient use ofmarket price and production cost can return a net income equal towater, re-use of waste water andwould allow $87.50 an acre return alfalfa hay, corn or irrigated win-for adequate drainage. The borderto management and interest on in- ter wheat. Good pasture produc-system is best for most fields. vestment. tion would be comparable to 7½ The seed-bed must be firm, Chief problems are increasing tons of baled alfalfa hay.Themoist and weed free. On the sandyyields and expanding the market. Prosser, Washington Branch Ex-soils, strawing or surface mulch- Production should be brought perimentStation'sexperimentaling is highly recommended. Springto 25 to 30 tons per acre if cut pastureprogranihasproducedseeding is best done between Feb-for ensilage and 140 to 150 bushels beef gains up to 1,150 pounds perruary 20 and May 15, and fallif harvested for grain. We should acre. At present prices, that wouldseeding between August 15 andpromote greater use of corn for gross over $200 per acre. September 15. livestock and poultry. Internal parasites are a prob- Pre-seeding fertilization im- The Committee recommends: lem on irrigated pastures. To con-proves pasture stands:Ten to 1. Continued research to show
27 the value of corn as compared to Small Grains soil. There is need for demonstra- competing crops. We recommend small grainstions on irrigation practices. That Corn for silage be lim- only as an emergency measure on Fertilization.Researchis ited to the westend. Pea vines areirngated farms. Grain growing on needed. cheaper in the eastend. irrigated land is a good way to go Insect damage. In 1957, the Increased local use. Commit-broke. two-spotted mite and the green tee members engagedinswine Grow small grains only as aleaf hopper caused considerable feeding programs find that cornrotation crop in those areas thatdamage. Sprays are available and growers can double their profitsdo not have late water. should be used. by feeding swine. Root Knot Nematode was On the basis of feed conversion Peppermint found in isolated areas of pep- at the ratio of four to one, corn at In 1957, there were 370 acrespermint plantings. Research should $53.55 a ton, gives a feed cost ofof peppermint in the western partbe undertaken to find a control. $10.72 per CWT for market hogs.of the County. Yields varied be- Pre-emergence selective These figures indicate that a 70%tween 45 and 95 pounds per acre,weed control chemicals.Two to additional gross income might bewith the average about 65 pounds.three pounds per acre of 80% Diu- realized by feeding hogs insteadThere were 30 acres of spearmintron have been found effective, but with an average yield of 80 poundsthis chemical requires a rather ex- of selling the grain. acting system of application, rates Alfalfacornrotation. A per acre. There is one mint still combination alfalfa-corn rotationoperating in the western end ofand timing that will enable the rounds out a livestock feeding pro-the county. In the mid-west, 22,-chemical to be effective and still gram by producing both protein000 acres were grown at an aver-cause no injury. age yield of 32 pounds and sold Research is now underway in and carbohydrate feeds. Central and Western Oregon to de- Fertilizer applications at 40at an average price of $5.30. In Washington,12,000acresweretermine uses for the spent mint to 180 pounds actual nitrogen plus hay. zero to 50 pounds phosphate pergrown at an average yield of 78 pounds selling at an average price Hops acre. Make total applications be-of $3.00. In Oregon 14,500 acres fore or at time of planting. were grown with an average yield Hop production is well-adapted Control of wireworms. Wire-of 50 pounds but selling at anand is a profitable enterprise on wormshavecausedextensiveaverage price of $4.35. 300 acres of Ephrata loamy sand stand losses. Apply therecom- InwesternUmatillaCounty, soils under the Stanfield and Her- mended residualsoiltreatments.mint production under good man-miston Irrigation Districts of the Seed treatment is also beneficial.agement, on fine sandy loam to siltwestend area. That approved varieties beloam soils and adequate irrigation, The long-time average yield of planted. Dwarf varieties have notis considered a well-adapted crop.2,000 pounds per acre and the pre- been tested under local conditions.A top quality oil is produced. mium quality produced establish The mid-season mid-tall grain va-Cost of production this area as equal to the other hop rieties, Dekalb 409 and Pfister 234, Committeemembersbelieveproducing centers of the North- are recommended. The committeethat production goals should be 80west. recommends that variety researchto 100 pounds of oil per acre. Tak- Hop growing is a large scale be continued. Silage varieties rec-ing the 80 pound yield, the firstbusiness withtotalinvestments ommended are: Pfister 485 andyear's costs would total 275 to 300around $1,350 an acre. An econom- 444, U. S. 13 and Dekalb 631 anddollars an acre with $215 to $240ic unit of hops is considered 80 to 816. figured for subsequent years. Com-240 acres. The high cost of mech- Corngrainplantingsbe-mittee members said that $75 ananization dictates the scale of op-- tween April 20 and May 10 withacre net is needed to make thiseration. Even though mechanized, silage plantings April 20 to Junecrop a sound venture. the crop still has a labor require-- 1. Late plantings for grain have ment. The cost of production has Scale of operations been about 35c a pound or $700 reduced yields and quality. The specialized mint producer That cornbeplantedatwho operates harvesting still set-per acre. proper In 1957, the uncontracted crop spacing. Recommendedup, should have between 80 andsold for $1.05 a pound. Because of plant stands are: (36 inch row)160 acres.The smaller operatorthe strong demand and favorable grain at 22,500 plants per acrewho grows peppermint as a rota-price, plantings are increasing in with a seven inch kernel drop andtion crop and uses custom distilla-the Pacific Northwest. silage at 25,000 plants with a sixtion, can grow 20 to 40 acres. The seedless varieties of early and one-half inch kernel drop. Thecommitteerecommendsand late clusters are grown. Thatresearchworkbethat no expansion should be con- The committee recommends continued on selective weed con-sidered at present prices. If pricesthatgrowersmaintain present trol. work back to $5.00 a pound, it isquality but increase yields by ex- New harvesting methods.a good crop here. ploring cultural practices. Possible Self-propelledpicker-shellers andProduction problems lines of research include: irriga- artificial dryers have proven suc- 1. Irrigation. Ninety percent oftion, fertilization, new varieties, cessful.Start harvesting whenmint's water requirements are ob-disease control and reduction of corn has dried to 30% moisture. tained from the top 12 inches ofhand labor.
28 'eed eee&ftote
Committee Members Robert V. Wood, Weston, Chairman Vie Johnson, Pendleton, Secretary Tom Branstetter, Pendleton Ron Johnson, Adams Hugh Tinker, Spofford Frank Buehler, Heriniston Jack Richartz, Milton-Freewater Russell Thcholke, Umapine Glen Brogoitti, Helix Roy Sires, Hermiston Melvin Wakefield, Pendleton William Coppock, Adams Jim Smith, Athena Ronald Rew, Pendleton E. B. Farron, Mission Glen Thorne, Hoidman John Weidert, Athena Roy Hobby, South Reservation Jack Tiliman, Athena Dale Wood, Weston 0. D. Isaminger, Myrick Mervin Meiners, Middle Cold Springs
the 1,556,051 acres of landhave time to work full time witheveryone to become familiar with Oin farms in the county thefarmers and maintain up-to-datethe objectives of the law. committee finds 4.1 percent is in-weed maps and records. The weed supervisor main- fested with noxious weeds. The in- Not all farmers know some oftain an up-to-date weed map and festation is increasing. the serious weed pests not now inindividual record cards. While much good has comethe county but that may be intro- Anextensiveeducational from the work of our Oregon Stateduced. Two examples are haloge-program on weeds and weed con- College Extension Service and Ex-ton and Mediterranean sage. trol be continued by County Exten- perimentStation,theCounty Canada thistleand puncturesion Agents. Weed Supervisor, and commercialvine are rapidlyspreading and Weed research work be con- weed people, the problem remainsmay develop into a costly prob-tinued. An accelerated basic re- primarily one for each land own-lem. Headwaters of streams andsearch program should becon- er, administrator, and tenant. drainages have some infestations.ducted by Oregon State College in Progressive farmers are con- A comparative newcomer,Ber-cooperation with U.S.D.A. on weed trolling broad leaf annual weedsmuda grass, occurs on wheat-peacontrol. in grain crops effectively with 2,land north of Athena. Farmers get and use infor- 4-D sprays. Farmers on irrigated Imported a n d transportedmation available through the offi- land are beginning to use newscreenings often in the form ofces of the County Extension Agents chemicals to control foxtail andlivestock feed are the source ofconcerning new chemicals. As ex- cheatgrass. Cheatgrass on d r y periment stations test new mater- cropland has increased. new weeds and thespreadof weeds. ials and methods, resulting infor- Many farmers are doing a good There is no cost-sharing pay-mation must continue to be re- job of controlling perennial weeds.ment for the control of noxiousleasedthroughourExtension 'Control of cheatgrass in dry-weeds under the government's Ag-Agents as quickly as possible. land crops is not a problem wherericultural Conservation Program. Farmers, land administrators the moidhoard method of making Susceptible plants and bee-feedand tenants become familiar with summer fallow is used. It is a ser-are being injured or destroyed bythe weeds halogeton, Mediterra- ious problem where surface tillagecareless weed spraying. This is onenean sage and other weeds that or the so-called trashy fallow sys-of the factors in the reduction ofare not as yet in our area. tem of summer fallow preparationour bee industry. Bees are impor- is followed. Since surface tillage is Oregon State College initi- the only practical method of ero- tant as pollinators for alfalfa, tree,ate research in cooperation with sion control on fallow land, it thenand small fruits. feed and seed dealers on imported follows that theeliminationof Recommendations and transported screenings used in cheatgrassingrowing dryland Thecommitteerecommendslivestock feeds. If findings indi- crops is of paramount importance.that: cate screenings areapotential Unless cheatgrass can be control- The County Court and Budg-hazard in spreading weeds, the led, farmers will have to acceptet Committee provide sufficientcommittee requests the enactment erosion losses as the lesser of thefunds so that one more man atof remedial legislation. two evils and go back in manyleast can be hired for spraying, An ACP practice payment be cases to the moldboard system ofleaving the supervisor free to workmade for control of noxious weeds. fallow preparation. full time with farmers and others. Weed spray applicators use A number of farmers have fol- Accelerated efforts be madecaution in applying herbicides so lowed the stubble mulch methodtoaccomplisheventualall-outthat flowers, shrubs, trees, suscep- for many years and have learnedweed law enforcement. The Coun-tible vegetables, and bee feed are to handle cheatgrass. ty has had a weed control law fornot injured or destroyed. Under the current program theabout 15 years. The committee be- If fence rows are not allowed to county weed supervisor does notlieves this is sufficient time formature cheat, a good part of the
29 battle is won. Several chemicals aregrass family, the margin of selec-soon as volunteer grain and cheat- now available that safely sterilizetivity is very narrow, so applica-grass seedlings begin to appear. soil. Applications of soil sterilantstion of any chemicals will have to It is equally important to elim- should be made in the fall so ade-be done carefully to kill cheat with-inate cheatgrass seedlings in the quate moisture will take the chemi-out damaging the grain. fall before seeding if fall rains cal into the soil. There must be Experiment stations and chemi-come early enough. This works only proper penetration of the chemicalcalcompanies shouldaccelerateif a fall rain is followed by two into the soil to get desired results.their efforts to develop chemicalsweeks or more of dry weather since First cost of sterilization is fairlyand methods useful for selectivecultivation will not kill all cheat- large, but benefits derived fromannual grass control in growinggrass seedlings if the ground sur- clean fence rows make it practic-dryland crops. face stays moist. It simply trans- able. Never let cheatgrass go to seedplants them. It is therefore impor- Selective control of cheatgrassat any time during the summertant to cultivate immediately after in growing wheat is still in the ex-fallow year. Most of this occurs inseedlings appear in the fall and not perimental stage. Several chemi-May and early June when cultiva-take a chance on later rains pre- cals show promise for this purpose.tion, following the first tillage op-venting the elimination of cheat by Simazin is the most promising noweration, has been delayed too long.cultivation. In other words, cheat- commercially available. It is likelyIn a wet spring, an additional rodgrass control in summer fallow by that selective control of cheat inweeding may be necessary only tocultivation is dependent on timing. growing grain will be too expen-control cheatgrass. It is most im-A farmer must be ready with ade- sive to use on a whole field basisportant to cultivate enough timesquate equipment to get over his (as is practiced with 2, 4-P onto prevent any maturing of cheat-ground at the right time in as few broadleafs). It is more likely to begrass seed on summer fallow. days aspossible.Most serious useful for spot treatments around The rod weeder type of equip-losses from cheatgrass infestations the outside of fields, in draws, andment, followed by a skew-treader,have been caused by failure to cul- on certain slopes especiallyheavi-has been most successful in elimin- ly infested. Since cheatgrass andating cheatgrass in the spring. Thistivate when the job should have grains are both members of thefollows the first surface tillage asbeen done.
