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• 41. [Article] An economic analysis of changes in exclusive farm use regulations for homesteads in Oregon : a case study in Yamhill County

  Criticisms to the new regulations created in 1994 governing dwellings in Exclusive Farmland Use zones (zones where agricultural activities are allowed outright) have triggered an overall scrutiny directed ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An economic analysis of changes in exclusive farm use regulations for homesteads in Oregon : a case study in Yamhill County Author: Chen, Li, 1976- Criticisms to the new regulations created in 1994 governing dwellings in Exclusive Farmland Use zones (zones where agricultural activities are allowed outright) have triggered an overall scrutiny directed by the 70th Oregon Legislative Assembly. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of the new regulations on the value of farmland in the Willamette Valley with existing homesteads. A hedonic price analysis of farmland sales in Yamhill County, which is located in the western portion of the Willamette Valley, was performed to reveal the influence of the new regulations. Estimation includes a test of functional form, examination of multicollinearity problem, a test of heteroscedasticity, and a test for the significance of structural difference between farmland markets with and without existing homesteads. Value of Yamhill County farmland with existing homesteads was shown to have been influenced by the new regulations. Specifically, during the transition years (1994-1997) when people didn't feel much pressure from the control over new dwelling construction, significant value increase due to the new regulations was not displayed. However, in 1998 when the implementation of the new regulations became less ambiguous, higher demand for farmland with existing homesteads has resulted in significant increase of the market price. The price increase dropped in 1999, though, probably because of the tighter control over replacement dwellings in Exclusive Farm Use zones. Title: An economic analysis of changes in exclusive farm use regulations for homesteads in Oregon : a case study in Yamhill County Author: Chen, Li, 1976- Criticisms to the new regulations created in 1994 governing dwellings in Exclusive Farmland Use zones (zones where agricultural activities are allowed outright) have triggered an overall scrutiny directed by the 70th Oregon Legislative Assembly. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of the new regulations on the value of farmland in the Willamette Valley with existing homesteads. A hedonic price analysis of farmland sales in Yamhill County, which is located in the western portion of the Willamette Valley, was performed to reveal the influence of the new regulations. Estimation includes a test of functional form, examination of multicollinearity problem, a test of heteroscedasticity, and a test for the significance of structural difference between farmland markets with and without existing homesteads. Value of Yamhill County farmland with existing homesteads was shown to have been influenced by the new regulations. Specifically, during the transition years (1994-1997) when people didn't feel much pressure from the control over new dwelling construction, significant value increase due to the new regulations was not displayed. However, in 1998 when the implementation of the new regulations became less ambiguous, higher demand for farmland with existing homesteads has resulted in significant increase of the market price. The price increase dropped in 1999, though, probably because of the tighter control over replacement dwellings in Exclusive Farm Use zones. Close

• 42. [Article] A comparison of box-cox and additive exponential models to estimate the depreciation of farm machinery

