James Whitney

Over the last 10–15 years, landowners have had more chances than ever to use their land for renewable energy projects. Before you sell your land, consider leasing it for solar or wind energy. Many properties have potential for these kinds of projects, and they can create long-term income. Several factors help determine if your land is a good fit for solar or wind energy. These factors include how near your land is to power lines, the slope of the land, and the number of sunny days. They also consider wind patterns and historical or archaeological importance. One of the most important choices you'll make is who to lease your land to. As a landowner, you may already be getting letters or cards from solar or wind companies. Not all companies are alike. Some are experienced and trustworthy, while others may lack the resources to finish a project. Be careful of companies that want to sign a long-term lease but don’t have a strong plan or funding in place. Often, they’re just trying to tie up your land and then figure things out later. Leasing land for renewable energy is a good idea. Choose a company that can pay for and build a solar or wind project. These kinds of projects take time—often 5 to 7 years from start to finish—but if successful, they can generate income for generations. Our team at Whitney Land Company has worked in farm and ranch real estate for over 50 years. We have helped many landowners with wind and solar lease talks. We also often speak with those who already have energy leases. We understand how to guide landowners through these opportunities and connect them with experienced energy developers. Instead of selling your land outright, you can lease land for renewable energy. This means you keep ownership of the land while earning income from the lease. If you build the project and it starts generating income, you have a few different options. You can: Keep your land and the income stream Sell the land and keep the energy income Sell the energy income and keep the land Each of these choices gives you financial flexibility. In fact, solar leases for landowners can increase the value of your property. If the developer also installs battery storage on the land, you may earn even more. Some wind energy lease land or solar projects only need 10–20 acres, while others may use hundreds of acres. No matter the size, these projects can bring long-term value to you and your family. About Jim Whitney Jim Whitney has over 40 years of experience in real estate. As a CCIM, he offers expert advice and creative analysis to help landowners make smart decisions. Jim has worked with private landowners and big companies. He offers trusted advice and strong local knowledge of land values in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. His honesty, professionalism, and extensive broker network make him a respected leader in the industry.

Starting your own farm is a big dream that many people carry, but turning that dream into reality takes solid planning and realistic thinking. Oregon offers some of the best farming conditions in the country. The state's access to water resources, fertile soils, and strong local food markets makes it an attractive place for new farmers to get started. Before you jump into buying land or equipment, you need to think about what type of farming matches your goals and budget. Are you planning a small hobby farm to grow food for your family, or do you want to build a business that generates income? Your answer will shape every decision you make, from how much land you need to what type of infrastructure you'll build. Oregon's farmers' markets serve communities all over the state, with over 136 market locations providing opportunities for direct sales. Whitney Land Company offers listings of Oregon farms for sale that work for homesteads, small-scale farms, and full commercial operations, helping match buyers with properties that fit their farming vision. Choose the Type of Farm That Suits Oregon's Climate Oregon's climate zones range from 5a through 10a, representing everything from chilly highlands to mild, subtropical regions. This range allows for a broad spectrum of farming. Your location within the state will largely determine what you can grow successfully and what type of operation makes the most sense. Livestock farming works well across most of Oregon, with cattle ranching particularly strong in eastern regions where there's plenty of grazing land. Goats and poultry can thrive in smaller spaces and adapt to different climates throughout the state. Produce farming thrives in the Willamette Valley, where berries, wine grapes, and hazelnuts grow well in the moderate climate. Eastern Oregon suits grain crops and hay production better than fresh vegetables. Niche farming can work almost anywhere if you pick the right specialty crop for your microclimate. Lavender does well in southern Oregon, while herb production and beekeeping can succeed in many locations with proper management. Land Considerations in Oregon: Zoning, Soil, and Water Oregon's Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) zoning protects agricultural land but also creates specific rules about what you can and cannot do on farm property. EFU zones allow farming activities, farm buildings, and one dwelling per property, but they restrict other types of development. Soil quality varies dramatically across Oregon, so testing your land is not optional. The USDA soil maps and Oregon State University Extension provide detailed information about soil types, drainage, and fertility in different areas. Eastern Oregon faces particular challenges with water rights, as this is a major concern in the drier parts of the state. You need to verify that water rights come with any property you are considering, and understand how much water you are legally allowed to use. Road access, slope, and utility availability also affect what you can do with your land and how much it will cost to develop. Create a Basic Farm Business Plan Developing a simple business plan allows you to assess the