30 Wee4&fe9 ?wft4 emmee
Committee Members Stafford Hansell, Athena, Chairman Jim Smith, Athena, Vice-Chairman Norton Taylor, Milton-Freewater, Secretary Don Webber, Athena Beryl Hodgen, Athena Bob Brogoitti, Helix Tremayne Rea, Walla Walla, Wn. Marr Waddoups, Milton-Freewater Frank Tubbs, Adams Merrill Oveson, Pendleton Ravella Lieuallen, Adams Keith Babcock, Milton-Freewater
processing crops are of majorernment beet allotment program, During the past year consider- importance in the county'shas seen little change. able effort has been put forth to- economy. These crops include: Whileouracreagehasin-ward getting the U.S. Department Peas for Canning & Freezing creased some, the total annual pro-of Agriculture to set up a region- Sugar Beets duction of crops processed has in-al pea disease laboratory with com- Lima Beans for Freezing creased tremendously.Rotations,petent personnel, including a plant Asparagus fertilizers, better strains of seed,pathologistspecializingin virus Sweet Corn improved farming practices,in-disease, an entomologist to work on Carrots creased processor facilities, haveinsect problems and insectvec- Peas for canning and freezingall tended to increase the county'stors; and a plant breeder to work are the most important of the pro- overall processed food production.toward the development of disease cessed crops. Peas are grown in the foothill land of the Blue Moun- PLANTS PROCESSING UMATILLA COUNTY'S CROPS tain range from east of Pendleton Processor Location Foods processed northward to the state line near Milton-Freewater. This area, bless-Smith Frozen Foods - Pendleton & Milton-Freewater Peas ed by fertile soil, good moisture,Utah Canning Company Pendleton & Milton-Freewater Peas and favorable growing conditions, Rogers Canning Company - - MiltonFreewater & Athena Peas & Carrots produces peas ofbetterqualityLamb-Weston, Inc------Weston Peas, Lima Beans than those produced anywhere else & Carrots in the United States. They can beUmatilla Canning Company - -Milton-Freewater Peas, Sweet Corn, produced as economically as in any Asparagus, Carrots, of the other areas of pea produc- Apples & Prunes* tion. The balance of the processedWalla Walla Canning CompanyWalla Walla, Wash. Prunes*, Apples, crop section is near Milton-Free- Carrots, Peas, Sweet water and Umapine, except for a Corn & Asparagus few hundred acres of sugar beetsLibby, McNeil & Libby Co. - - -Walla Walla, Wash. Peas being grown in the west end of theBirdseye Frozen Food Co Walla Walla, Wash. Peas county. Utah-Idaho Sugar Company - -Moses Lake, Wash. Sugar Beets The increase in acreage of pro- *When available for processing. cessed crops in Umatilla County, during the past ten years, is evi- Disease and insect Control resistant varieties of peas. dent as noted in the charts in the During recent years there has appendix of this publication. The Pea aphids and resultant virusbeen some indication of an increas- diseases have occasionally causeding problem in wilts, root rots, and national crop allotment program,considerable losses to the pea grow- which limits the acreage of wheaters in the Blue Mountain area.other non-virus diseases. planted in any one year, has madeThree years ago the Oregon-Wash- The Committee recommends: many more acres available for theington Aphid Control League was That the Oregon-Washing- growing of peas. Along with theestablished to control pea aphid inton Aphid Control League continue increased acreage in canning andits over-wintering areas in the al-its work of controlling the pea freezing peas, an increased acre-falfa fields in the Umapine-Gar-aphid in their over-wintering areas age of asparagus is noted. Further-dena district. As a result of spray- and that the assessments by the more, during recent years some ofing, by the Aphid Control League,processorsand growers bein- the processors, in order to increaseearly hatches of the aphids havecreased, if necessary. their pack and lengthen their pack-been controlled successfully, result- That all possible efforts be ing season, have begun contractinging in a much-reduced aphid prob-made, toward the establishment of increasing acreages of sweet corn,lem for the pea growers. Never-a federal USDA regionalresearch lima beans, and carrOts. Sugar beettheless,viruses are a constantlaboratory to work on the virus, acreage, due largely to the gov-threat to our pea industry. insect, and disease problems of
31 peas, and that the U.S.D.A. locatecessed in this area must be trans-ice to the county and that it be this laboratory in Umatilla Countyported to eastern markets, meth-urged to continue the seasonal of- in conjunction with the Pendletonods and costs of transportation arefice in Athena. Branch Experiment Station. of greatest concern to growers and 3. That the Senators and Rep-processors a ii k e.Increases in Equipment resentatives in Congress, from thefreight rates based upon percent- Farm equipment plays a very states of Oregon and Washington,ages have distorted normal rela-important part in the planting and be advised of the importance oftionships of differentproducingharvesting of the county'spro- research work in plant breeding,areas, the Pacific Northwest andcessed crops. Recently much has soil conservation, and entomologythe North Central states, to thebeen heard about pea combines, and presently being conducted in themajor markets, the east coast. Per-pea podders. These show promise county in order that they maycon-centage-wise freight rate increasesand the processors and growers tinue to work in behalf of this re- have been to the detriment of Pa-are urged to cooperate in their de- search. Furthermore, that thecon- cific Northwest producers and pro-velopment. The greatest need for gressmen be urged to contact thecessors. the pea grower equipment-wise various heads ofthesedepart- Rapid truck transportation hashowever, is precision pea-planting ments in Washington D. C. advis- proved to be of considerable valuedrills. ing them of this recommendation.to the county's food processors in TheCommitteerecommends Weed Control moving out products. that manufacturers be urged to The lack of standardization ofdevelop a more satisfactory preci- Weed control in peas and othertruck regulations, concerning max- sion pea drill. Experiments with processed crops has made rapidimum length, weight, etc., has con- this type of equipment should be strides, and selective weedcon-siderably hampered maximum use.conducted wit.hin the area. trol now shows more promise than The committee recommends: ever before. That the Umatilla County Education The Committee recommends: Development Commission serve as Information on new varieties, 1. Thatthe OregonExperi-a coordinating agency to establishdisease and insect problems and ment Station cooperate with grow-a county traffic committee withcontrols, equipment, soil fertilizers, ers in testing new chemicals andrepresentation from all agricultur- and other subjects related to the that the Extension Service makeal and civic interests. production and the marketing of results available to the growers as That the traffic committee,our processed crops is essential to soon as possible. when organized, have as its ob-the growers. A general discussion 2. That chemicals nowavail- jective, freight rates most advan-of these problems combined with able and which have proved satis-tageous to the county's processorsexpert opinion should do much to factory be used to produce weedand shippers. keep growers informed. free fields. TheCommitteerecommends Advertising that a continuing committeeof Utilization of Processed-Crop Pacific Northwest grown peas Byproducts growersandrepresentativesof are recognized for superior qual-processors be set up which, in co-- Studiesb yt h ePendletonity. Methods of advertising wereoperation with the OSC Extension Branch Experiment Station, showdiscussedatlength.ConclusionService, to plan and sponsor an an- that the organic matter content ofwas that some method is desir-nual educational and informational our soils is being depleted, regard-able to identify the peas as grownmeeting for the growers of pro- less of the productionpracticesin the Pacific Northwest. cessed crops. followed, so long as no organic mat- TheCommitteerecommends ter is grown and turned down orthat all peas packed in the area Pea Quality introduced in form of manure oreither have stamped on the lid or The Processed Crops Commit- crop byproducts. printed on the labed "Grown intee, while recognizing our advan- During recent years great prog-the Pacific Northwest." tages in pea production, is aware ress has been made toward full of the need to be striving con- and profitable utilization of by- Labor stantly for improvements in pea products of our processed crops. Seasonal labor plays an impor-quality and flavor, and of the need The beef feedingtrial,now tana part in the harvesting andfor more consumer education in or- conductedatMilton-Freewater,packing of our crops. Growers andder to place the best possible peas has been helpful in determiningprocessors are urged to maintainon the consumer's table. The Com- values, and methodsoffeedingclean, sanitary, well-policed campsmittee believes that peas, harvest- these byproducts. However, muchfor migrant workerstoattracted at the proper time with the more information is needed. good workers. shortesttimeintervalpossible TheCommitteerecommends The Oregon State Employmentfrom the field to the plant, as well that growers of processed cropsService, with their permanent of-as better methods of handling, will make full use of their crop by-fices in Pendleton and Milton-Free-result in peas ofbestquality. products by returning them to thewater and a seasonalofficeinQuickest results in improvement land, either directly as green ma-Athena, has done a good job ofof pea quality will result from nure or as livestock manure. labor recruitment and placement.thesebetterhandlingmethods. TheCommitteerecommendsHowever, constant research must Transportation that Oregon State Employmentbe carried on and closest coopera- Since most of the crops pro-Service be commended for its serv-tion is desirable between the seed
32 houses, processors, growers, andbeen able to maintain the highbe returned to the soil, lima beans the Experiment Station. average yields that were commonfit well into soil building crop ro- We recommend: a few years ago. Some growerstations, and may be used in con- That processors, in coopera-believe that lower soil fertility hasjunction with green-manure cover tion with growers, set up centralcaused this reduction in yield andcrops prior to the planting of the viner stations wherever possible. that adoption of better soil build-beans. That every effort be madeing and cultural practicesisa The Committee recommends: to develop new varieties of peasmust. Increased acreage of lima that are palatable, have good color, beans in rotation with other crops and produce high yields. We recommend: That mono-germ seedandon irrigated lands. Marketing mechanical thinning be used to re- That all lima bean vines be The importance of having fa-duce labor requirements and cost. put back into the soil as green ma- vorable price-cost relationships for That crop rotations be usednure. both the processor and the growerincluding good soil building prac- That cover crops be planted cannot be over emphasized. Fur-tices. prior to the planting of lima beans. thermore, processors and growers Sweet corn should both be constantly aware ofPeas the dangersof producing food During the past two years peas During the last threeyears crops of sub-standard quality with-for canning and freezinghavesweet corn for processing has been out available markets and of thebeen grown in the irrigated sectiongrown successfully. While at pres- depressing results, bothmarket-of eastern Umatilla County. Whenent prices this is not a high in- wise and consumerwise, resultingplanted early and given proper ir-come crop it does lend itself to use when such foods are thrust on therigationandfertilization,theyin our irrigated field crop area market. have been profitable. where there is adequate summer We recommend that processors TheCommitteerecommendsirrigation water. continue careful coordination be-that there be increased acreage of We recommend: tween their plantings and theirpeas for processing as a rotation That sweet corn be planted in markets, entering into contractson irrigated lands. blocks of over ten acres, provided with growers on the most equit-Lima beans maximum utilization of the corn able basis possible, closely related Lima beans have been grownstocks is made as a green manure to the specifications that reflect inprofitably on irrigated land in thecrop, incorporating them into the sales. east end of the county during thesoil immediately after the harvest Irrigated Processed Crops past four years. of the corn. Suqar beets Since this crop is not planted More research work on corn Sugar beet growers have notuntil mid-MaycJ and the vines canear worm control.
33 ?aut4 astd eø'tatee, 3meeeee efto'a
Committee Members Mrs. Jack Saccrison, Chairman Miss Frances Harvey, Secretary Health and Sanitation Subcommittee Mrs. R. K. Waas, Hermiston Dean Rawley, Pilot Rock Mrs. Stafford Hansell, Chm., Athena Mrs. E. 0. Cresap, Umatilla Tom Courtwright, Pendleton Miss Frances Harvey, Sec., Pendleton Mrs. Ed Kruse, Umatilla Miss Cora Miller, Pendleton Mrs. H. 0. Whitacre, Athena Mrs. Ferdie Hudeman, Stanfield Bob Culbertson, Pendleton Mrs. E. L. Ferguson, Weston Mrs. Clarence Foster, Echo Miss Jean Wetherby, Pendleton Mrs. Jim Rothrock, Adams Mrs. Raymond Rugg, Pilot Rock Farley Bowman, Pendleton Dallas Dusenbery, Umatilla Mrs. Roy Hatley, Pilot Rock Carl Anderson, McNary Mrs. Robert Cresswell, Pendleton Schools and Education Subcommittee Mrs. Carl Anderson, McNary Mrs Dick Scanlon, Pendlet,on S. E. Brogoitti, Chm., Helix Mrs. John Estoup, Milton-Freewater Mrs. R. H. Leinbach, tJmapine Mrs. W. E. King, Sec., Pendleton Mrs. J. G. Parker, Pendleton Mrs. R. G. Schubert, Milton-Freewater Mrs. Jack Duff, Adams Mrs. Ed Garris, Pendleton Mrs. Charles Simpson, Athena Mrs. Ralph Hutchison, Pilot Rock Rural Youth Subcommittee Mrs. Fred Andrews, Echo Mrs. Jim Nelson, Pilot Rock Roy Hatley, Chm., Pilot Rock Mrs. Robert Harper, Helix Mrs. Floyd Snyder, Hermiston Gray Thompson, Sec., Pendleton Mrs: James Ellingson, Hermiston Mrs. H. G. McCulley, Hermiston Mrs. George Lieuallen, Weston Eber Howard, Milton-Freewater Mrs. L. M. Carison, Gibbon George Lieuallen, Weston Mrs. Jesse Staggs, Milton-Freewater Mrs. Jane Thom, Pendleton Mrs. Andrew Harvey, Pendleton Mrs. Karl Eaton, Pendleton Mrs. Gene Kauffman, Pendleton Mrs. John Parker, Pendleton Mrs. Vern McGowan, Pilot Rock Clay Ballance, Pendleton Mrs. Fred Hoeft, Pilot Rock Home Management Subcommittee Mrs. Ed Hoeft, Pilot Rock Mrs. Wesley Ayars, Ukiah Mrs. R. L Harris, Chm., Pendleton Mrs. Clarence Hoeft, Pilot Rock Mrs. D. B. Dusenbery, Umatilla Miss Frances Harvey, Sec., Pendleton Rev. Donald Payne, Pendleton Mrs. Norton Taylor, Milton-Freewater Mrs. A. H. Fowler, Hermiston Bob Fackler, Hermiston Miss Frances Harvey, Pendleton
Health The table below shows our present position and future needs for doctors, dentists, hospital beds,nurses, child. guidance, and homes for the aged. UMATILLA COUNTY MEDICAL AND DENTAL FACILITIES ANDOTHER HEALTH AGENCIES HEALTH FACILITY NumberU.S. Public Health Present in countyRecommendationCounty Ratio NEEDS (MD's 1 M.D. to Doctors (Chiropractors 39 1 to each Probably (Osteopaths each 1,800 1,124 pop. adequate (Naturopaths population
Dentists 20 1 to each 1 to each 1,200 pop. 2,192 16 Hospitals 3 4.5 beds 3.8 beds & Beds 166 per 1000 per 1000 31 beds (Registered 43 full time 9 on call 1 to 3 to 4 full time Nurses (Practical 10 full time each ( 1 on call 307 5 to 6 part time (Aides 79 on call people Total 142 Nursing Homes & 3 Modern nursing home. Homes for aged 2 Home for aged couples. Child Guidance Clinic More certain financing. 1 Psychiatric Social Worker. "Follow-up" psychiatric Eastern Oregon State Hospital care upon release from (averages 15 admittances per hospital. Education on vol- month from timatilla County) untary commitment in early stages of mental disturbances.