  Farm machinery continues to increase in its importance to the agricultural sector. Depreciation, the decline in value of a durable asset over time, represents one of the largest costs of agricultural production. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A comparison of box-cox and additive exponential models to estimate the depreciation of farm machinery Author: Wu, Jing Farm machinery continues to increase in its importance to the agricultural sector. Depreciation, the decline in value of a durable asset over time, represents one of the largest costs of agricultural production. The general objectives of this study were to update and expand the number of Remaining Value (RV) functions for farm machinery; estimate and compare the depreciation patterns for Box-Cox (B-C) and Additive- Exponential (A-E) functional forms; and compare the predictive abilities of the two models. Data used in estimation were obtained from 15 years of machinery auction sales. Based on the hedonic approach, the Box-Cox and Additive-Exponential models were formulated to include variables for age, usage per year, condition, manufacturer, auction type and macroeconomic variables. Models were tested for potential correlation and heteroscedasticity problems. A Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) method was used to compare the predictive abilities. Depreciation functions were estimated for 17 types of machinery in four major categories: tractors, harvesting equipments, planting and tillage equipment and other equipment. A series of comparisons were conducted to examine the difference in depreciation patterns within and between major categories. B-C and A-E functions were estimated and compared for each data set. The comparison results showed that B-C always generated higher Log-likelihood values, but was relatively weak in predictive ability. The predictive ability of the Exponential model was also examined and the MAPE results showed that the Exponential model generally exhibited an overall best predictive ability. Title: A comparison of box-cox and additive exponential models to estimate the depreciation of farm machinery Author: Wu, Jing Farm machinery continues to increase in its importance to the agricultural sector. Depreciation, the decline in value of a durable asset over time, represents one of the largest costs of agricultural production. The general objectives of this study were to update and expand the number of Remaining Value (RV) functions for farm machinery; estimate and compare the depreciation patterns for Box-Cox (B-C) and Additive- Exponential (A-E) functional forms; and compare the predictive abilities of the two models. Data used in estimation were obtained from 15 years of machinery auction sales. Based on the hedonic approach, the Box-Cox and Additive-Exponential models were formulated to include variables for age, usage per year, condition, manufacturer, auction type and macroeconomic variables. Models were tested for potential correlation and heteroscedasticity problems. A Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) method was used to compare the predictive abilities. Depreciation functions were estimated for 17 types of machinery in four major categories: tractors, harvesting equipments, planting and tillage equipment and other equipment. A series of comparisons were conducted to examine the difference in depreciation patterns within and between major categories. B-C and A-E functions were estimated and compared for each data set. The comparison results showed that B-C always generated higher Log-likelihood values, but was relatively weak in predictive ability. The predictive ability of the Exponential model was also examined and the MAPE results showed that the Exponential model generally exhibited an overall best predictive ability. Close

• 43. [Article] Evaluating village-based tree nurseries in Senegal a comparative study of four projects

  Reforestation projects in Senegal are often the vehicles which administer and implement social forestry activities. Their objectives are to help people solve their wood supply problems, enhance the environment ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Evaluating village-based tree nurseries in Senegal a comparative study of four projects Author: Glowacki, Therese L. Reforestation projects in Senegal are often the vehicles which administer and implement social forestry activities. Their objectives are to help people solve their wood supply problems, enhance the environment by planting trees on farms and in villages, and introduce reforestation as a self-sustaining practice in village culture. Many projects establish village-based tree nurseries where community members grow seedlings to supplement or replace those supplied by government-owned regional nurseries. Village-based nurseries are promoted by the Division for Conservation of Soil and Reforestation and other Senegalese government agencies. This study, based on a survey of 32 villages, contained within four different projects: 1) investigates village-based tree nurseries in the Peanut Basin of Senegal by evaluating performance in terms of seedling survival and village nursery manager's intention-to-continue, 2) compares the structure of four reforestation projects descriptively and quantitatively. Finally, it presents recommendations for future implementation of nursery projects. Results indicate that village participation is a significant predictor for survival success. Three factors were significant predictors of intention-to-continue: previous nursery experience, water availability in the village, and the commercial sale of seedlings by nursery managers. Analysis of these success factors provides insight into project organization. Project extension strategies range from very structured methods to informal approaches. Awareness campaigns, field trips, and group training were variations found among projects in various mixes. Projects were similar in organizational structure, financial incentives, and encouragement of self-sustaining activities. Project design should include: 1) village participation from goal setting through evaluating results, 2) economic incentives that are based on encouraging the sale of seedlings, and 3) financing to improve water sources. Projects could also benefit from well-planned awareness campaigns, practical group training, and the application of more structured extension methods. Future studies are needed on villagers' behavior towards practice, adoption, and continuance. Title: Evaluating village-based tree nurseries in Senegal a comparative study of four projects Author: Glowacki, Therese L. Reforestation projects in Senegal are often the vehicles which administer and implement social forestry activities. Their objectives are to help people solve their wood supply problems, enhance the environment by planting trees on farms and in villages, and introduce reforestation as a self-sustaining practice in village culture. Many projects establish village-based tree nurseries where community members grow seedlings to supplement or replace those supplied by government-owned regional nurseries. Village-based nurseries are promoted by the Division for Conservation of Soil and Reforestation and other Senegalese government agencies. This study, based on a survey of 32 villages, contained within four different projects: 1) investigates village-based tree nurseries in the Peanut Basin of Senegal by evaluating performance in terms of seedling survival and village nursery manager's intention-to-continue, 2) compares the structure of four reforestation projects descriptively and quantitatively. Finally, it presents recommendations for future implementation of nursery projects. Results indicate that village participation is a significant predictor for survival success. Three factors were significant predictors of intention-to-continue: previous nursery experience, water availability in the village, and the commercial sale of seedlings by nursery managers. Analysis of these success factors provides insight into project organization. Project extension strategies range from very structured methods to informal approaches. Awareness campaigns, field trips, and group training were variations found among projects in various mixes. Projects were similar in organizational structure, financial incentives, and encouragement of self-sustaining activities. Project design should include: 1) village participation from goal setting through evaluating results, 2) economic incentives that are based on encouraging the sale of seedlings, and 3) financing to improve water sources. Projects could also benefit from well-planned awareness campaigns, practical group training, and the application of more structured extension methods. Future studies are needed on villagers' behavior towards practice, adoption, and continuance. Close