economic viability of your farming concept and informs your early decision-making. Start with these steps: Calculate startup costs including land, equipment, fencing, buildings, and your first year's operating expenses. Research market prices for what you plan to grow or raise, and be realistic about what you can produce in your first few years. Budget for unexpected expenses because farming always costs more than you think it will. Look into Oregon-based funding like USDA Beginning Farmer Loans which provide direct and guaranteed loans to new farmers who cannot get commercial financing. Farm ownership loans may be available for amounts up to $600,000, with operating loans available up to $300,000. Consider microloan options which have streamlined applications and loan amounts up to $50,000. Registering and Licensing Your Oregon Farm Getting your farm legally established involves several steps: Choose your business structure such as sole proprietorship, partnership, or LLC based on your liability concerns and tax situation. Get a federal EIN number from the IRS for tax purposes. Register for an Oregon Business ID through the Secretary of State's office. Register with the Oregon Department of Agriculture if you plan to sell produce, dairy, or meat products. Check local permits for any buildings, wells, or septic systems you plan to install. Look into organic certification if that is part of your business plan.   Build Infrastructure and Choose Equipment Based on Oregon Terrain Oregon's varied landscape means your infrastructure needs will depend heavily on your specific location and terrain. Steep slopes require different equipment than flat fields, and irrigation needs vary dramatically between western and eastern Oregon. Start with the basics like proper fencing for your livestock or storage buildings for equipment and feed. Central Oregon’s high desert climate presents unique challenges, including limited irrigation resources and shorter growing seasons. In contrast, coastal areas contend with excess moisture and salt-laden air. Equipment should be sized appropriately for your land, and used gear can help keep initial costs down. A small tractor can perform many essential tasks on a starter farm, but be sure that parts and service are readily available in your area. Start Small, Sell Local Oregon has a thriving local food movement with farmers’ markets in communities across the state. Building relationships with local customers often provides more stable income than trying to sell to large distributors, especially in the early phases of operation. Many Oregon farmers build successful businesses through farmers’ markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, and direct sales to restaurants. Over 90 Oregon markets accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, making fresh local food accessible to families at all income levels. This expanded customer base can help stabilize your income while you are building your operation. Whitney Land Company can help you find property in areas with strong local food networks, giving your new farm the best chance to connect with customers who value locally grown products. Focus on growing what people in your area truly want to buy, and remember that consistent quality is more important than having the largest selection when you’re just getting started.

The Journey of Wolves Back to Oregon Gray wolves once roamed freely across Oregon's diverse landscapes, from the dense forests of the Cascades to the open grasslands of the east. These apex predators played a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems throughout the state. However, by 1947, the last known wolf in Oregon was killed, marking what many thought would be the permanent end of wolves in the state. Nature had other plans. After decades of absence, wolves began their quiet return to Oregon in the late 1990s, crossing over from Idaho, where wolf reintroduction efforts had been successful. The first confirmed wolf in modern Oregon history, a female wolf designated B-45, traveled from Idaho in 1999. Though this lone wolf was later killed, she represented the beginning of a remarkable comeback story. The true turning point came in 2008 when the first breeding pair established territory in northeastern Oregon, and by 2009, the first confirmed pack was documented. This natural migration and reestablishment happened without any direct reintroduction efforts in Oregon itself. Oregon's Wolf Population Today According to the latest data from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the minimum count of wolves in Oregon at the end of 2024 was 204. This number represents wolves that biologists have directly confirmed through visual observations, tracks, and remote camera photographs. The actual population is likely higher since not all wolves can be documented during counts. The state currently has 25 wolf packs, with 17 of these qualifying as breeding pairs. A breeding pair is defined as an adult male and female with at least two pups that survive through the end of the year. Most of these packs are concentrated in northeastern Oregon, though wolves continue to expand their range westward. Wolf numbers in Oregon have stabilized in recent years after a period of steady growth. In northeastern Oregon, this stabilization reflects wolves filling the available habitat. As territorial animals, wolves naturally limit their own population density once they have occupied suitable areas. Wolf Distribution Across Oregon Oregon's wolf population is divided into two management zones: Eastern Oregon Eastern Oregon currently hosts the majority of the state's wolves, with 155 documented wolves in 18 packs in 2024. The rugged terrain, abundant prey, and relatively lower human density make this region an ideal wolf habitat. Established packs in this area include the Wildcat Pack, Lookout Mountain Pack, and Five Points Pack. Western Oregon Western Oregon is seeing a growing wolf presence with 49 wolves in 7 packs documented in 2024. The number of breeding pairs has more than doubled since 