34 Health Agencies and Services Juvenile counselors tality rates. Substantial increases The county employs two juve-in numbers of older people can be Provided nilecounselors.The Committeeexpected. City councils feels that a psychiatric worker The supply of nurses is not suf- Mosquito and fly control would be valuable to the counsel-ficient to meet the demands even Maintain clean streets ing program of the Child Guidancethough the number of graduate Provide pure water suppiy Clinic. nurses is greater than ever before. Operate sewage disposal sys-County health advisory The county has no practical nurse tem committee training program which could help Maintain sanitary dump Sponsors child guidance clinicalleviatethe pressing need for grounds nursing services. The county has License distributors of food Administers child welfare been named as a pilot county for Maintain park and play- fund testing the "Visiting Nurse" pro- grounds The U. S. Public Health Servicegram. Public schools recommends for adequate medical The total population at Eastern Physical education care a ratio of 1 physician to eachOregon State Hospital is 1,500 or Hot lunch 1,800 people in urban areas, 1 tomore with an average of 12 to 18 Record cards for students 1,200 in rural areas. The countya month admitted from this coun- Nutrition classes has a population of 43,840 makingty. The primary causes of commit- I-Tearing and visual testing a ratio of 1 to each 1,124 peoplement are senility and alcoholism. Mental health program with 30 registered medical physi-The county may have a larger num- cians, 3 osteopaths and 5 chiro-ber admitted because of the Pendle- American Red Cross practors. However, since residentston location of the hospital. Ad- Disaster relief of this county use the services ofmission may be by voluntary or Blood program some physicians outside the coun-involuntary commitment. If patient Nurses training ty and personsinneighboringasks for treatment he is usually First aid and water safety countiesoftenconsultUmatillagiven 30 'days of: treatment. Invol- training County physicians, our county ratiountary commitments are made by County Health department does not give a true picture. physician and county court. There The County Health Department The U. S. Public Health Serviceis no guidance for patients outside includes 1 doctor, 5 nurses, 2 sani-recommends 1dentist for eachthe State Hospital. tarians, and 1 visiting specialist1,200 population. The county has A Child Guidance Cliniccon- (to be two years in the county). 20 dentists, which gives a ratio ofducted by the County Health De- General health program and1 to each 2,192 people. nartment is held two days a month. enforcement of public health The State Hospital Plan has anThe services of a well qualified laws, objective of 2.5 patient beds perstaff of child psychiatrist, psy- Medical aspects of civil de-1,000 population in rural areas andchologist,and psychiatricsocial fense 4.5 patient beds per 1,000 in inter-worker are provided by the State County Tuberculosis and mediate areas. The county has atBoard of Health. From the period Health association present 186 available hospital bedsSeptember '56 to May '57, 57 chil- Contact county patientsinwith a ratio of 3.8 beds per 1,000dren were seen in the clinic with TB hospitals people. Here too, there is overlap45 given psychological testing. The Chest X-rays (when request-with other counties. clinic is two days in length and ed) Welfare funds are not available8 to 10 children can be seen by Annual nurse scholarship for dentures and eye glasses forthe psychiatrist and 6 to 8 children children or the aged. can be tested. National Foundation for There are four nursing homes The source of income for the Infantile Para'ysis and one home for the aged, locatedChild Guidance 'Clinic is uncertain. Hospital care in Hermiston, Pendleton, and Mil-It is financed by a grant from the Physician's care ton - Freewater. Twenty - nine ofState Board of Health(Mental Nursing care these beds are made available toHealthdivision),county funds, Physical therapy welfare patients. Ninety percent ofrural school board allotment at lOc Appliances the patients in nursing homes areperchild, and an appropriation Recommended surgery over 65 years of age. from the local United Fund. How- County Public Welfare There is a scarcity of nursingever, United Fund gives only in commission homes and an apparent loading ofproportion to the success of the Placement of children in fos-general and mental hospitals withdrive, the school board can with- ter home aging people,particularly thosedraw funds if it chooses, and the Medical care for welfare re-chronically ill or, senile. state funds decrease each year. cipients Many families fail to assume In time of peace it is difficult Referral to proper agencies the responsibility of caring fortoget people deeply concerned (Needed: funds for glasses andtheir aged members. with needs and functions of Civil dentures for welfare recipients.) The county has over 5,000 peo-Defense. Prenartion for natural Oregon Heart Association Die 65 years and older. Advancesdisaster usually receives the same Information on heart diseasesin science, esnecially those contrib-unconcern. and allied conditions uting to health and medicine, have The west end of the county has Speakers and films resulted in a steady decline in mor-the most complete Civil Defense
35 organization.Hermiston has17 gram be developed on the oppor-disposal systems are major cause zones with one lieutenant and twotunities for training, service, andof polluted water supplies through sergeants named for each, and aschools for practical nurses, andthe contamination of the ground captain for every four blocks. Thethat effort be made to recruit localwater. total for Hermiston is 58 civil de-women for training. 3. That either the County Ex- fense workers beside police, fire That thepilotVisiting \ tensionofficeortheCounty departments, and city employees.Nurses program be supported andHealth Department be contacted U'matilla Ordnance Depot is com- used. foradviceor information and pletely organized. That Child Guidance Clinicpamphlets on rodent control. Other areas and particularlybe supported by the county budget. 4. That measures be taken to the rural areas lack organization That a Psychiatric Socialcontrol the large numbers of mos- and training. Worker be a county employee, uitoes in parts of the county. Nearly all citizens that havecounty paid. 5. That each town provide ade- taken first aid training did so dur- That Extension Division of uate refuse disposal so the rural ing World War II. State College plan an educationalareas will not be plagued with open Recommendations program for parents on child be-dumps. havior problems. 1. That educational programs be 1 6. That properly operated sani- continued among adults and chil- That a study be made totary landfills for disposal sites be determine the need and means ofestablished. dren to stimulate the adoption ofsupport for a psychiatrist located food habits essential to good health Home Management and good teeth. in the county. That effort be continued to Financial planning 2. That the value of fluorida-inform the public on what has been tion of public and community wateraccomplished in keeping our "home Nearly every familyiscon- supply be investigated as an aidfront" alert. frontedwiththeever-pressing to the prevention of tooth decay. That family training be giv-question, "How can we do the best 3. That community health coun- job with the money we have?" I cils be organized where they doen to rural people to care for othersThe family income and how it is not exist to consider dental healthin case of disaster. spent determine what a family has needs and the development of tooth Sanitaflon and does. Every budget needs flex- decay orevention programs. ibilityfor unforeseen necessary 4. That the county bring the (See map on following page) spending. The present trend in J number of hospital beds up to the Umatilla County has poor gar-family spending in Oregon is that IU. S. Public Health Service stand-bage disposal areas and facilities,it must be adjusted downward to ards and give support to any hos-an unknown number of pollutedfit the income. Often families find pital involved in expansion. water supplies, improper sewagethey have committed too much of That the county study problemsdisposal, mosquito control prob-their income to monthly payments. of the aging population and facili-lems, and a vector control problem.Increased income taxes often leave ties to meet needs, and that stepsPromiscuous dumping creates athe family with much less than be taken to solve these problemsconsiderable hazard, even with 29anticipated. About 25 to 30 per- and meet standards of good nurs-dumns in the county. cent of the family's income goes ing homes. The county employs two fullfor food, 8 percent for clothing and That canablecitizensbetime sanitarians and has the serv-another 2 percent is spent on per- urged to invest in private rest andices of a vector control specialistsonal care. About 6.5 percent goes old age homes within the county.for the next two years. for furnishings, including house- That educational prorams The committee recommends: hold textiles, floor coverings, furni- be established to help people un- That all water supply sys-ture and bedding, small equipment, derstand the aging process andtems be safe and pure. Water sup-major appliances, and housewares. recognize the needs. ply systems should be checked byTransportation accounts for nearly To help maintain physicalthe County Health Department11 percent of the consumer's do!- and mental health we recommendand sampled for purity wheneverlar and 5.4 percent is spent for that in caring for the aging, pro-a new well has been constructed,reading, recreation, radio, and tele- vision be made for and when alterations have beenvision. From under 10 to over 19 (1) housing suited to needs,made on the present system. Waterpercent is spent for housing and physical. mental, and social;(2) should also be samnied by theanother 5 percent for household nurnoseful activity; (3) good med-health department when there isoperation, excluding utilities. ical and nursing care;(4)dietsdoubt as to its purity. The committee recommends: adapted to older ae needs; and That all sewage be disposed That appropriate programs (5) emotional security - friendshipof in a proper and sanitary man-be set up to educate people through and affction. ner, to the extent that it is notthe use of all communication fa- That community organiza-allowed to flow on the top of thecilities (radio, newspaper, T.V.) in, tions offer scholarships or set upground or into water courses. Thewise consumer buying. a revolving fund for nursingedu-health department should be con- That Extension Service help cation in order to encourage localtacted when a new sewage disposalfamilies gain an understanding of girls to enroll at a school for nurs-system is planned or alterationsmoney factors (taxation, currency ing. are to be made in the nresent sys-exchanges, over-production)that That an educational pro-tem. Improperly installed sewageinfluence family income.
36 TO PASCO WASHINGTON
UMA PINE TO WALLA WALLA MCNARY DAM CO 1U FREE WATER VA A MILTON
E LI X
) WESTON ORE. -T. 2 49,t,
p ç 7, MISSION PEN DL E 1,9 N MCKAY RESERVOIR
BASE LIME -1
. Ø 74 PILOT ROCK 0
m (4 UNION
UMATILLA COUNTY L STATE OF OREGON
UKIAH GARBAGE DUMPS 0 MOSQUITO BREEDING AREAS AREAS OF POLLUTED GROUND WATER
GRANT COUNTY Changes in family living were either working outside theprogram. A minority of the home- Households todayaresmall, home or looking for work. makers now enrolled in active ex- averaging 3.39 persons. In times This trend to women's workingtension work are young mothers. past households were large. Manyis increasing, and families are notExactly 700 homemakers are now hands were neededthen,sincegoing to give up the added payenrolled in 16 extension units with- these people produced much ofcheckwillingly.These workingin the county. It is impossible to what they needed. Today, house-women are of all ages, but theestimate how many women receive holds are largely consuming units.largest increase is coming fromhelp by various other means The average household size isthose in the "over 45" group andradio, news stories, bulletins, of- stilldecreasing, although youngthose with young children. In 1955,fice and phone calls. homemakers are having more chil-16 percent of the young women The committee recommends: ren. This change in birthrate with children under six were work- That educational meetings be its effect on household size hasing outside the home. held open to the public in central been offset by an increase in single The committee recommends: locations to encourage more par- person households. That an effort be made toticipation. Many single individualsare set-determine the kind of help needed That a county home eco- ting up separate living situationsby young homemakers and suitablenomics program be organized to rather than living with other fami-programs be established to meetmeet needs and interests of all lies. This gives us two cross-trends:their needs.(Evening meetings,economic and educational levels in (1) young families are larger to-baby care program, etc.) the county. day, and (2) more single or wid- That asistance, wherever pos- 2. That an effort be made to owed persons are living alone. sible, be given to families wheredetermine the kind of help women Across the country, fewer peo-both parents work, to help in eval-need. The program may or may ple are living on the farm; moreuating the additional income earnednot be patterned after the present persons are moving into cities orby the homemaker. program. suburban areas. More farm folks That working mothers be That a leadership training are working part-time off the farmhelped to realize the importance ofprogram be established to service in order to add to their incomes;adult supervision for children. Par- interested people in all groups. a few city folks are moving outents need help in understandingNutrition and doing some farming on a part-and assuming more responsibility It has been stated that an aver- time basis. in family life. age of 25 to 30 percent of the fam- People are living longer. This That the needs of older ageily's income goes for food. Enough means that a higher proportion isgroups in social and recreationalis produced in this country so that in the "over 55" age group. Theseprograms be determined and ap-each person should have a balanced people have special interests andpropriate aid given. diet. needs. Poorly fed Americans may be Women are living longer than Housing found at any economic level. The men, and as the family bonds are The amount spent for housingpoorest fed Americans are the teen- broken by death, these homemak-varies a great deal from family toage girls and homemakers of child- ers find it necessary to adjust tofamily. From under 10 to over 19bearing age. a new mode of living. Frequentlypercent of the consumer's dollar Obesity is the Number Oie nu- they are ill-prepared to make thismay go for the home itself. Anoth-tritional problem in the United adjustment. er 5 percent goes for household op-States. At the same time, our youngeration, excluding utilities. Opera- Trends in food markets show peonle are marrying and assumingtion costs include such items asmore ready-to-serve or partially adult responsibilities at a youngercleaning tools and supplies, house-prepared foods, self service and age. They are marrying young andhold services, and minor repair andpromotion of large exhibits of sin- are averaging two or three chil- upkeep of the home. gle food items. The appeal is to the dren, which they tend to have close During 1956, remodeling andimpulse buyer. together and early in married life.repair were given greater emphasis The committee recommends: Over half of the first marriagesthan new building. This trend is That since nutrition informa- today t'tke place by the time theexpected to continue for the nexttion is most needed by young moth- e'irl is 20.Over half of the motherstwo or three years. ers for the proper development of are 26 or younger when their last The committee recommends: children in their growing years, an child is born. It follows that at the That information and educa-effort be made to find out how age of 48 well over half of thesetion be provided on improvingbest to reach young mothers and women will have "married off"storage areas of the home, modern-to interest them. their last child. izing and streamlining kitchens, That importance of proper Today nearly 40 percent of thebathrooms, and workrooms. nutrition be presented to older peo- American women are working out- That educational programsple in a convincing manner. These side the home. More city womenbe provided on good home lightingpeople living alone often neglect than farm women are working out-standards, and on safe wiring fortheir own nutrition because of dis- side the home; more single womenequipment. interest in cooking for themselves. than married wOmen are working.Reaching more people That nutrition information Yet, in 1955, nearly 30 percent of More young homemakers shouldbe presented to reach the largest the married women in this countrybe participating in the extensionnumber of men possible because