• 44. [Article] Production and invasion of butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) in Oregon

  Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), an ornamental native to China, is an invasive species in Oregon and many other areas. In Oregon, butterfly bush invades disturbed areas, particularly riparian areas. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Production and invasion of butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) in Oregon Author: Ream, Julie Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), an ornamental native to China, is an invasive species in Oregon and many other areas. In Oregon, butterfly bush invades disturbed areas, particularly riparian areas. The Oregon nursery industry has the highest farm-gate value of all agricultural commodities and butterfly bush is a significant plant to them. However, the nursery industry does not appear to be a major source of invasion because of their pruning production practices. Butterfly bush is a unique plant because it does not release its seed until mid to late winter. The dispersal mechanisms of butterfly bush are not well documented, but wind is one possibility. Formulations of glyphosate effectively control butterfly bushes up to two years old. Both spraying a dilute herbicide on the entire plant and painting herbicide concentrate on recently cut stumps are effective in controlling butterfly bush, but stump painting may be the preferred option in natural areas that butterfly bush invades. Title: Production and invasion of butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) in Oregon Author: Ream, Julie Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), an ornamental native to China, is an invasive species in Oregon and many other areas. In Oregon, butterfly bush invades disturbed areas, particularly riparian areas. The Oregon nursery industry has the highest farm-gate value of all agricultural commodities and butterfly bush is a significant plant to them. However, the nursery industry does not appear to be a major source of invasion because of their pruning production practices. Butterfly bush is a unique plant because it does not release its seed until mid to late winter. The dispersal mechanisms of butterfly bush are not well documented, but wind is one possibility. Formulations of glyphosate effectively control butterfly bushes up to two years old. Both spraying a dilute herbicide on the entire plant and painting herbicide concentrate on recently cut stumps are effective in controlling butterfly bush, but stump painting may be the preferred option in natural areas that butterfly bush invades. Close

• 45. [Article] Growing the natural foods industry in Lane County: a report for the Lane County sustainable business and jobs project

  36 p.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Growing the natural foods industry in Lane County: a report for the Lane County sustainable business and jobs project Author: Shinabarger, Tim, University of Oregon. Program for Watershed and Community Health Year: 2006, 2003 36 p. Title: Growing the natural foods industry in Lane County: a report for the Lane County sustainable business and jobs project Author: Shinabarger, Tim, University of Oregon. Program for Watershed and Community Health Year: 2006, 2003 36 p. Close

