Oregon wildfires cost more than $100 million, hazelnut crop predictions are low and onion farmers struggle to prep for harvest.
Wildfire season burns through $100 million. Many large fires across the state have burned more than 300,000 acres so far this summer, at a cost of $100 million. Those numbers are only expected to increase. Read more from the Register Guard.
Just two weeks ago, the story was different. As of Aug. 10, only 3,056 acres had burned.
Hazelnut harvest down 18%. At least that’s what national ag experts predict. A recent study found Oregon filbert trees were producing fewer and smaller nuts per tree. The cause is likely two-fold: blight and pruning to prevent blight. The Oregonian has more.
Onions also take a hit. Oregon’s onion industry is struggling to rebuild after a harsh winter destroyed many storage facilities in the eastern part of the state. Onion harvest begins in a few weeks, and growers say they won’t be ready. The Capital Press has more.
Food fight. The estate of Ed Lynch, the late co-founder of Pacific Foods, is suing the Tualatin-based company over $250 million. The suit alleges that the money was designated for charity but was instead funneled back into the company. The Oregonian has the story.
Doctors needed. The nationwide doctor shortage continues to grow, forcing rural Oregon cities to figure out how to attract young doctors. Read more from the Daily Astorian.
Hillary Clinton comes to Portland. Clinton is touring her book, “What Happened,” this winter with a stop Dec. 12 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. The Portland Business Journal has more.
From the magazine — Small Town, Big Changes. A sneak peek from our September issue: Will property development rescue Mosier — or ruin it?