38 men largely influence the way their Youth Participation in Activities Outside The Classroom wives cook and what their children like to eat. School No. of students No. of Average activity 4. That sufficient programs and in activities activities per student information be given to encourage available people to establish a good diet for Pilot Rock 147 11 1.84 proper weight. IVIilton-Freewater 385 30 2.0 Rural Youth Athena 88 11 2.5 In this County, during 1957, Hermiston 556 25 2.0 there were 10,384 children enrolled in county schools. This compares Pendleton 570 17 to 7,668 enrolled in 1950, an in-The Committee recommends: patterns have become established. crease of 35%. Of these enroll- That school authorities limit Thecommitteestudiedthe ments, 7,640 are between the ages driver training program used by of 8 and 18 and therefore eligiblethe maximum activities in which aabout three-fourths of the high formostnationallysponsoredstudentmay becomeinvolved.schools in the state. This program youth organizations. MembershipMany children participate in toois recommended by traffic law en- in 6 of these organizations is tabu-many school activities while someforcement officers. Insurance lated. Rural, urban, rural nonfarmshould be encouraged to partici-companies demonstrate confidence breakdown is based on estimates. pate in more. in it by allowing a 10% reduction Enrollment in County Youth Groups in premium rates to young people between the ages of 16 and 25 who Rural Nonf arm Uurban Total have completed a course with a Rural minimum of 30 hours classroom Blue Birds ------200 258 500 958 and 6 hours driving experience. 388 At the present time the cost Camp Fire Girls 88 100 200 per student trained is high. The Cub Scouts 200 200 550 950 Oregon Legislature recently pro- Boy Scouts 100 150 250 500 vided funds to apply on the Driver FFA - 150 35 15 200 Training program allowing school districts twenty dollars per enroll- 4-H Club 376 215 327 918 ed student to be applied to the Total Enrolled 1,114 958 1,842 3,914 1958-1959 school year. Funds are Counting duplications where a Thateveryoneconcerned -derived from a dollar increase in boy or girl belongs to several or-schools, churches, and parents -the driver license fee. ganizationsthe committeeesti-should encourage children to spend The committee recommends: mates that 3,276 boys and girls inmore time at home, and that par- That driver training be compul- the county of eligible ages do notents organize activities to involvesory for all high school students belong to any of these organiza-the family at home. in Oregon at the 15 year old level tions. The six groups listed in the That communities of the coun-as soon as financially feasible. table are organizations with con-ty analyze their local need for ac- That safety programs which in- structive programs contributing totivities among young people be-fluence youth toward safe driving the development of boys and girls.tween the ages of 18 and 21 andphilosophy be encouraged. These The committee recommends thatplanconstructiveactivitiesforinclude the J. C. Sponsored "Ro- each of these organizations expandyoung people graduated from highdeo's," the 4-H Automotive Proj- its enrollment and include a moreschool but not enrolled in college.ect, the 4-H Tractor Maintenance representative portion of eligible Project, and the Explorer Driving boys and girls. Each organizationYouth and cars Safety Rodeo. should take inventory of its mem- Cars and teenagers are both a Teenage driversaccount for bership with the purpose of assur-problem and an institution.Inonly part of the increasing traffic ing boys and girls from isolatedchecking five high schools in theaccident rate. Oftentimes teenage rural areas an opportunity to par-county, the committee determineddrivingphilosophyreflectsthe ticipate if they wish. that 185 students in these schoolsdriving example demonstrated by are driving to school. The admin-adults. School activities istrators of the schools felt the That law enforcement agencies A study was madeoffivenumber was not excessive becausestep up programs to restrict the al- schools in the county in an attemptthese cars are needed to em'blecoholic driver. It also recommends to determine whether the countyrural youth to participate on equalto the Secretary of Statethat youthneed moreactivitiesorterms with students in town. drivers' license offices enforce a whether they are exposed to too Every effort should be made toregular driver examination pro-- imbue boys and girls and parentsgram for elderly drivers. many.The accompanying tablewith a philosophy of safe and sane Juvenile delinquency shows the results. Activities re-driving. It should be emphasized at The committee recognizes juve- corded are those that take placeage levels where youths are stillnile deliquency as the foremost outside of class rooms. open minded, before bad drivingproblem facing Americans. In 1956,
39 498 different cases were referredjuvenile delinquency problem inRiverside school for retarded chil- to the county juvenile court con-thecomingyearstheCountydren serves as a pilot program. It cerning some phaseofjuvenileCourt should employ an additionalaccomodates 15 children from 8 to problems; 198 were held in cleten-worker in the JuvenileDepart-13 years of age. No provisions are tion. Some reasons for delinquencyment. made for these retarded children are: The Juvenile Department, un-after leaving Riverside. Adult ed- Broken homes der the County Juvenile Court isucation in many fields is available Parent indifference or delin-now staffed with two professionalat the high schools through night quency workers. Each ofthesehas aclasses. Vocational education and Dependent children. monthly load of 80 youths to coun-classes in the creative arts are pos- Broken Homes: The committeesel. The accepted counseling loadsible. Some coursesforcollege studied the Umatilla County di-is 50 per month. credits are available in Pendleton, vorce rate. Over a 3 year period That the County Court studyHermiston, and Milton-Freewater. the marriage and divorce rate wasthe county jail facilities and lay There is a need for well quali- as follows: plans for improving them as timefied teachers, and for better under- and finances permit. Year standing between teachers a n d Marriages Divorces The committee feels that theparents.Parent-teacherconfer- [955 287 147 facilities and supervision in theences should be developed, and county jail are inadequate wheretried in several grade schools and 1956 300 150 it is impossible to separate youngone high school. Concerted effort 1957 (to Nov. 21) 233 111 teenagers from hardened adult in-by parents to create a favorable mates. teacher climate would give teach- Over the threeyearperiod That the County Child Guid-ers high statusandencourage there has been one divorce to eachance and Health Advisory Coun-more people to enter the teaching two marriages, or a 50% divorcecil establish a Big Brother and Bigprofession. The dedicated teacher rate. The state of Oregon averagesSister movement throughout theshould be respected and even re- three divorces to each five mar-county. We recognize the influencevered just as are members of the riages or a 60% rate. The U. S.that interestedadultshave onother professions. averages one divorce per 4.2 mar- young lives. riages or a 24% divorce rate. Ore- Changesinthecurriculum gon has one of the highest divorce Schools and Education should be geared to the modern age rates in the nation. The committee checked with ministers, doctors, SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION IN UMATILLA COUNTY and teachers in this study. Districts School School Expend., Other The committee believes more Year in countycensus Enrollment Maintnce expendtrs. couples need marital counseling be- (1-12 gr.)operations fore and after marriage, and mar- riage laws are too lax. The Com- 1946-47 83 8,095 6,371 $861,817.79 $8,503.07 1956-57 mittee recommends: - 24 13,565 10,384 $3,906,693.49$129,548.24 That the governor of Oregon counsel with governors of adjoin- Year ElementaryUnion Unified County Amount ing states to formulate state legis- districts high districts valuationsper lative programs that will result in schools child more consistency in the marriage 1946-47 70 5 8 $50,926,408.49 $7,993.47 and divorce laws of the Pacific Northwest area, and that these 1956-57--- 12 2 10 $61,082,285.93 $5,882.35 programsincludeprovisionfor The people of the county haveto meet the needs of the child for compulsory counseling before mar-made many improvements in theirliving. The school program is not riage and before divorce. educational facilities in the pastwell balanced in all areas of in- Thereisagreatdiversity10 years, and the schools are ren- struction. among marriage and divorce lawsdering a commendable service. Re- Home economics and other vo- in the various states. Tighteningorganization of school districts iscational education in high schools marriage laws inOregonalonegoing on, and there will be manyneed to be coordinated with other would be ineffective because mat-new developments in transporta-outside training programs. Young rimonial candidates would simplytion, curriculum, facilities, and stu-adults not attending college need apply in a different, more lenientdent activities. School bus trans-provisionlocallyforvocational state. portation has been improving intraining. That in the absence of suchtype of equipment and services standardization the County Childrendered. All but two districts have The Committee recommends: Guidance and Health Council takebus transportation and accidents That seriousconsideration leadership in organizing a county-are a rarity. Most of the schoolsbe given to a local Junior College wide interagency council for theare serving well planned hot lunch-that will offer college courses and purpose of promoting and offeringes. Two schools remain that servealso terminal vocational work. marital counsel service to schoolshot lunches only during cold weath- Thatmoreemphasisbe and other organizations or to indi-er.Library facilities are up togiven to student guidance through- viduals. state standards. Kindergartens areout the school life of the student. That, anticipating an increasedprovided in3of thedistricts. That a special supervisor be 40 selected to be available for county That the community par-girls under the age of 16 from ob- service to schools. ticipate in a program of loan fundstaining agricultural work permits That the public schools cur-or financing plan for teacher prep-where exposure to heavy machin- riculum be studied by lay people ery is involved. Judging by pre-- as well as by professional educa-aration. vious participation the committee tors. That housing and living fa-believes this means that approxi- That every school providecilities for teachers in rural com-mately 50 to 100 youths will be the hot lunch program. munities be improved. unable to work legally in local har- Thatallcitizensexercise That school buildings bevest operations. Since the oppor- continual vigilance concerningavailable for adult and after schooltunity to hold down a job is im- the school bus transportation andactivities. portant to older boys and girls, facilities. That effort be madetothe committee is concerned about That young adult class in-honor the more meritorious teach-the problem of finding appropriate struction be encouraged in areasers as permanent professional cit-jobs for those between the ages of of the county when and where theizens. 14 to 16 years. need arises. That programs for the re- Thecommitteerecommends Thatschoolscontinuetotarded and exceptional children bethat the U. S. Forest Service study keep up their library facilities in the possibility of organizing a for- accordance with state standards. enlarged. That every schooldistrictYouth kborproblems est youth camp where young teen- under the Reorganization of School Going into effect in 1958 a newage boys could be employed in rou- Districts Act provideeducationdirective of the Oregon L a b oa' tine forestry chores unassociated through 12 grades. CommissioncJ will prevent boys andwith heavy machinery.
41 eceaeeot ecm#u4tee efto
Committee Members Ray Rees, Helix, Chairman Norton 0. Taylor, Milton-Freewater, secretary Frank Leeper, Pilot Rock Robert Butler, Pendleton Ed Knopf, Milton-Freewater Don Hawkins, Pendleton Lwayne O'Harra, Weston Mrs. Jack Duff, Pendleton Ferdie Hudemann, Stanfield Carl Ramsey, Milton-Freewater Mrs. LaVerne Pearson, Pendleton Vern Tinnerstet, Pendleton Ray Richardson, Milton-Freewater Mrs. Lowell Caplinger, Pendleton Mrs. James Terjeson, Helix
Consolidation of schools andare in the Blue Mountains. the Umatilla River, is favorably development of good roads Attendance at Battle Mountainlocated and should be well adapted in the county have so integratedState Park has decreased slightly,to water sports. our rural and urban recreationalbut this trend is only temporary. Recommendations activities that the problem of lei-As demands on other facilities in- All aquatic sport recreation sure time use is now countywide. crease it will change. Need for ad-areas be fully developed. We have more and more leisureditional facilities must be reckon- When Mission Dam is built, time, much of it devoted to recrea-ed with. recreation should be spelled out as tion. Increase in leisure time has one of its purposes. It should not been due to:1. Mechanization of Camping and Picnicking be turned over to the Fish and farms; 2. Shorter work week for The county is favorably sit-Wildlife Service. city people; and 3. Rapid trans-uated with the Blue Mountains and portation. the Umatilla National Forest in Swimming These factors, along with in-the east and south.There are The county is short of swim- crease in population in the North-many natural sitesfor campingming facilities. For a county of west, have congested our alreadyand picnicking. this size adequate swimming facil- inadequate recreational facilities. Last year Umatilla Nationalities must have capacity for 1,500 To attract industry and tour-Forest started a five-year programpersons. Existing facilities serve ists we must develop our naturalto develop forty-eight camping and only 500. recreationsources and improvepicnicking areas. Twelve sites have Oftheelevenincorporated and add to local facilities. been completed. towns and cities in the county only The county has many natural We commend the U. S. Nation-five, Pendleton, Milton-Freewater, advantages. Fishing and hunting,al Forest Service and recommend:Hermiston, Athena,a n dHelix centered in the Blue Mountains Expansion or development ofhave swimming poois. and the Umatilla National Forest,all existing sites for camping and There are no covered,year- have long been major attractions,picnicking uses. round-use swimming pools. This is and have furnished seasonal rec- Aquatic Sports one of the greatestrecreational reation for much of our popula- needs of Umatilla County. tion. All possible aquatic sport rec- The county hasthreestatereation areas should be fully de-Recommendations parks and one trailer park. In-veloped. Communities withoutade- creasing use of the parks is shown Use of McKay Reservoir forquate swimming facilities should aquatic sports is limited by thedevelop them. in the accompanying table. That t h eschools include plans for covered swimming pools; Number of People Using Umatilla County Parks or PARK 1954 1955 1956 In the event that these are not feasible, investigate the possi- Hat Rock State Park ----- 55,731 66,945 92,394 bility of a Y.M.C.A. with pool in Emigrant Springs State Park 89,733 130,452 147,915 Pendleton, or a county-sponsored, Battle Mountain State Park - 26,562 24,985 23,850 covered,y e a r-round swimming pool. Ukiah-Dale Trailer Park 33 8,931 10,355 Hat Rock State Park, recentlyFish and Wildlife Service. McNaryUse of Public School Facilities for developed, is on the lake behindPool is far from our center of pop- Community Recreation McNary Dam. ulation, and needs more develop- The use of our public schools Emigrant Springs, Battle Moun- ment. for nonschool activities, including tain, and Ukiah-Dale state parks The proposed Mission Dam, onrecreation, has increased recently.