• 46. [Article] Farmer-to-consumer marketing, 5 : personnel management

  Revised June 2009. A more recent revision exists. Please check for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Farmer-to-consumer marketing, 5 : personnel management Author: Washington State University. Extension, Pacific Northwest Cooperative Extension, United States. Dept. of Agriculture, University of Idaho. Extension, Wolfley, Blair F., Oregon State University. Extension Service, Burt, Lawrence A. Revised June 2009. A more recent revision exists. Please check for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog Title: Farmer-to-consumer marketing, 5 : personnel management Author: Washington State University. Extension, Pacific Northwest Cooperative Extension, United States. Dept. of Agriculture, University of Idaho. Extension, Wolfley, Blair F., Oregon State University. Extension Service, Burt, Lawrence A. Revised June 2009. A more recent revision exists. Please check for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog Close

• 47. [Article] Hedonic price analysis to reveal value of water in irrigation : an application to northern Malheur County, Oregon

  Increasing water demand for growing municipalities, for water-based recreation and for fishery and wildlife habitat has intensified pressure on the existing resource. Reallocation of water from existing ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Hedonic price analysis to reveal value of water in irrigation : an application to northern Malheur County, Oregon Author: Faux, John Increasing water demand for growing municipalities, for water-based recreation and for fishery and wildlife habitat has intensified pressure on the existing resource. Reallocation of water from existing uses to other, higher-valued uses is receiving greater attention due to constraints on development of new water supplies. A key to reallocation is identification of the economic value associated with existing and alternative water uses. A hedonic price analysis of farm sales in eastern Oregon is performed to reveal the value of water used in irrigation. Estimation includes a joint test of heteroskedasticity and functional form. The value of water is shown to be strongly influenced by the crop-growing-capability of the soil on which it is applied. The value of an irrigated acre is not significantly influenced by the source of irrigation supply. The implicit market price of irrigation water in this area ranges from $44 per acre-foot (one-time delivery) on the best soils to $9 per acre-foot on the poorest soils irrigated. Title: Hedonic price analysis to reveal value of water in irrigation : an application to northern Malheur County, Oregon Author: Faux, John Increasing water demand for growing municipalities, for water-based recreation and for fishery and wildlife habitat has intensified pressure on the existing resource. Reallocation of water from existing uses to other, higher-valued uses is receiving greater attention due to constraints on development of new water supplies. A key to reallocation is identification of the economic value associated with existing and alternative water uses. A hedonic price analysis of farm sales in eastern Oregon is performed to reveal the value of water used in irrigation. Estimation includes a joint test of heteroskedasticity and functional form. The value of water is shown to be strongly influenced by the crop-growing-capability of the soil on which it is applied. The value of an irrigated acre is not significantly influenced by the source of irrigation supply. The implicit market price of irrigation water in this area ranges from $44 per acre-foot (one-time delivery) on the best soils to $9 per acre-foot on the poorest soils irrigated. Close

• 48. [Article] Determining member contributions to marketing cooperative returns when raw products are commingled before sale

  Marketing cooperatives that operate on a pool basis allocate net returns on the basis of the "economic value" of the raw products each member has delivered. Economic values ideally reflect the raw products' ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Determining member contributions to marketing cooperative returns when raw products are commingled before sale Author: Stokstad, Grete Synnove Marketing cooperatives that operate on a pool basis allocate net returns on the basis of the "economic value" of the raw products each member has delivered. Economic values ideally reflect the raw products' expected contributions to pool net return. In a competitive market, raw product prices would reflect these expected returns quite well. In the absence of such a competitive market, one must formulate expectations models of returns to each product, which requires identifying the separate returns. The purpose of this thesis is to describe and employ a method of distinguishing expected return to each raw product when raw products are commingled on the assembly line. The approach taken is to conduct a hedonic analysis of processed product net returns as a function of raw product ingredients. Title: Determining member contributions to marketing cooperative returns when raw products are commingled before sale Author: Stokstad, Grete Synnove Marketing cooperatives that operate on a pool basis allocate net returns on the basis of the "economic value" of the raw products each member has delivered. Economic values ideally reflect the raw products' expected contributions to pool net return. In a competitive market, raw product prices would reflect these expected returns quite well. In the absence of such a competitive market, one must formulate expectations models of returns to each product, which requires identifying the separate returns. The purpose of this thesis is to describe and employ a method of distinguishing expected return to each raw product when raw products are commingled on the assembly line. The approach taken is to conduct a hedonic analysis of processed product net returns as a function of raw product ingredients. Close

