Southern Oregon farmers exist on the frontlines of climate change. This is because the variables of seasonal temperature and water availability are both dominant factors influencing crop viability and success and are also the primary variables influenced by global warming and its climate change consequences.

Maud Powell, with OSU Extension’s Southern Oregon Office in Central Points serves as Associate Professor of Practice in the Small Farms Program. SOCAN’s October monthly general meeting at the Medford Public Library on October 29 from 6:00 – 7:30 will feature a presentation by Maud that explores the impacts of climate change on farmers and ranchers in Southern Oregon, especially related to their mental health and emotional well-being, and an Oregon State University Initiative, ‘Climate Stress and Grief: Building Resilience in Farmers and Ranchers’ that is addressing these concerns. Powell will also share initial findings from qualitative research conducted with Oregon farmers.