42 Schooladministrators h a v eRecommendations the problem be made by sports- been reluctant to permit the use of That a ski area be planned inmen and landowners. schools for nonschool activities be-the southern part of the county. That sportsmen undertake a cause of liabilityresponsibilities positive education program aimed for accidents. Landowner-Sportsman Relations at the delinquent sportsman. Hunting and fishing have long That every effort be made Recommendations been among the most popular Schools should not be monu- to teach our youth to be good ments to education. They shouldforms of recreation. With the greatsportsmen with a proper sense of increase in population and develop-responsibility. be the dynamic centers of commu-ment of rapid transportation, re- nity life. Present day educationlationships between sportsman and That any hunter who in- costs dictate maximum use of fa-landowner have deteriorated. It isjures another person by careless cilities. small wonder that some privategunfire shall have his hunting li- That legislativeaction belands have been closed to sports-cense revoked for life. taken relieving school administra-men as a result of sportsmens' dis- Recreation Coordinator tors of responsibility when schoolregard of their responsibilities and facilities are used for nonschoolthe right of the landowner. Crop The committee considered the functions. damage, gates not left as theyneed for a new county officer, a were found, litter and debris leftCountyRecreationCoordinator, Winter Sports behind, careless shooting, to saybut believes the present demand is In the northeastern part of thenothing of the wilful destruction ofnot great enough to justify the ex- property, have all caused the land- county is a very fine ski area,owner to resent sportsmen. pense. Spout Springs. If a site in the Hunting accidents are all too As populationincreases and southern part of the county could common needs justify it employmentof be developed it would be of great Recommendations such an officer should be given benefit. 1. That a mutual approach toserious consideration. c-J
43 44ee4t% eo44tm4eee 'efto'ie
Committee Members Wm. Hansell, Athena, Chairman Mike Kilby, Pendleton, Chairman Swine Sub-Committee Bill Duff, Adams, Chairman Beef Cattle Sub-Committee Herman Snyder, Pendleton, Chairman Horse Committee Harry Cline, Chairman Sheep Sub-Committee Norton Taylor, Milton-Freewater, Secretary Gray Thompson, Pendleton, Secretary Dr. Stanley E. McGough, Pendleton, Secretary
Carl Groth, Umapine Bill Johns, Athena Paul Rice, Pendleton Stanley Green, Stanfield Jay Scott, Athena Eldon Harvey, Pendleton Roy Hatley, Pilot Rock Henry Lazinka, Ukiali Dick Piper, Milton Frank Bensel, Hermiston Lee Foster, Pendleton R L. Liueallen, Adams Ben Kilgore, Hermiston Bill Harder, Milton Joe Dougherty, Pilot Rock Dr. R. L. Whitford, Pendleton Evelyn Broun, Pendleton Gaylord Madison, Echo Ray Rugg, Pilot Rock Altha Kirk, Hermiston Lou Levy, Pendleton Don Coe, Milton Emil Muller, Helix Vic Johnson, Pendleton Ron Baker, Hermiston M. A. Buroker, Umapine
Livestock production is an im-Epidemic typesofdiseasearecomparative value and economy of portantsegmentinthevery uncommon, but the parasitealfalfa pasture, alfalfa chop, alfal- economy of the county, and is in-problem is an ever present menace.fa pelleted, and other sources of creasing. In 1949 income from live- Expansion of hog industry roughage; and cross breeding - stock amounted to $2,236,209; in National legislationaffectingwhat different breeds should be 1957 the income from meat ani-feed grains also effects the hogused in a cross-breeding program? mals and wool was $5,541,850. outlook. This makes the future dif- That there be an increasing The potential in livestock hasficult to predict, however. amount of research on swine dis- not been attained, and income in Recommendations eases problems. This, coupled with '58 will probably exceed that in The committee recommendsconstant vigilance by all concern- '57. a general increase in hog produc-ed, should keep the swine industry Swine tion in the county. in a healthy position. Census figures show thatin That the Extension Service, That an additional agent be 1940 sows and guts for spring far-workingwithinterestedswineadded to the Umatilla Extension rowing in the county numberedgrowers plan and conduct one orStaff. This agent should be respon- 1901, in 1945-1519 and in 1950more barrow carcass shows, be-sible for livestock, or he should re- 1047. The committee estimatedcause of their educational value. lieve another agent so that addi- sow and gilt numbers for 1957 at That the Extension Servicetional time of one man could be 1125. make available to swine producersspent on livestock. The growing Oregonisapork-importinginformation giving merits and dis-importance of livestock justifies state. It has 1% of the nation'sadvantages of selling on a railsuch a request. population, but produces only .3grade. If possible, a demonstration That the Extension Service of 1% of the nation's hogs. Oregonshould be arranged where a localtake the initiative in organizing imports about 57% of its porkproducer or organization will co- an association of producers inter- needs either live, dressed, or cured.operate in an attempt at this typeested in swine problems, to promote The West Coast has 10% ofof marketing. programs helpful to the swine in- the nation's population and pro- That there be more researchdustry, as well as to provide an duces only 1% of the nations hogs.on problems of swine management.organized group to represent swine Oregon is in a position to competeResearch on swine has been inad- producers in legislative and other favorably in supplyingporktoequate in Oregon. The Experimentpolicy matters. neighboring states, especially Cali-Station has had very few projects fornia. relating to swine management. The Horses The barley-hog ratio in Oregonbranch experiment stationsare The number of horses in the has recently been more favorabledoing little or no swine work. county dropped steadily until 1954 than the corn-hog ratio in the Problems needing research are: Mid-West. Economics of hard surface a n dbut has been increasing since. The Swine diseases shelter versus dirt pens, in con-recent increase in the number of The county is in a relativelyfined feeding; different types ofhorses represent a gain of well- good position as to swine diseases.buildingstructuresandcosts;bred horses. 44 Population trends ohorses in UmatillaRecommendations Expansion of sheep industry County The committee recommends: More farm flock sheep could be 1950 3,678 That a local breeders' asso-raised profitably in the county. 1951 4,000 ciation be formed. Breeders' asso-Persons interested should obtain 1952 3,500 ciations are most important fromallinformationavailablebefore the national to the local level. Theystarting this enterprise. Only good 1953 2,900 help promote interest, increase thequality breeding stock should be 1954-. -. 2,365 opportunity to display good horsesacquired. New operators should un- (674 farms with horses and/or mules on and good training, and thereby aidderstand internal parasite control census report) the horse breeder by increasing thepractices, and apply them rigor- 1955 2,400 demand for and price of his prod- ously. 1956 2,450 uct. Good sheep fences and, if pos- 1957 2,500 That a horse show with asible, dog-proof fences, are a must Total number of horses in Oregonthis recognized judge be held at theto a successful farm flock project. year is 50,115. County Fair. Members of the Corn- Ample supplies of good quality -mittee were appointed to meet with Summary of horse breeders in Umatilla low cost roughages are a prere- County: the Fair Board to promote a horsequisite to a successful sheep opera- show at the Fair in 1958 and sub- tion. Shetland 9 sequent years. Thoroughbred 4 That Quarter Horse racingMarketing Marketing of lambs and wool Arabian 6 in the State of Oregon be increasedis a problem for the small farm Quarter Horse 28 both by scheduling races on ap- flock sheep raiser, since local mar- Draft 2 proved tracks and by offering im- Mules proved purses. kets for these products are not -- 3 That the State College bethe best. Total 52 asked to schedule a Horse Clinic Research It is not claimed that horsein Western and Eastern Oregon on Most of the county's present raisingis hugely profitable.Inalternate years. In that way, morerange sheep operations have been most cases, horse breeding is noteastern people could get the valu-developed with a minimum of de- a primary source of income.Itable training offered. pendence upon public lands. does,however, have adefinite Because of the tendency of place and is profitable to those Sheep sheep tofeedprincipally upon breeders who have invested the The county sheep numbers totalb r o w s e,low growing shrubs, necessary time, effort, capital, andapproximately 31,000 head. This isbushes, etc., while cattle feed most- ability.Horse raising isalso aa heavy reduction in number fromly upon grasses, use of range by source of enjoyment to many. 200,000 head at the turn of theboth cattle and sheep rotated peri- Horses can be raised economi- century. During the last 30 yearsodically would give increased for- cally in most parts of the countynumbers have remained fairly con-age yields and reducesoilloss by utilization of stubble groundstant. problems. and available pasture land. Horses Factors limiting numbers ofRecommendations often can be run along with arange bands have been: The committee recommends: wheat operation. Availability of range. Sheep That long time results of Disease control range operations have been locatedrange use in rotation grazing by The county is a favorable arealargely on public domain. Adminis-sheep and cattle be learned, and from the standpoint of diseases oftrators have, since World War I,trials demonstrating this practice greatly reduced permits. be established. horses. The main considerations in Labor. Few experienced herd- disease control are: ers available. That farm flock sheep raisers Sleeping sickness, easily pre- Economic conditions. Pricesof the county consider organizing vented by vaccination program. received for products sold have nota marketing association for the Parasitesboth internal andincreased in proportion to opera-purpose of pooling and selling their external,particularly botsevertional costs. Now, with the Woollambs. present and must be controlled forIncentive payment, the outlook for That wool quality improve- an efficient operation. sheep is much better than a fewment programs be followed by Expansion of horse industry years ago. sheep operators. Wool quality is Demand for horses of all types Farmflocks,duringrecentincreasingly important. is good and will probably increase.years, have increased. Most of The price is directly proportion-these are side line farm enter- Beef Caffle al to the quality of the animal andprises. This trend is good and is The county is divided geograph- its training. expected to continue. ically so range and feed yard oper- Quality, regardless of breed, is Disease ations are compatible. the most important single point. The most serious problem of Range cow operations are prin- A knowledge of breed charac-the farm flock owner is internalcipally located east and south of teristics and requirements of thesheep parasites. The concentrationPendleton, while feed yards are breed association is a must forof the flock on fewer acres intensi-mainly in the northeast and west- any person who anticipates enter-fies this problem, particularly onern sections. ing a horse-breeding venture. irrigated lands. During recent years beef cat-
45 tie have become more important,stock enterprise in their farming The first feeding trial was con- a development due to: operations. ducted during the winter of 1953- Recognition of the value of 2. That there be an orderly de-'54. With each succeeding year the locally grown feed crops and cropvelopment of additional feed yardtrial has been expanded until the byproducts. facilities in northeast and western1957-'58 trial includes 12 pens of Increased acreages of feedsections of the county operated by18 each weaner steer calves, total- grains and processed crops result- experienced feeders and utilizinging 216 animals. ing from the national wheat allot- locally grown feed stuffs. These trials have been possible ment program. Marketing only because of cooperative effort. Curtailed income under the During the next ten years meatThe Experiment Station has paid allotment program causing manymarketing will, in the opinion ofthe wages of the feeders, budget- farmers and ranchers to diversifythe committee, undergo consider- ing anually about $4,000, and fur- their operations. able change. nished overall supervision of the Mechanization of the feeding Prepackaging of meat is donetrial. Extension Agents in Milton- operations removing a former ob-in many of the metropolitan areas.Freewater gave immediate super- j ection. It is expected to become more gen-vision to the trial, kept the rec- Livestock disease eral. ords, and made arrangements for Umatilla County is in a very As more of our meats are pre-the cattle. The cattle are furnished desirable situation from a diseasepackaged, more and more empha-by local cattlemen who pay feed standpoint. The county is a modi-sis will be placed upon good qualitycosts plus a small yardage fee. fied, certified, brucellosis-free area.with less fat. The feed yard used for the trial The committee recommends: Other possible trends include:the past two years is furnished That beef feeders and ranchersMeat preservation by irradiation;without charge by the Umatilla take advantage of new and perti-the use of meat tenderizers; in-Canning Company. nent information on cattle diseases;creased volume of frozen meat; Beef feeders of the northeast rely more on vaccines; and useand producer sales of slaughtersection of the county have taken the services of local veterinariansbeef on a carcass grade and yieldan active part in the planning of discussing with them diseasebasis. each year's experiments. problemsespecially when obtain- Successful producer-feeder cat- Results of the 1956-'57 trial ing cattle from other areas. tiesales have been held in theshowed feed cost per pound gain county. varying between $.1508 and $.1725 Expansion of cattle hid ustry T h ecommittee recommendsand daily gains per day between During the last ten years thethat since producer-feeder sales1.21 and 1.87 pounds depending feed yard capacityinUmatilladefinitely serve a purpose, they beupon the feeding plan followed. County has increased to more thancontinued. The cattle in the pen producing 20,000 head. the cheapest feed cost per pound Considerable quantities of feedMi!ton-Freewater beef feedingtrials gain were handled as follows: crops and crop by-products pro- Peavines were fed free choice duced annually here include barley Beef feeding trials at Milton- and corn grains, silages of cornFreewater have been conductedall the animals would clean up and peavines, alfalfa hay, someduring the past four years, as aeach day. Grass aftermath at a result of requests of local cattlerate averaging between .6 and .7 cannery wastes, and chaff from pounds was fed daily. wheat and barley. feeders to the Experiment Station Estimated tons of feed pro-for assistance in answering ques- Concentrate consisted of duced in Umatilla County each yeartions about use of locally grown1,400 pounds barley for the period 1953 through 1957:feeds. 300 pounds beet pulp Questions best answered by re- 200 pounds mill run Pea silage 121,060search include: 100 pounds molasses Corn for grain 4,087 What are the best combina-in 5/8 inch cubecost $52.50 per Barley 44,680tions of available feedstuffs? ton. Alfalfa hay 68,030 How and at what rates should The ration was based on per- Corn silage 12,090they be fed? centage of animals' body weight (from 350 tons in 1953 to What kind or kinds of cattleand was increased as noted below: 17,600 tons in 1957) Pen 4 Pen 5 1-69days % % Custom feeding of beef cattle 70-140 days 1% 1-89days 1% is in the experimental and develop- 141-247 days11/%90-247 daysj1/% mental stages in the county. As Average daily gain 1.61 lb. 1.78 lb. experience incattlefeedingis Feed cost per pound $.1508 $.1531 gained, feeders will be able to feed out their own cattle or offer cus- Average daily feed consumption tom feeding programs on a basis Concentrate 6.62 lb. 8.03 lb. of either cost per pound gained or Peavines 24.6lb. 21.8 lb. feed cost plus a yardage fee. Grass aftermath - - - .69 lb. .68 lb. The committee recommends: are best adapted to the local situa- The committee recommends: 1. That farmers producing feedtion? 1. That beef feeding trials now crops and crop by-products con- What results can be expectedbeing conducted at Milton-Free- sider including some type of live-from the use of hormones? water be continued.
46 That funds for operationalbeef projects, came in for consid-ing educational programs on a expenses of trial be increased toerable discussion. more realistic basis, educating the $6,000 annually through additional The committee recommends: youngsters as to the amount of state appropriation to the Experi- That increased emphasis befeed required by various types of ment Station. placed on the commercial beef steerlivestock and training youth to That plans for a permanentproject. This would result in afeed toward this requirement. experimental beef feeding yard beprofitable feeding experience with That the Umatilla County drawn, to be developed at sucha method much superior to presentCattlemen's Association sponsor a time as funds are available. feeding methods for show beef. specialjuniorcommercialbeef Youth That the 4-H and FFA de-feeding contest based on economy Youth education, 4-11 and FFApartrnents put their livestock feed-of gain.