• 49. [Article] Preplanning used in acquisition of children's clothing by women who patronize a free clothing distribution center

  The purpose of this study was to obtain information about clothing acquisition practices of low-income mothers. An interview questionnaire was designed to obtain information about the clothing sources ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Preplanning used in acquisition of children's clothing by women who patronize a free clothing distribution center Author: Klein, Carol Ann The purpose of this study was to obtain information about clothing acquisition practices of low-income mothers. An interview questionnaire was designed to obtain information about the clothing sources perceived as available to these women, the sources of clothing used, the sources of information used, the preplanning practices used, and demographic information including the respondent's age, educational level, place of residence (farm or nonfarm), household size, income level (above or below a predetermined poverty level), and county of residence. The interview was administered to 55 women at a free clothing distribution center in Corvallis, Oregon. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis. Chi-square was used in analyzing the preplanning practices used in relation to age, educational level, household size, and income level of the mother. Clothing sources perceived as available by over half of the respondents included: Department stores, Thrift shops, and a free clothing distribution center. Clothing sources used by over half of the respondents included: Handed-down,Thrift shops, Department stores, Gifts (new clothes), Discount stores, Secondhand stores, Homemade, Rummage sales, Garage sales, Organizations, and Exchange. Friends or Relatives and the Newspaper were information sources used most frequently and considered the most important. Women with incomes below a predetermined poverty threshold level were more often accompanied by friends or relatives when acquiring clothing. The women responded by answering Always, Sometimes, or Never to questions about 13 preplanning practices. Preplanning practices used Always or Sometimes by at least 90 percent of the respondents included: a) taking the children along when shopping, b) leaving the house knowing how they would pay for the clothes, c) repairing or remodeling clothes on hand, d) deciding before leaving the house whether fabric to make clothes or store-bought clothes would be acquired, e) considering obtaining clothing from sources other than a free clothing distribution center or buying new clothes, and f) looking for sales. Age was significantly related to four preplanning practices as determined by Chi-square. These practices included: 1) measuring the children in order to obtain clothes that fit, 2) saving money for the acquisition of clothing, 3) deciding before leaving the house if store-bought clothes or fabric to make clothes would be obtained, and 4) considering obtaining clothes from sources other than the free clothes distribution center or buying new clothes. Education was significantly related to two preplanning practices. They included: 1) leaving the house knowing exactly how to pay for the clothes obtained, and 2) leaving the house knowing at which store looking for clothes would take place. Household size was significantly related to these two preplanning practices: 1) leaving the house knowing exactly what kind of clothes will be obtained, and 2) measuring the children in order to obtain clothes that fit. Income level was significantly related to this preplanning practice: looking at two or more places before obtaining clothes. Title: Preplanning used in acquisition of children's clothing by women who patronize a free clothing distribution center Author: Klein, Carol Ann The purpose of this study was to obtain information about clothing acquisition practices of low-income mothers. An interview questionnaire was designed to obtain information about the clothing sources perceived as available to these women, the sources of clothing used, the sources of information used, the preplanning practices used, and demographic information including the respondent's age, educational level, place of residence (farm or nonfarm), household size, income level (above or below a predetermined poverty level), and county of residence. The interview was administered to 55 women at a free clothing distribution center in Corvallis, Oregon. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis. Chi-square was used in analyzing the preplanning practices used in relation to age, educational level, household size, and income level of the mother. Clothing sources perceived as available by over half of the respondents included: Department stores, Thrift shops, and a free clothing distribution center. Clothing sources used by over half of the respondents included: Handed-down,Thrift shops, Department stores, Gifts (new clothes), Discount stores, Secondhand stores, Homemade, Rummage sales, Garage sales, Organizations, and Exchange. Friends or Relatives and the Newspaper were information sources used most frequently and considered the most important. Women with incomes below a predetermined poverty threshold level were more often accompanied by friends or relatives when acquiring clothing. The women responded by answering Always, Sometimes, or Never to questions about 13 preplanning practices. Preplanning practices used Always or Sometimes by at least 90 percent of the respondents included: a) taking the children along when shopping, b) leaving the house knowing how they would pay for the clothes, c) repairing or remodeling clothes on hand, d) deciding before leaving the house whether fabric to make clothes or store-bought clothes would be acquired, e) considering obtaining clothing from sources other than a free clothing distribution center or buying new clothes, and f) looking for sales. Age was significantly related to four preplanning practices as determined by Chi-square. These practices included: 1) measuring the children in order to obtain clothes that fit, 2) saving money for the acquisition of clothing, 3) deciding before leaving the house if store-bought clothes or fabric to make clothes would be obtained, and 4) considering obtaining clothes from sources other than the free clothes distribution center or buying new clothes. Education was significantly related to two preplanning practices. They included: 1) leaving the house knowing exactly how to pay for the clothes obtained, and 2) leaving the house knowing at which store looking for clothes would take place. Household size was significantly related to these two preplanning practices: 1) leaving the house knowing exactly what kind of clothes will be obtained, and 2) measuring the children in order to obtain clothes that fit. Income level was significantly related to this preplanning practice: looking at two or more places before obtaining clothes. Close