2023, showing that wolves are successfully expanding into new territories. Notable western packs include the Rogue Pack in southern Oregon and the Indigo Pack in the central Cascades. The Ecological Role of Wolves Wolves serve as a keystone species in Oregon's ecosystems, meaning their presence or absence has significant ripple effects throughout the environment. When wolves hunt, they typically target the most vulnerable animals (the sick, weak, old, or very young) which helps maintain healthier deer and elk herds. The presence of wolves changes prey behavior, causing deer and elk to move more frequently and avoid certain areas. This movement prevents overgrazing and allows vegetation to recover in riparian areas, which improves habitat for beaver, fish, and numerous bird species. Scientists have documented how wolf reestablishment creates what's called a "trophic cascade," a series of ecological changes starting at the top of the food chain and flowing down through the ecosystem. In Oregon, this means more balanced predator-prey relationships and potentially more diverse plant communities. Human-Wolf Interactions in Oregon While wolves bring ecological benefits, their return has created challenges, particularly for livestock producers. According to ODFW data, 2024 saw several confirmed wolf depredations on livestock across multiple counties, including Baker, Grant, and Wallowa. Oregon has developed approaches to address these conflicts: Non-lethal deterrents are the first line of defense, including increased human presence, fladry (flags hanging on fences), range riders, guard animals, and proper carcass disposal to avoid attracting wolves. Compensation programs provide financial reimbursement to ranchers who lose livestock to confirmed wolf predation. The Oregon Department of Agriculture awarded grants totaling $789,565 to 13 counties in 2024, with 61% of those funds used for preventative measures. Lethal control is authorized only in specific situations where chronic depredation occurs despite non-lethal efforts. This approach is more restrictive in western Oregon where wolves remain federally protected under the Endangered Species Act. Oregon's Wolf Management Plan Oregon manages its wolf population through the Wolf Conservation and Management Plan, which aims to balance wolf conservation with the concerns of communities and industries affected by wolves. The plan divides the state into two management zones, with different rules based on wolf population status. Eastern Oregon has moved into Phase III of the plan, which focuses on conservation efforts and allows more flexibility for managing wolf conflicts. Western Oregon remains in Phase I, requiring at least four breeding pairs for three consecutive years to advance to Phase II. In 2024, seven wolf packs in the western zone qualified as breeding pairs. If this number is maintained or exceeded through both 2025 and 2026, the region will meet the conservation target for Phase I and the management goal for Phase II. This would allow the West Wolf Management Zone to advance directly to Phase III, bypassing Phase II entirely. Living and Recreating in Wolf Country For landowners and outdoor enthusiasts in Oregon, understanding wolf behavior is important. Contrary to popular misconception, wolves rarely pose a danger to humans. There have been no documented wolf attacks on people in Oregon since wolves returned to the state. If you are looking to purchase Oregon hunting land for sale in wolf territory, here are some practical considerations: For livestock owners: Using guard dogs, maintaining regular human presence, properly disposing of dead livestock, and installing fladry or other deterrents can significantly reduce conflicts. For hunters: Wolves target similar game animals as human hunters, but their overall impact on deer and elk populations tends to be balanced by improved herd health. Wolves may change prey distribution patterns, potentially affecting traditional hunting spots. For hikers and campers: Wolf encounters are extremely rare. If you do see a wolf, maintain distance, never approach or feed them, keep dogs leashed, and slowly back away while facing the animal. Wolf Conservation Challenges Despite progress, Oregon's wolves face ongoing challenges. Poaching remains a serious concern, with several suspicious wolf deaths reported in recent years. ODFW and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have offered rewards for information regarding illegal killings, highlighting the importance of law enforcement in wolf conservation. Habitat fragmentation and human development continue to limit wolf expansion in some areas. Highways, urban growth, and conversion of natural habitats create barriers to wolf movement and establish territories. Public opinion about wolves varies widely across the state, with some communities embracing their return while others remain concerned about impacts on livelihoods and traditional land uses. Looking Forward: The Future of Wolves in Oregon As wolves continue to reestablish across Oregon, their management will evolve. Educational efforts by conservation organizations and state agencies help promote understanding and coexistence strategies. For those interested in hunting land in Oregon, the presence of wolves can actually enhance property value for conservation-minded buyers. Land that supports healthy ecosystems, including predator-prey relationships, offers unique recreational and ecological benefits. The story of wolves in Oregon represents both challenges and opportunities. With thoughtful management and community engagement, wolves can continue to thrive while coexisting with human communities across the state's diverse landscapes. Whether you are a landowner, outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates Oregon's natural heritage, the return of the gray wolf marks an important chapter in the ongoing story of wildlife conservation in the Pacific Northwest. REFERENCES: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/Wolves/FAQ.html https://oregonwild.org/resource/gray-wolf/