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Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center outlines soil‑health and outreach programs for 2026
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Summary
At the March 24 Jackson County work session, Nan Xu, Ph.D., of the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center described upcoming soil‑health education and outreach programs, noting most classes are free but a small fee will apply to the planned 2026 series and that state grants help support the work.
Nan Xu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Practice in Crop and Soil Science at the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center (SOREC), presented the center’s General Agriculture Program to the Jackson County Board of Commissioners at a work session on March 24, 2026. Xu described SOREC’s focus on biological and regenerative farming practices and on identifying regional needs through local relationship building.
Xu reviewed current and upcoming outreach and education work that will continue through 2026, including the Rogue Valley Soil Health Hub, a Soil Sampling Basics Workshop, a Pasture Class Series, an Integrated Pest Management Festival, a Soil Health Education Workshop, and a Cover Crop Education Series. She said the program is supported by grants and state funding.
On public cost and access, Xu said the center’s classes “are generally free to the public,” but added that “there will be a small fee for the planned 2026 series.” Commissioner Colleen Roberts asked about any public cost; Xu provided the fee clarification during the presentation. Commissioner Rick Dyer commended SOREC’s local outreach and thanked Xu for attending.
Why it matters: the programs target local producers and landowners with technical assistance and hands‑on education intended to improve soil health and farm resilience across Jackson County. The combination of workshops, festival events and ongoing hubs is intended to build local capacity and connect growers to state and grant resources.
What’s next: Xu’s presentation was for the Board’s information; no Board action was requested during the work session.