• 50. [Article] Oregon's Mid-Willamette Valley wetlands : agricultural uses, alternative uses, problems and trends

  The wetlands are distinguished from other lands of the Mid-Willamette Valley by excessive soil moisture. The wetlands, as defined for this study, consist of 20 soil series (in 22 soil mapping units) which ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon's Mid-Willamette Valley wetlands : agricultural uses, alternative uses, problems and trends Author: Tsutsui, Setsuo Harry The wetlands are distinguished from other lands of the Mid-Willamette Valley by excessive soil moisture. The wetlands, as defined for this study, consist of 20 soil series (in 22 soil mapping units) which are classified by the Soil Conservation Service as having excessive wetness as the major factor limiting their uses. The five counties considered in this study, Benton, Linn, Marion, Polk, and Yamhill, have been and continue to be important to the agricultural production of Oregon. In 1977, this region produced 28.4% of the state's value of sales from agricultural Products. In the same year, this five-county area also produced 100% of the nation's ryegrass, crimson clover, and red fescue seeds, and large quantities of other important seeds. Personal interviews were conducted with 141 wetland farmers during the period January through March, 1979. The land farmed by the interviewed farmers amounted to 63,748 acres, which represented 9.8% of the 652,000 acres of wetlands in the Mid-Willamette Valley. Farmer responses obtained from the interviews provided the data base for much of this study. Information Pertaining to farm types and crops were cross tabulated with other variables using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences at Oregon State University. The resulting statistics were evaluated for patterns of distributions and emerging trends in agricultural land uses. Of the surveyed farmers, 73% were full-time operators; the remainder were part-time, semi-retired, or hobby farmers. There were wide variability in farm sizes, 15 to 5,400 acres for full-time farmers, and 5 to 424 acres for part-time farmers. Farms producing grass seeds, row crops, and grain were generally large in size, while farms producing tree fruits, nuts, berries, nursery products, and other specialty crops were generally small. Although the Mid-Willamette Valley wetlands form a valuable part of Oregon's agricultural land base, the production capacity of much of the wetlands can be further upgraded by installation of drainage and irrigation systems. However, the current high costs for these resource converting systems, and the elimination of Federal cost-sharing for farm drainage projects, may make installation of these systems economically infeasible for many farmers. In early 1979, costs for installation of new drainage systems were $300 to $400 per acre. Irrigation systems cost $225 to $450 per acre, with the actual cost depending on the type of irrigation system selected. Farmers' perceptions of factors considered to have adverse effects on their farming operations were examined for two periods: the past five years, 1974 through 1978, and the current agricultural year, 1979. For the five-year period, 64% of the farmers stated that they had experienced what they considered to be serious problems. The two primary groups of problems were those related to reduction of the farmers' net income and farm production. The third group of problems pertained to policy limitations, particularly the acreage limitations to open field burning, and government regulations, restrictions, and interference. During the period 1977 to 1978, 10.6% of the interviewed farmers had made land use changes. The 15 farmers made 19 changes involving 773 acres. There were large net gains in acreage for legumes, and smaller net gains for row crops, peppermint, and strawberries. The largest net acreage loss was for grain. Smaller net losses occurred for grass seed and silage. Farmers who had made land use changes rated 12 of the 19 changes as satisfactory, 3 as unsatisfactory, and 4 as not possible to evaluate until crop is harvested. Most of the wetlands are currently limited to