In 1909, Eastern Oregon farmers turned to the newly formed Hermiston research station for information on how best to grow the fruits, vegetables and cereal grains then commonly produced in the area.

One hundred years later, the crops have changed and the technology is a world apart. But growers still look to the Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center for answers to crop production questions. And the relationship between the center and growers is stronger than ever.

Former HAREC Superintendent Gary Reed a few years back estimated growers over the years had donated more than $1 million to the station. Included are funds for five center-pivot systems that alone are worth upwards of $250,000.

Among recent donations, growers put up $35,000 toward the purchase of a new $40,000 screen house for researchers to study insects.

Grass seed growers in the area, in fact, assess themselves solely for the purpose of funding research at the center.

Dwayne Carroll, one of the grass seed growers involved in the voluntary $2-an-acre assessment, called the center’s research “invaluable.”

Like all research centers in Oregon, an advisory committee made up primarily of growers directs much of the center’s research.

The center’s staffing, in fact, is purposely diverse so researchers can handle the diverse needs of the area.

Phil Hamm, current HAREC Superintendent, pointed out several problems in recent years that the center has helped growers manage. Late blight in potatoes was a huge issue in the 1990s, he said.

More recently, the center has worked to help growers manage the tuberworm, he said.

Things are constantly changing and the needs of the grower community is constantly changing, he said. The only thing constant – other than change – is the center exists to serve the grower community, he said.

“This is not OSU’s research and extension center,” Hamm said. “It belongs to the growers of the area.”