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Committee Members Arlen Buroker, Milton-Freewater,Chairman H. E. Bierman, Hermiston, Secretary Dairy SituationDon Neil, Stanfield, Chairman Quality of ProductHarold Meissner, Milton-Freewater, Chairman FeedVirgil Attebery, Hermiston, Chairman Requirements-_George Patterson, Pendleton, Chairman
Art Marcuardt, Hermiston Kenneth Williams, Stanfield Mrs. Duff Knight, Hermiston M. A. Buroker, Milton-Freewater Mrs. Kenneth Williams, Stanfield Mrs. Don Neil, Stanfield Jim Parent, Milton-Freewater Jess Anson, Stanfield Lester Brown, Pendleton Herman Plass, Hermiston Mrs. Jess Anson, Stanfield
Umatith County DairymenProduction per cow Recommendations h a v e demonstrated that The Dairy Herd Improvement The committee recommends: Grade A dairying is a well adaptedAssociation records show that in enterprise,because of favorable1956 the average production per That the cream producer climate and abundant feed supplies. feed the skim milk to livestock to cow was: make Grade A dairying pay. This In the past ten years, the num- U.S.A.-383 lbs. butterfat; 9,-system is considered most profit- ber of dairy cows here has sub-713 lbs. milk testing 3.9% stantially decreased. The U.S.D.A. able. In November 1957, Grade A 1945 census reports 10,000 dairy Oregon-389 lbs. butterfat; 8,-fluid milk was 70 cents per pound cows, but in 1957, it is estimated872 lbs. milk testing 4.5% butterfat plus $2.70 per CWT of there were only 4,400 dairy cows Umatilla County-356 lbs. but-milk. For cream production, the terfat; 8,714 lbs. milk testing 4.1%November price was 63 centsper two years old and older. pound of butterfat. Committee members outlined Grade A Processors and Dis- the following reasons why dairy-tributors report that milk testing That farmers planning to ing has decreased: 4.2% butterfat average, suppliesestablish Grade A dairy operations Dairying was more profitablethe butterfat needs for all Gradefirst contact Grade A processors to A fluid milk product sales. Gradelearn when a quota contract can between 1942 and 1952 than now. be received. After a quota has been During that time, many farmersA fluid milk is standardized 3.8%assured, it is suggested that a new were maintaining a Grade B unit,butterfat content. dairyman construct his unit, buy selling cream. There is a trend, nationally, for There are now fewer familyGrade A fluid milk producers toquality springer cows and heifers cows. and be organized to develop an become more specialized. The dairy-efficientoperation. New or in- The county has no processedman may operate under a dry lotcreased quotas are more likely to milk outlet. program. All forage and concen-be available during August to De- Many dairymen found theytrates will be purchased. Undercember. could make more money throughthis system, a neighboring farmer That the commercial, family- industrial or urban employment. may have a contract to grow outfarm dairyman maintain 35 to 60 The demand for Grade Athe producer's replacement heifers.producing cows, under good man- fluid milk is now being supplied. Potential expansion agement, so he may receive an ade- There are fewer Grade A The county may become a great-quate return for family labor, man- fluid milk producers. As pipe-lineer dairying centerbecause:1. agement, and interest on invest-- milkers and bulk tanks are in-Grade A fluid milk can be hauledment. The size of unit needed will stalled,dairymen are increasingto Portland via refrigerated tankdepend upon performance, effici- the number of cows per unit. and trailer units at 31 to 35 centsency, degree of specialization, etc. Milk production per cow hasper CWT. Milk can be hauled to400,000 pounds of milk per man increased 20% during the last 10Portland more cheaply than hay.year is considered desirable. years. 2.Portland milk-shed dairymen That dairymen keep good Value of production may move to Eastern Oregon duerecords. With records, dairymen Umatilla County dairy, milkto competition from more intensivecan feed according to production, products, cash marketings werefarming, urban development, highdevelop a good breeding program, estimated in 1952 at $1,302,550. Intaxes, and high feed costs in West-a rigid culling program, and adopt 1957, total sales were $867,000. ern Oregon. improved management practices.
48 The Dairy Herd Improvement As- That dairymen buy replace-to cooperate with the area's State sociation's program provides a rec-ments, tested to show a clean bill-Milk Inspector. ord system to improve the per-of-health and with good produc- That Grade A dairymen formance of dairy cows. tion record backgrounds. manage their feeding program to Dairymen report that their net That artificial breeding beprevent off-flavored milk.Silage return has a direct relationship toused to give commercial dairymenfeeding within two hours of milk- production.Productionof8,752improved performance and effi-ing frequently promotes off-flavor. pounds of 4% milk valued at435, ciency from their herds. That dairymen cooperate returns $258 over feed costs. A That only registered sireswith processing, retailing, and con- production level of 11,210 poundswith backgrounds of productionsumer groups to promote mutual of 4% milk is valued at $550 ortesting be used. Purebred breedersunderstanding. $344 over feed costs. have an opportunity to produce That dairymen maintain at- The D.H.I.A. program is avail- foundation stock of specific bloodtractive dairy farm layouts, as a able to all dairymen. During thelines. good public relations program. past ten years, Umatilla DHIA That dairymen support andFeeds and feeding production has increased 72 poundsadopt the programs to eliminate A dairy enterprise can provide of butterfat per cow. The 1956brucellosis, tuberculosis, and lepto-a ready market for part of the average butterfat production wasspirosisanduseevery knowncounty's forage and grain produc- 356 pounds. The Association's goalmeans of mastitis control. tion. is a 425 pound butterfat average. Calfhood vaccination is recom- Research work shows that ex- That dairymen manage theirmended to immunize dairy cattlecellent quality forage will provide breeding programs to get more uni-against brucellosis infection. The80 to 85 per cent of the total feed form production. county is now a certified, modified,requirements for a dairy operation. That dairymen handle theirbrucellosis free area. Hay, silage, and pasture programs, replacement heifers to help main- Mastitis udder infections aretherefore, largely determine wheth- tain their quota during the Augustmore difficult to control. Mastitiser the dairy is profitable or not. to December period. There is a sur-is reported to be the most costlyGrain and concentrate plus during the March to Junedisease. With an excellent, high protein period. That new Grade A dairy-forage program, dairymen can sup- That producing cows be al-men contact the milk inspector be-ply additional energy needed by lowed an adequate dry period. Rec-fore constructing new facilities sogrowing or buying Umatilla grown ords show that 0 to 19 days drythat all requirements can be met.feed grains and by-products. Con- produces a 9,805 pound level; theRules and regulations have beencentrates should be fed according 20 to 29 day period, 10,306 poundsadopted by the State Departmentto a cow's production and condi- and the recommended 50 to 59 dayof Agriculture to promote produc-tion. Mineral requirements can be dry period producesan11,077 tion and marketing of a qualitymet by providing steamed bone- pound lactation. product. DairymencJ are encouragedmeal and iodized salt.
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COMMITTEE MEMBERS John Bensel, Heriniston, Chairman Herman E. Bierman, Secretary Sub-Committees: Commercial Egg ProductionChickens: Phil Gibbons, Milton-Freewater, Chairman Broilers, John Bensel, Hermiston, Chairman I'urkey Production: Joe Baggett, Hermiston, Chairman
Commercial Egg ProductionChickens Broiler Production Turkey Production John Bensel, Hermiston John Bensel, Hermiston Joe Baggett, Hermiston Phil Gibbons, Jr., Milton-Freewater Frank Bensel, Hermiston Russell Tucholke, Milton-Freewater Clint Jackson, Hermiston Roy Penney, Stanfield Mrs. Don Neil, Stanfield Ed Benthine, Umatilla Mrs. Leo Klaus, Hermiston Frank Bensel, Hermiston
County poultryinenconsiderthe Double "A" quality eggs need-April brood. Commercial egg pro- commercial egg productioned to supply the local demand. ducers use multiple brooding to a well adapted farm enterprise, be-Recommendations get efficient production. Confined cause of favorable climatic condi- rearing is recommended. tions and abundant feed supplies. The committee recommends: That poultrymen have a well That available practices to Commercial egg production hasplanned marketing program. prevent or control each disease become a specialized, efficient, and That a commercial egg pro-situation be used. Alert manage- somewhat integrated farm busi-ducer house at least 4,000 layers.ment will prevent costly disease ness. The part-time or side-line unit canoutbreaks. The 1954U. S.Agriculturalmaintain 500 to 1,000 layers. TheSummary Census found 75,000 layers onsmall flock should house enough It was concluded that a poultry- Umatilla County farms. There haslayers to supply family needs. man can be successful only when been a gradual decline in commer- That increasing poultry flockhe has an established market out- cial flock numbers. numbers not be considered until anlet, an adequate and efficient unit, Production of Oregon layersefficient operation has been plan-Double "A" quality production, and has improved. In 1940, it was esti-ned and market outlets obtained,low cost of production. mated that the average lay wasalthoughexpansion would give 169 eggs. By 1956, the averageadded income, diversification, and Turkey Production rate-of-lay had increased to 216use of available resources such as Turkey growers feel that the eggs. family labor and feed supply. county is well adapted to turkey Since 1945, the number of lay- That the operator arrangeproduction. The semiarid climate, ers on Oregon farms has variedfor and plan a continuous financialsandy soil, available low cost land, little from 3,500,000. Oregon lay-program adequate to meet hisand isolated area, are all favorable ers produced 497 million eggs inneeds. factors. 1945, but in 1956, the same num- That the operator install and Feed grains are abundant. Feed ber produced 617 million The Na-use recommended egg-handling fa-represents about 60% of the cost tional egg production in 1945 wascilities and methods which will in- of production. Growers report that estimated at 56 billion eggs. Bysure marketing Double "A" qual-in 1957 feed costs averaged around 1956, the volume increased to 61ity. 15 cents per pound of market bird. billion eggs. That the operator obtain and The large majority of Oregon The National average per capitafollow established and recommend- turkeys are marketed in the Pa- consumption in 1945 was 402 eggsed management, production, andcific Northwest. Ten years ago ap- and by 1956 the per capita de-marketing methods. proximately one-half of the turkeys mand dropped to 369. That poultrymen purchaseproduced in the Pacific Northwest The Pacific Northwest has ap-high performance egg 1 a y i n gwere sold east of the Mississippi. proached self-sufficient basis instrains. Turkeys produced in California and producing market eggs. This coun- That the producer start hisUtah are competing for the Pacific ty, however, does not produce allflock with a February, March, orNorthwest market. so The turkey enterprise is becom-Processinq breeder program and have a year- ing a more commercialized, inte- Only three major processinground operation. Growers who keep grated industry. concerns are available to handlebreeder flocks should develop high Oregon is especially noted forthe county production. Growersperformance stock through a rigid the production of Broad Breastedwill need to plan carefully withselection and foundation program. hatching eggs and poults. Westendprocessing plants, so their birds turkey growers have developed acan be processed at the best age, Broiler Production good reputation for the productionweight, and quality. Commercial broiler production of high quality Broad Breasted The Federal Inspection Act re-is very efficient, competitive, and Bronze hatching eggs and poults.quires that by January 1, 1959, allhighly commercialized. It is an in- In 1958, there will be 8,500 breederpoultry products moving throughtegrated business producing broil- hens there. interstate commerce, or designateders under contract. In 1945 there were 43 millionconsuming areas must be inspected. It is recommended that before turkeys produced in the U.S. andThis act also provides that pack-a farm operator establishes a broil- in 1956, 77 million. In 1947, Ore-aged poultry must be properly la-er program he obtain a contract gon produced 3,105,000 turkeys andbeled and marked with the officialmarket outlet. A sound finance pro- in 1956, 1,428,000. In 1957, Uma-inspection mark. gram is needed. tilla County produced 108,000 tur-Production methods New production and manage- keys. Growers must keep their over-ment methods are gradually lower- Most of the turkeys in the Pa-head down and their investmenting the cost of production. In 1957, cific Northwest are marketed froz-low. They must also use labor-sav- it cost 19 cents to produce a pound en, though fresh turkeys areavail-ing devices, clean range, and wellof broiler, live weight basis, in the able for a short period beforedrained soil, feed a well balancedcounty. The return above cash Thanksgiving and Christmas. ration, and provide adequate na-costs has ranged from 2 to 3 cents Market promotion tural or artificial shade. The mostper pound. Turkey growers in the countydesirable range crops for this area If a grower is depending upon believe that Oregon's turkey indus-are: Alfalfa, sunflowers, and corn.broilers for a living, he should have try should continue to promote,Many growers could profit by rais-a capacity of 20,000 birds and raise "Eat more Turkey" throughout theing an early and a late flock offour broods per year. year. The industryshould encour-turkeys. This makes better use of Competition is from the south- age retail stores to carryturkeyinvestment and labor, and alsoern and eastern states.It costs at all times. helps processing and marketingthree cents a pound to transport Efficiency programs. heir pan-ready broilersto this The committee believesthatBreeder flocks area. However, the cost of produc- turkey growers in Umatilla County The Westend of Umatilla Coun- tion is 15 to 20 per cent higher in can compete for the Pacific North-ty is especially well adapted to thethe Pacific Northwest. Therefore, west markets if they have an effi-productionofturkeyhatchingNorthwest broiler growers must cient programof management,eggs. Growers who raise marketcapitalize upon being able to offer feeding, processing, and marketing.turkeys can successfully operate aa higher quality product. c-J
5' eeeeee eommeeeee ,-
Committee Members Tree Fruits & Vegetables Beekeeping Chairman: Walter Roloff, Chairman: Roy Sires, Hermiston Milton-Freewater Secretary: H. E. Bierman, Hermiston Sub-Chairmen: M. E. "Pat" Morris & Sam Frazier, Stanfield Wallace Bullock, MiltonFreewater Tom Lenhar, Hermiston Bert Rozema, Hermiston Secretary: EarlE. Brown, Closson Scott, Pendleton Milton-Freewater Alex LeFore, Milton-Freewater Earl Ransom, Milton-Freewater Harry Scudder, Milton-Freewater Potatoes & Melons Clarence Waliser, Milton-Freewater Chairman Emil Zivney, Stanfield C. C. Anspach, Milton-Freewater Fred Groth, Milton-Freewater Secretary: H. E. Bierman, Hermiston Sam Brinker, Milton-Freewater Ralph Rawson, Stanfield Aaron Weis, Milton-Freewater Chris Sturm, Hermiston Cecil Carter, Milton-Freewater Art Wilson, Hermiston Wilbur Bline, Milton-Fz-eewater Tom Davidson, Hermiston Wilbur Gibbons, Milton-Freewater L1oyd Hudspeth, Stanfield Phil Gibbons, Sr., Milton-Freewater Bill Huddleston, Hermiston Ned Feigner, Milton-Freewater Johnny Sturm, Hermiston Glenn Gibbons, Milton-Freewater John Waichi, Hermiston Barlow Clark, Milton-Freewater Herbert Tanke, Milton-Freewater John Roloff, Milton-Freewater Russell Bolen, Milton-Fx-eewater
The Milton-Freewater fruit in-rainfall occurs, so the trees be-theMilton-FreewaterExtension dustry is rebuilding follow-come hardened off and are not sus- Agent.) ing the disastrous freeze of No-ceptible to subzero temperatures To finance livingcosts and vember, 1955 which resulted in anormally occurring during the win- grow new orchards, most growers 10-million-dollar loss of propertyter. have off-farm jobs. Some have in- and income, and practically elimi- Here is the tree population increased their plantings of vege- natedUmatillaCounty'sthirdthe area prior to the freeze and intables for the fresh market. These ranking income crop. Forty-fivethe two years immediately follow- include: tomatoes, cantaloupes, wa- hundred acres of orchards wereing: termelons, squash, sweet corn, and killed or seriously damaged. This included a total loss to fruit grow-Numbers of Fruit Trees in Umatifia County ers of 3,000 acres of prunes and Survived Planted cherries, and an 85% loss of 1,500 Fruit 1950 1954 1955 freeze 1956-57 acres of apples. Apples 53,099 76,218 Orchards set from 1953 to 1955 33,750 49,132 were killed back to the snowline.Prunes & plums 279,916 203,992 10,900 49,788 Growers either cut these trees offCherries 33,627 18,429 5,473 and regrafted them or left themPeaches 26,098 16,529 2,440 to sprout up hoping to realize some income prior to the time newly Less than half the acreage priorgreen beans. planted orchards would produce.to the freeze has been replanted. For tree fruits and vegetables There are now approximately 500Acreage of trees survived plusthe committee recommends: acres of cutback or grafted treesthose planted in 1957 is estimated That only cobbly-loam soil in in the area. at 1881. the Milton-Freewater area should This November freeze, the first The most important job for 300be planted to tree fruits. Land suit- of its kind in the 80 year historyorchardists in the next six or sevenable for the production of other of orchard growing in the Milton-years is orchard re-establishment.crops should not be planted to fruit. Freewaterdistrict,camewhileThe estimated minimum cost of That the State Department of trees were still in leaf and in a suc-growing an orchard to six yearsAgriculture be contacted and asked culent condition. Moisture and tem-of age is $1,000 to $1,500 per acre.to enforce all existing laws per- perature were favorable through-Both figures are exclusive of landtaining to the control of insect out the entire month of Octobercost. Figures are based on 1957pests and diseases that could af- and the first week in November.costs of fertilizer, spray material,fect the fruit industry if left un- Normally, killing frosts are com-nursery stock, water, labor, taxes,controlled in the Milton-Freewater mon in October and very littleandinsurance.(Forcostsseearea.
