Budget cuts spread OSU extension thin

A tight budget has forced Oregon State University to leave some extension agent jobs unfilled, leaving gaps in coverage of Oregon crops.

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A tight budget has forced Oregon State University to leave some extension agent jobs unfilled, leaving gaps in coverage of Oregon crops.

Three Willamette Valley extension agents retired Dec. 31, leaving gaps in the Extension Service’s coverage of prominent Oregon crops, including Christmas trees and grass seed.

The loss of Benton County forestry extension agent Rick Fletcher leaves Christmas tree growers with one agent, down from three that worked at least part-time in Christmas trees a year ago.

The loss of Linn County field crops extension agent Mark Mellbye, who had been part-time since 2008, leaves grass seed growers with two agents. And it leaves Linn County, the nation’s top grass seed-producing county, with no grass seed agent.

Read more at Capital Press.

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