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As wildfires scorch the West, Eastern Oregon ranchers deal with major losses

Aug 9, 2024
It’s been a big fire season so far across the West, including in Oregon where more than 1.2 million acres have burned this season. On the eastern side of the state, the fires have left many cattle displaced or dead, leaving ranchers with significant losses.
Jared Smull points out burned land at the beginning of the drive into Rye Valley, where he and his family grazed their cattle for many years before the Durkee Fire on July 31. The Smull family lost thousands of acres of grazeable land in the fire.
Anna Lueck/OPB

Government aims to make federal loans more accessible to Native American farmers

Mar 25, 2022
The plan includes training for federal lenders about working with farmers and ranchers who work inside the borders of tribal nations.
When farmers apply for federal loans, they often put up land as collateral, which can be complicated on tribal lands.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

How might the beef industry diversify in the U.S.?

Mar 22, 2022
One rancher in the Pacific Northwest built her own supply chain to control how her cows get to market.
Cory Carman loads a saddle into a trailer at Carman Ranch in Wallowa, Oregon.
Ashley Ahearn

New lender aims to boost access to credit for Native farmers, ranchers

Dec 20, 2021
Indigenous agricultural producers say they've had it with the federal government's loan programs.
The Native American Agriculture Fund’s financial institution will support the tribe-owned community banks that many Indigenous producers use.
Cavan Images via Getty Images

The government dropped grazing fees again. Are ranchers getting a good deal?

Mar 5, 2019
Grazing fees on public lands were dropped to the lowest amount allowed under federal law.
Grazing fees on public lands were dropped to the lowest amount allowed under federal law.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

New Farm Bill proposes changes to food stamps

Apr 13, 2018
80% of spending in the Farm Bill goes to food stamps