52 That the State Department of Apples Prunes and Plums Agriculture enforce all laws in ef- More than 1,100 acres of ap- The committee feels that early fect concerning fruit traffic, spray-pies are now planted in the county.prune acreages already planted in ing or destroying infected or in-The committee feels that this acre-the area are sufficient. New plant- fested fruit that is grown here orage is enough and that no moreings of prunes and plums should is brought into Umatilla County. should be planted.Packing andbe of the late Italian variety. That an annual survey be madestorage facilities are not sufficient T h ecommittee recommends of fruit tree plantings established that only virus-free stock from re- in the Milton-Freewater area toto handle a larger production. Ad- ditional facilities would be uneco-- putable nurseries be planted. furnish up-to-date information fornomical for the short period of making recommendations for plant-time that apples can be shipped Watermelons ings and marketing practices. before competing areas begin mar- Watermelon production, 1,000 That fertilizer trials be estab-keting. Large acreages of applesacres in 1957, is a well adapted lished on fruit trees, using basichave been planted in many apple-enterprise on Ephrata loamy sand fertilizer materials plus minor ele-growing areas of the United Statessoils of the west Umatilla area. ments. Leaf analysis work, startedduring recent years. These plant-The crop is grown in rotation with in the Milton-Freewater area priorings will start producing about thealfalfa, pasture, and field corn. Pu- to the disaster, should continue. Allsame time that peak productionsarium wilt, being widespread in varieties of tree fruits should behere will occur. the district, and a soil-borne dis- included. The growers starting young Redease, is of the greatest concern to That pome and stone fruit vari- growers. Present popular green and ety trials, established in the areaDelicious orchards should adoptstriped Klondike varieties are not in 1954, be continued adding newnew pruning methods. The Vernerwilt resistant. Losses due to wilt varieties as they appear. method is being used in other areasranged between 15 and 20% of That the Extension Service, inwith good results. the plantings over the past several cooperation with the Experiment The committee recommends: years.Good progress has been Station, continue to carry on in- 1. That all growers request in-made on the marketing situation. sect and disease research withinformation from their ExtensionImprovement was gained through the Walla Walla Valley area. UpAgent or other experienced indi- educationaland demonstrational until the establishment of the Mil-viduals concerning new methods ofactivities,cooperativeendeavor, ton-Freewater experimental areapruning Red Delicious. During theand the establishment of a local in 1949, control of certain insectsfirst four or five years of growthbroker. and diseases was based on recom-very little pruning is suggested on The committee recommends: mendations from research in west-apple trees planted as filler trees. 1. That variety development ern Oregon. After the establish-Less pruning will mean earlier pro-- ment of the area, more accurateduction. work be continued at the Umatilla information on the biology and con- That good practices should beBranch Experiment Station.Fu- trol of insects was available. followed in training young, perma-sarium wilt is the number one con- district be cern to growers. A wilt-resistant That a livestock nent apple trees, and overpruningvariety of watermelon is needed created in the Milton-Freewatershould be avoided. area where no livestock will be per- that has qualities equal to present mitted to run at large on the valley Cherries popular varieties. floor where fruit and vegetable The acreage of cherries in the 2 That improved cultural prac- crops are grown. area should be increased. The sametices through research and demon- That fruitgrowers, packingfreeze that killed cherry trees instrational work be explored because house operators, and other profes-the Milton-Freewater area reducedland available for the planting of sional persons should attempt toWashington's production consider-watermelons may not be adequate keep up on the practices in fruitably. California has lost large acre-to maintain the present acreage in growing now applied in areas com-ages of cherries to housing develop-the area. It is the hope that this parable to the Milton-Freewaterments and virus diseases. work will lower the wilt loss, jim- area. This applies, particularly, to The Milton-Freewater area. inprove quality, and increase yields. the central Washington fruit pro-the past, has shipped the earliest That growers ship only quali- ducing areas. Each year new cul-carlots of cherries from the north-ty melons, U. S. No. 1 equivalent tural practices and handling meth-west. with all marketing on an order ods are developed. basis before shipments are made. That the Extension Service, in The committee recommends: Buyers report that they place a cooperation with the Experiment That cherry plantings be in-great deal of confidence in certain Station personnel, continue to testcreased in the area adapted to their tomato varieties and establish vari-production. This excludes heaviergrowers who have maintained a ety trials on cantaloupes and water-types of soil on the outskirts ofdesiredqualitylevel.Additional melons to determine if better varie-the area. emphasis should be given to estab- ties can be found. That stock known to be viruslishing better market practices in- That trials be established to de- free be used. Newer varieties offormation along with developing a termine whether staking tomatoescherries, such as the Van, that is economical and to determineare recommended by experimentdistribution pattern to channel the varieties best suited to this prac-stations, should be used as pollen-melons more systematically and ef- tice. izers. fectively.
53 Pof aloes The greatest return from beesclover and stands of other honey- Early, Long White Rose pota-here is from pollenization. This isproducingplantsbepreserved. toes grown in the west end, undernot making a large monetary re-Beekeepers would appreciate it if good management practices pro-turn to the beekeeper. It is esti-farmers who plan to apply bee- duce good quality and favorablemated that in 1957 there weretoxic insecticides would contact the yields, have the advantage of earli-2,000 colonies rented for polleniza-nearest County Extension Agent er harvesting, usually during thetion. Many of these rentals wereto learn application methods that second or third week in July, andin other counties resulting in con-are effective, but are still safe for provide a much needed cashcrop. siderable travel and expense to thethe bee population. The use of 2, The committee recommends: operator. Under present conditions4-D alongroadsidestocontrol at least 600 colonies used for honey That 300 sacks of No. 1po- noxious weeds is necessary, but at tatoes be the goal of all production and pollenization arepresentitiseliminatinglarge growers. needed to be economically feasibleamounts of bee pasture. That the growers of theareaas a single unit. The value of such cooperate with the State Depart- That beekeepers use reward a unit, with modern and good quali-posters and other law enforcement ment of Agriculture shipping pointty equipment, vehicles, and build- inspectors, in order that only pota-ings at 1957 prices, would requireaids to discourage molesting of bee toes of good quality may be offeredabout $24,000 capital investment. yards and colonies. for sale from the area. The committee recommends: That all beekeepers should That there be no further in- support the check-off plan as a crease in acreage of potatoes in That increased amount of in-means of providing money for the the area until new marketsor anspection work be done by the statepromotion of honey so that it can improved marketing program isapiary inspector. This may warrantbetter compete with other prod- developed. increased registration fees. Farm-ucts. This plan provides for 1 cent ers' and hobby hives should bere-per 60 pounds of honey to be with- Beekeeping ported and registered, since theyheld from the producer's sale price are the greatest factor in the trans- There are approximately 3,500ferring of disease to commercialand this amount to be matched hives of bees in the county. Theyapiaries. by the wholesaler. are handled by approximately 40 That because of their low beekeepers. Two of theseare full- Sulfathiazole and Terramycin time operators. Eight are operat-are good disease preventatives. In-margin of profit beekeepers adopt ing apiaries that supply one-thirdformation on their use should belabor-saving equipment that will of their total income. The rest aredistributed. increase efficiency, thereby plac- farmers with a few colonies to sup- That discrimination be useding the product in a better position ply honey or pollenization for treein the spray program for weed con-and increasing the net return to or seed crops. trol,and where possible, sweetproducers.
54 UMATILLA COUNTY AGRICULTURAL DATA: 1948-1957
1. ANIMAL INDUSTRIES 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957* Number as of Jan. 1: Horses and mules 4,300 4,100 3,800 3,300 3,500 3,000 2,900 2,400 2,450 2,500
Cattle: all 43,000 44,900 44,000 44,400 56,000 64,800 71,700 71,000 71,000 77,900 Beef Cows: over 2 yrs. 9,000 9,300 10,000 11,500 13,500 15,600 16,500 17,000 22,000 28,500 Milk Cows: over 2 yrs. 7,000 6,000 6,000 5,600 5,000 5,100 5,200 5,100 4,750 4,400 All other cattle 27,000 29,600 28,000 27,300 37,500 44,100 50,000 48,900 44,250 45,000 Sheep: all mci. lambs 49,000 48,000 46,000 43,500 41,000 40,000 43,000 46,000 44,000 40,000 Ewes - one yr. old and over 40,000 39,000 38,000 36,000 32,000 36,000 34,000 32,000 30,000 29,000 Hogs: all md. pigs 6,900 7,000 7,300 6,200 7,900 6,000 3,700 4,900 5,000 6,000
Brood sows over 6 months 1,400 1,500 1,200 1,200 1,100 600 500 900 900 1,000
Goats and Kids - all kinds 200 150 200 150 200 200 100 150 150 160
Milk goats 180 100 150 120 150 150 70 100 100 110 Chickens 4 months old and over on farms 100,000 98,000 109,000 111,000 115,000 120,000 115,000115,000 100,000 70,000 Turkeys: raised previous year 6i3O00 65,000 65,000 69,000 72,000 70,000 75,000 78,000 81,000 70,000
Geese: raised previous year 350 350 325 400 400 6,100 1,000 1,400 250 250
Ducksraised previous year 600 500 500 500 300 250 250 250 250 250
Other poultry previous year 100 175 150 150 130 100 100 100 100 100 Rabbits: raised for all purposes 3,100 3,100 3,200 3,200 3,300 3,300 8,000 9,000 9,000 9,000 1. Foxes in captivity Mink in captivity
Chinchillas 25 30 34
Karakul sheep 60 60 60 10 10 Other fur-bearing animals Bee colonies on farms during year 5,100 4,500 4,300 4,200 3,200 3,000 3,000 3,100 3,100 3,600
2. FIELD CROPSAcres harvested in 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957* a. Small grains:total for grain 298,400 285,820288,000288,000 301,500 312,000287,020286,150 287,100280,010 Wheat harv. for grain, grown alone 279,000 275,000258,000 270,000297,000 305,000215,000 201,000200,000201,000 Barley, harv. for giain, grown alone 16,500 8,000 27,000 16,000 5,000 5,500 68,000 80,000 82,000 85,000 Oats threshed, total 2,400 2,400 2,500 1,000 500 700 4,900 3,400 2,100 1,000
1 Oats for grain, grown alone 2.400 2,400 2,500 1,000 500 700 4,800 3,300 2,000 1,000
2 Oats cleaned out of vetch or peas 100 100 100 Rye harv, for grain, grown alone 500 420 500 1,000 1,000 800 600 700 1,000 3,000 Grains grown together and threshed as a mixture (Wheat & oats, wheat & barley, wheat & rye, oats & barley) 1,000 2,000 2,000 Othergrainthreshed(Buckwheat, emmer, prose, millet, spelt, etc.) 50 10 b.Corn harv. for all purposes, except sweet 1,100 1,020 1,100 1,200 1,200 1,300 1,500 2,300 2,500 3,100 c. Hay crops, all kinds harv. * 30,200 29,225 32,500 31,450 26,300 27,575 26,750 33,900 34,500 28,200 Alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures cut for hay 15,000 15,500 16,000 16,000 14,000 17,000 16,500 16,500 17,000 17,000 Oats, wheat, barley, rye or other small grains cut for hay 10,0)0 9,400 12,000 11,000 8,000 7,000 6,400 11,000 11,500 7,000