the production of grass seed due to the severe physical limitations. Therefore, open field burning will continue to be an important issue on Oregon's Mid-Willamette Valley wetlands. Title: Oregon's Mid-Willamette Valley wetlands : agricultural uses, alternative uses, problems and trends Author: Tsutsui, Setsuo Harry The wetlands are distinguished from other lands of the Mid-Willamette Valley by excessive soil moisture. The wetlands, as defined for this study, consist of 20 soil series (in 22 soil mapping units) which are classified by the Soil Conservation Service as having excessive wetness as the major factor limiting their uses. The five counties considered in this study, Benton, Linn, Marion, Polk, and Yamhill, have been and continue to be important to the agricultural production of Oregon. In 1977, this region produced 28.4% of the state's value of sales from agricultural Products. In the same year, this five-county area also produced 100% of the nation's ryegrass, crimson clover, and red fescue seeds, and large quantities of other important seeds. Personal interviews were conducted with 141 wetland farmers during the period January through March, 1979. The land farmed by the interviewed farmers amounted to 63,748 acres, which represented 9.8% of the 652,000 acres of wetlands in the Mid-Willamette Valley. Farmer responses obtained from the interviews provided the data base for much of this study. Information Pertaining to farm types and crops were cross tabulated with other variables using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences at Oregon State University. The resulting statistics were evaluated for patterns of distributions and emerging trends in agricultural land uses. Of the surveyed farmers, 73% were full-time operators; the remainder were part-time, semi-retired, or hobby farmers. There were wide variability in farm sizes, 15 to 5,400 acres for full-time farmers, and 5 to 424 acres for part-time farmers. Farms producing grass seeds, row crops, and grain were generally large in size, while farms producing tree fruits, nuts, berries, nursery products, and other specialty crops were generally small. Although the Mid-Willamette Valley wetlands form a valuable part of Oregon's agricultural land base, the production capacity of much of the wetlands can be further upgraded by installation of drainage and irrigation systems. However, the current high costs for these resource converting systems, and the elimination of Federal cost-sharing for farm drainage projects, may make installation of these systems economically infeasible for many farmers. In early 1979, costs for installation of new drainage systems were $300 to $400 per acre. Irrigation systems cost $225 to $450 per acre, with the actual cost depending on the type of irrigation system selected. Farmers' perceptions of factors considered to have adverse effects on their farming operations were examined for two periods: the past five years, 1974 through 1978, and the current agricultural year, 1979. For the five-year period, 64% of the farmers stated that they had experienced what they considered to be serious problems. The two primary groups of problems were those related to reduction of the farmers' net income and farm production. The third group of problems pertained to policy limitations, particularly the acreage limitations to open field burning, and government regulations, restrictions, and interference. During the period 1977 to 1978, 10.6% of the interviewed farmers had made land use changes. The 15 farmers made 19 changes involving 773 acres. There were large net gains in acreage for legumes, and smaller net gains for row crops, peppermint, and strawberries. The largest net acreage loss was for grain. Smaller net losses occurred for grass seed and silage. Farmers who had made land use changes rated 12 of the 19 changes as satisfactory, 3 as unsatisfactory, and 4 as not possible to evaluate until crop is harvested. Most of the wetlands are currently limited to the production of grass seed due to the severe physical limitations. Therefore, open field burning will continue to be an important issue on Oregon's Mid-Willamette Valley wetlands. Close