Schedule:

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Dr. Steve VanVleet, Agronomist, McGregor Company

This talk will focus on the identification of 40 common grass and broadleaf weeds, with an emphasis on distinguishing difficult-to-identify species at various growth stages—seedling, juvenile, and mature. Attendees will learn how to recognize key morphological features that differentiate grass and broadleaf weeds, even when they are in their early or juvenile stages. The session will include visual aids for identification, followed by an engaging audience quiz to test participants' knowledge and reinforce learning.

Dr. Steven VanVleet has been Research Agronomist at The McGregor Company since October 2022. Before this, he served as a Regional Extension Specialist at Washington State University for over 17 years, focusing on dryland agriculture, weed management, and legume agronomy. Dr. VanVleet earned his M.S. in Entomology and his Ph.D. in Agronomy and Weed Science from the University of Wyoming. Dr. VanVleet has also worked as a Field Biologist for USDA-ARS and American Cyanamid/BASF, conducting agronomic research, and developing noxious weed management programs.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Dr. Christina Hagerty, OSU Plant Pathologist

This talk will explore the life cycles, symptoms, and management strategies for Fusarium Head Blight and Stripe Rust in wheat during the 2024-25 crop year. It will cover key factors influencing disease development, effective management practices, and the timing and modes of action of fungicides for both diseases. Participants will gain practical insights on optimizing fungicide applications and other control methods to protect wheat yields and quality.

Dr. Christina Hagerty is an Associate Professor of Plant Pathology at Oregon State University's Columbia Basin Agricultural Research Center. A fifth-generation Oregonian, she grew up on a century farm in Willamette Valley. Dr. Hagerty earned her Ph.D. in Plant Pathology and her M.S. in Plant Breeding from Oregon State University. She is chair of the National Wheat Improvement Committee and is the president of the American Phytopathological Society, Pacific Division. Her research focuses on the biology and control of soil-borne pathogens that limit yields of dryland wheat production in the Inland Pacific Northwest

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM : Patrick Williams, Agronomist, Skysense AI, Inc.

This talk will cover how drones are used to collect data on weeds, diseases, and insects in crop production, as well as their role in applying chemicals for targeted treatment. We’ll explore how drone technology helps reduce chemical usage, promoting more sustainable farming practices. The session will also address the requirements for using drones in both scouting and spraying operations.

Patrick Williams got his start in the ag industry as a teenager weeding fields and picking vegetables in Greenacres, WA. After completing his degree in Agriculture Technology & Management at WSU he went on to work at Simplot for over 17 years, where he provided precision ag services in the Columbia Basin and Willamette Valley. Patrick is now the Chief Agronomic Officer for Skysense and owns his own sustainable agronomy consulting business, SoilTerra, LLC. Be sure to ask Patrick about his marigold research!

Room 1

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Darcy Sexson, AgWest Farm Credit

Kickstart your succession journey and learn how to start conversations regarding succession with family and trusted advisors. We will discuss communication tools and strategies specifically designed for family businesses in agriculture.

Darcy Sexson is a Relationship Manager with AgWest Farm Credit who specializes in working with family operations in the cattle, wheat, and row crop industries. She and her husband, Clint, have two sons and enjoy traveling, along with raising and showing cattle.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM: FRESH & SAFE: BASICS OF HOME FOOD PRESERVATION

OSU Master Food Preservers

This session is designed for individuals looking to learn the essential techniques of home food preservation to extend the shelf life of their favorite foods while maintaining flavor and nutritional value. Participants will explore a variety of preservation methods including canning, freezing, fermenting, and drying. Emphasis will be placed on safe practices, proper equipment, and understanding how each technique impacts the food.

Master Food Preservers are trained and certified volunteers who assist OSU Extension Service in their efforts to provide up-to-date food safety and preservation information to Oregonians.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: SPREAD THE SWEETNESS: A JAM & JELLY MAKING DEMO

OSU Master Food Preservers

Join us for a sweet and informative demonstration of the art of making homemade jams and jellies! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time fruit preserver, this session will guide you through the simple steps of turning fresh fruit into delicious spreads.

Master Food Preservers are trained and certified volunteers who assist OSU Extension Service in their efforts to provide up-to-date food safety and preservation information to Oregonians.

Room 2

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Winning The Battle: Effective Strategies For Controlling Bermuda Grass In Home Landscape

Cody Copp, OSU Extension Horticulturist

Bermudagrass can creep into your lawn and leave sad-looking brown patches when it goes dormant in winter or even choke out your more-desirable landscape and garden plants. It’s also one of the most notorious and hardest-to-kill turfgrass invasives. This presentation will provide an overview of Bermudagrass biology and arm you with several chemical and non-chemical methods for controlling it in your yard.

Cody Copp is a Horticulturist with Oregon State University Extension Service in Umatilla County, serving commercial producers that grow tree fruit, wine grapes, and processing vegetables. He also supports the horticultural needs of Umatilla County residents, providing technical expertise to solve a range of issues from landscape tree care to insect and disease identification.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Safe Water: Morrow And Umatilla Counties Drinking Water Roadmap Project

Tamra Mabbott, Morrow Co Planning Director;

Joseph Fiumara, Umatilla County Public Health Director;

Ronan Igloria, GSI Water Solutions, Inc.

Through a joint effort of Morrow and Umatilla Counties, the Drinking Water Roadmap Project was launched in 2024 to develop safe and reliable drinking water solutions for domestic well users who may be affected by high nitrate levels in groundwater within the project area. The panel will give an overview of the project methods; describe research being done to explore possible solutions, including the feasibility of extending water service from municipal water systems to well users; and issues related to construction and operational costs, regulatory and administrative requirements, and city/utility and public engagement. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: West Lambert, Tiicham Conservation District

Soil health is the foundation of any production system and assessing it doesn’t always require expensive lab tests or complex data collection. This session will equip small landholders, farmers, and ranchers with practical, in-field tools and the knowledge to observe and evaluate soil health in their own context.

West Lambert is the District Manager for Tiicham Conservation District and a graduate student at Washington State University in Agroecology. He holds bachelor's degrees in both Natural Resource Management and Sustainability and has extensive experience in land stewardship and conservation.

With almost a decade at the Natural Resource Conservation Service and additional work with the U.S. Forest Service and the Rodale Institute, West has developed a strong foundation for taking a systems approach in sustainable agriculture and ecological management. His current research focuses on dryland farming, specifically exploring interplanting strategies and livestock integration to enhance soil health and productivity.