55 2. FIELD CROPS Acres harvested in (Continued) 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957* Vetch or peas, alone or mixed with oats or other grains, cut for hay 100 325 300 350 400 200 1,000 3,500 2,500 2,000 Clover and mixtures of clover and grasses for hay 1,100 1,100 1,000 900 500 375 350 400 500 200 Other hay, wild(prairie, range or marshgrass)crestedwheatgrass, orchardgrass, June grass, sweet-clo- ver, millet, sudan grass, old meadows, etc. 4,000 2,900 3,200 3,200 3,400 3,000 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,000 Other forage crops and uses,all on plowlancl 266,730276,910 276,608277,100 280,620271,120279,470292,630 290,970279,950 Grass silage made from grasses, al- falfa, clover, or small grains 80 80 80 100 100 450 600 450 450 Root crops harv. for feed 30 20 18 18 20 20 20 30 20 Rape grazed off 10 10 2 Annual crops grazed off other than corn or rape (Sudan grass, grains, etc.) 2,700 2,800 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 1,000 2,000 1,500 1,500 Cropland used only for pasture 44,000 44,000 44,000 45,000 47,000 50,000 32,000 35,000 32,000 25,000 Cultivated summer fallow 220,000 235,000243,000 250,000245,000 Cropland idle, failure, or in soil-mi- provement crops. 220,000 230,000230,000 230,000232,000 11,000 12,000 7,000 8,000 Forage seed crops, total harv. 4,125 9,575 8,498 3,145 2,140 2,250 1,180 1,828 1,300 1,486 I Alfalfa seed, all harv. 50 190 400 550 220 365 200 280 475 950 Common 50 110 4A)0 390 60 10 100 Nomad 165 64 140 130 Orestan 80 160 160 Ranger 200 206 335 700 Vernal 20 2 Clover seed, all kinds 180 170 45 70 40 25 20 95 40 33 Red 135 160 30 15 20 15 20 20 40 33 -a Cumberland 10 20 20 -b Kenland 10 5 -c Pennscott 15 13 Alsike 20 10 Ladino 5 5 15 45 Sweet 30 10 50 White 25 Other clover seed (Rose) 10 5 e. 3 Grass seed, all harv. 295 565 520 1,275 1,705 1,830 1,672 1,153 590 403 Chewings fescue 25 60 160 20 60
Creeping red fescue 150 40 65 125 100 80 75 -a Illahee 75
Tall (Alta) fescue 85 85 160 500 1,000 1,050 550 600 180 161
Merion bluegrass 20 50 50 75 50
Tuallatin oatgrass (other) 90 180 250 585 520 400 454 70 85 Wheatgrass 120 150 70 100 100 200 110 100 155
-a Intermediate 100
56 2. FIELD CROPS Acres harvested in (Continued) 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957* -b Pubescent 3 7 5 5 85 -c Whitmar 10 5 -d Tall (The 1957 acreage is crested wheat grass.) 5 70 Bromo 318 318 105 37 -a Lincoln 318 318 105 37 e.4 Austrian winter peas 3,600 8,600 10,000 1,200 200 60 260 300 300 100 e.5 Vetch seed, all grown alone or with support crops and threshed primarily for seed 50 10 50 Hairy vetch 50 10 50 1. Vegetable and other seed crops, total 120 51 50 2,060 640 84 70 135 50 32 Beans for seed 50 10
Hybrid field corn seed 1 Mustard seed 50 Onion seed 20 Potatoes for seed 50 50 60 40 84 70 95 40 32 Rape seed 40 Other seed crops (Garden type peas) 2,000 600 g. Specialty field and drug crops, total 11,610 8,983 1,840 7,920 4,715 10,220 5,484 4,846 7,260 10,099 Peppermint for oil 40 60 40 30 40 20 140 380 430 Sugar beets for sugar 1,030 1,200 1,000 1,600 1,800 2,300 2,500 1,700 2,100 2,481
Dry field beans for food 50 3 5 10 216 Dry edible field peas and garden-type peas 10,000 7,500 600 6,000 2,500 7,500 2,300 1,900 3,900 6,400
Hops 100 120 100 140 225 200 298 278 280 297 Safflower 678 471 Other field and drug crops 390 100 100 140 180 180 150 150 600 20 h. Total grain, hay, seed and specialty crops (a,b,c,d,e,f,g)* 612,285611,584 608,596610,875 617,115 624,549601,474621,789 623,680602,969
3. TREE FRUITS & NUTS - Total, com- mercial and other. Acres harvested in 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957* a. Apples, total acreage 575 780 800 830 875 925 1,500 1,600 450 1,195 Commercial apple acreage 500 655 675 675 700 700 1,275 1,275 20 100 Other apple acreage 125 125 125 155 175 225 225 325 430 ,095 b. Sour cherries, total acreage 550 595 595 550 400 300 275 31 Commercial sour cherry acreage 525 495 495 450 300 250 225 31 Other sour cherry acreage 25 100 100 100 100 50 50 c. Sweet cherries, total acreage 250 109 Commercial sweet cherry acreage 225 108
Other sweet cherry acreage 25 1 d. Peaches, total acreage 300 330 300 200 230 250 270 260 8 43 Commercial peach acreage 275 280 250 150 150 150 170 160 6 5 Other peach acreage 25 50 50 50 80 100 100 100 2 38 e. Pears, total acreage 40 40 35 40 40 40 40 50 12 12 Commercial pear acreage 25 25 20 20 20 20 35 35 9 9
57 3. TREE FRUITS & NUTS-Total, com- mercial and other. Acres harvested in (Continued) 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957*
Other pear acreage 15 15 15 20 20 20 5 15 3 3
Prunes and plums, total acreage 2,650 2,600 2,800 2,000 2,000 2,050 2,300 2,550 415 564
Commercial prune & plum acreage 2,600 2,550 2,300 1,500 1,700 1,700 1,950 2,000 15 10
Other prune & plum acreage 50 50 500 500 300 350 350 550 400 554
Apricots, total acreage 90 90 22
Commercial apricot acreage Included in other tree fruits 90 90
Other apricot acreage 22 Other tree fruits (almonds, figs, nec- tarines,quinces, planted black wal- nuts), total acreage 40 55 55 55 260 260 5 5 5 5
Commercial acreage, list 35 10 15 15 220 220
Other acreage, list 5 45 40 40 40 40 5 5 5 5
Filberts and hazelnuts, total acreage 1 1 1 1 1 1 Commercial acreage
Other acreage 1 1 1 1 1 1 Walnuts (English or Persian)total acreage 15 15 15 10 10 2 2 Commercial walnut acreage
Other walnut acreage 15 15 15 10 10 2 2
Total Tree Fruits and Nuts 4,155 4,416 4,601 3,691 3,816 3,836 4,901 4,838 890 1,950
Commercial acreage 245 4,015 3,755 2,810 3,090 3,040 4,260 3,807 41 124 Other acreage 3,910 401 846 881 726 796 641 1,031 849 1,826
4. SMALL FRUIT CROPS Acres harv. in 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957*
Tame blackberries, total acreage 15 5 5 5 5 1 1
Harvested acreage 12 5 5 5 5 1 Cranberries Harvested acreage Gooseberries, total acreage Harvested acreage
Loganberries, total acreage 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 1
Harvested acreage 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 1
Red raspberries, total acreage 42 45 20 20 25 25 25 15 18 18
Harvested acreage 40 40 14 15 20 20 20 12 18
Black raspberries, total acreage 6 6 2 2 2 3 3 1 1 1
Harvested acreage 6 6 2 2 2 3 3 1 1
Boysen & Youngberries, total 16 15 5 5 5 5 5 5 2 2
Harvested acreage 14 15 5 5 5 5 5 3 2
Strawberries, total acreage 70 25 25 35 35 25 25 15 45 30
Harvested acreage 60 25 25 30 35 25 25 12 28 30 Blueberries, total acreage Harvested acreage
Grapes, total acreage 85 120 85 120 125 160 160 500 50 60 Harvested acreage 20 120 75 110 120 150 150 400 40
58 4. SMALL FRUIT CROPS Acres harv. in (Continued) 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957* k. Other small fruits, total acreagelist (currants, tame huckleberries,etc.) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Harvested acreage 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1. Total small fruit crops 238 215 145 190 201 227 200 538 117 112 Total, harvested acreage 156 210 129 170 191 212 192 430 23 92
5. TRUCKCROPS AND POTATOES Acres harvested in 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957* a. Vegetables, all grown in the open for sale 34,233 45,655 48,086 52,989 46,150 45,788 51,228 57,952 62,109 60,656 Asparagus 40 55 95 85 60 100 100 135 130 420 Beans, snap green 35 20 20 20 15 50 30 44) 64 40 Snap beans for processing Snap beans for fresh market 35 20 20 20 15 50 30 40 64 40
Beans, green lima 5 120 1 1 240 600 600 425 232 Green lima beans for proc. 115 240 600 600 425 232 Green lima beans for market 5 5 1 1 Beets 5 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 Beets for processing Beets for fresh market 5 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 Cabbage 20 10 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 Cabbage for kraut Cabbage for fresh market 20 10 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 Cantaloupes & Muskmelons 20 25 50 75 75 150 185 50 50 130 Carrots 15 8 1 6 6 5 6 7 10 10 Carrots for processing 5 4 3 3 6 6 Carrots for fresh market 15 8 1 6 1 1 3 4 4 4 Cauliflower 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 Cauliflower for processing Cauliflower for fresh market 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 Corn, green 130 40 40 40 50 200 100 70 286 452 Corn for processing 10 260 400 Corn for fresh market 130 40 40 40 50 190 100 70 26 52 Cticumbers 5 5 4 7 5 7 3 1 5 5 Cucumbers for processing Cucumbers for fresh market 5 5 4 7 5 7 3 1 5 5 Lettuce, total (early & late) 7 2 2 1 10 3 1 3 3 Onions, dry 1 11 2 5 1 1 6 8 10 3 Peas, green 33,520 45,002 47,000 52,000 45,000 43,900 4.9,000 56,000 60,000 58,002 Peas for processing 33,500 45,000 47,000 52,000 45,000 43,900 49,000 56,000 60,000 58,000 Peas for fresh market 20 2 2 Spinach 15 5 12 Spinach for processing 5 12 Spinach for fresh market 15
59 5. TRUCK CROPS AND POTATOES Acres harvested in (Continued) 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957*
Squash and pumpkins 14 10 12 25 150 100 75 105 55
Tomatoes 350 275 455 275 400 370 300 250 275 450 Tomatoes for processing 5 5 5
Tomatoes for fresh market 350 275 455 270 395 365 300 250 275 450
Turnips and rutabagas 5 4
Watermelons 60 50 400 450 500 600 785 700 700 840 Other vegetable grown in open (brus sel sprouts, garlic, green onions, par- snips,radish, sweet potatoes, horse radish, etc.) 2 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 10 10
Irish potatoes for home use or sale 600 425 350 200 150 250 250 250 230 120 * TOTAL (a, b) for food 34,833 46,080 48,436 53,189 46,300 46,038 51,478 58,202 62,063 60,776
6. SPECIALTY HORTICULTURAL CROPS & GREENHOUSE CROPS. Acres har. in 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 195' 1955 1956 1957* Nursery crops,total acres of young fruit and nut trees, berry plants, and ornamental trees, shrubs and peren- nial plants. 340 260 349 175 180 180 260 260 185 185 b. Flower bulbs and corms, total acres 2 7 1 1 2 2 3 4 11 11
Gladiolus i 2 1 2 2 3 3 8 8
Iris, all kinds 1 3 3 Lilies, all kinds Other flower bulbs and corms, dahl- ias hyacinths. 5 e. Greenhouse products (Acres under glass) 13 3 3 4 4 4.5 3 9 16 f. Cut flowers 12 4 4 5 5 25 25 16 16
342 292 357 183 191 191 295.5 292 221 228 * preliminary.
Data Compiled by Umatilla County Extension Agents
60 ,lct4#wwee4eme.te The following Companies, Organizations and individuals generously contributed to make publi- cation of this Rural Affairs Planning Conference Report possible. The report was written by the Committee members and compiled and edited by the Umatila County Extension Agents.
Carroll Adams Tractor Company Myrtle Hale Pendleton Chamber of Commerce Agri-Chem Hansel Farms Pendleton Farm Bureau Ammon Brothers Harris Pine Mills Pendleton Grain Growers H. J. Anderson S. C. Hawkins June Pieper Harry Andrews Bert Haynes Fred Peterson Harold Barnett Hermiston Livestock Co. Pilot Rock Lumber Company Beef City Arnold Hoeft Pioneer Title Insurance Company Frank Bensel Charles Hoeft Dewey Purcell John Bensel Ed Hoeft Joseph G. Ramos Berg Brothers Hubbs Nursery R. Raymond & Son H. E. Bierman James Hutchinson Rees Brothers B. F. Bowman Iglehart Brothers Bertha Rhea Sam Brinker Victor W. Johnson Nancy J. Richards Brogoitti Elevators John E. Korvola L. Rogers Estate S. E. Brogoitti Key Equipment Co. Rohrman Motor Co. Wallace Bullock Claude Key Ronald Rew W. Earl Burnet Hazel Key Mrs. P. J. Rohde Walney Christopher Loyd Key Shell Oil Company (Art Holmes) Leo Clark Earl Kirkpatrick Mrs. Roy Sires Cold Springs Grange No. 801 Janie LaFave Smith Canning Company Ken Collins Ivan LaHue Herman Snyder Columbia Farm Supply Lamb-Weston Inc. Jack Stangier Columbia Grange No. 867 Henry C. Lembcke State Line Grange Cunningham Sheep Co. Lewis Livestock Co. W. Lowell Steen LeRoy E. Davis, Archer Daniels Midland Company 0. P. Loiland Fred G. Stevens R. W. Douglas McCormmach Brothers Hans Struve Bill Duff Georgia McClintock Southern Umatilla Soil Conserva- Frank Duff Gaylord Madison tion District Roy Duff Irvin Mann Estate F. M. Swayze East Oregonian Mayflower Milk Temple Hotel Eastern Oregon Motor Co William Meiners Roy V. Terney Empire Machinery Co. Milton Freewater Chamberof Twin Cities Gas & Oil Company Commerce Mrs. Carl Engdahl Umatilla Canning Company Milton Elevator Company Frank Engdahl UmatillaCountyDevelopment Commission Farm Chemicals Milton-Freewater Farm Bureau Umatilla County Farm Bureau Farmers Grain Elevator Moore and Ripley Drug Co. Farmers Mutual Warehouse Norb Mueller UmatillaElectricCooperative Association First National Bank Emil Mueller of Oregon, Pendleton Branch Howard L. Muller Port of Umatilla Ford's Tire Service Glen Newquist U. S. National Bank of Portland, Pendleton Branch Lee Foster Einer Newtson Utah Canning Company J. P. French Salve Omlid Gemmell Brothers Oregon Railroad Association Thomas Vaughan & Son Gillander & Burroughs Oregon Title Insurance Company Ray Warren Charles Goodyear Pacific Power & Light Company White Eagle Grange Chester C. Gordon Elmer Pahi R. Winn Leo Gorger Ranches Pomona Grange George Winship Mrs. Martin Haasch Willard Fell F. C. Wood Company Umatilla County Court
e64cateeat4 mmeitee James H. Maloney James Hill Jr. John Bauer William Hansell Verne Hendershott Gaylord Madison Sam Cook Victor W. Johnson EAST OREGONIAN PUBLISHING CO.