A soil expert is the new director of Oregon State University’s Central Oregon Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Madras.

Steve Culman previously served as the endowed chair of soil health in potato cropping systems at Washington State University.

His first day on the job was Oct. 1, and he said he was looking forward to growing research dollars and building staff at the center, which has an open ag water science position.

“That’s an important part of the equation in terms of Central Oregon agriculture,” Culman said.

He said he’ll talk with ag producers and other community members to get his bearings and that probably will include formal listening sessions.

“I’m super curious to start some conversations and see what’s on growers minds, what needs are being met, what needs aren’t being met and what we have the capacity to address,” Culman said.

“I think there are a lot of opportunities to do additional work and reach out in new ways. … I’ve got plenty to learn and I’m excited to start,” he added.

Part of the appeal of the position was its location. Culman said he’s always enjoyed Central Oregon when he’s visited.

Collaborative research

Culman’s research focuses on improving soil health through management practices that enrich nutrient cycling to enhance crop production and benefit the environment.

His collaborative, field-based research involves working directly with growers to solve problems.

“Dr. Culman’s deep expertise in soil health, particularly in the context of diverse cropping systems, will drive innovative research and solutions for the challenges facing Central Oregon agriculture,” said Dean Staci Simonich of OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

“His proven track record of collaboration with growers and applied research will be invaluable in this role and we are excited to see the new heights the research station will reach under his leadership,” Simonich added, in a news release.

Regional crops

The center, which has about 10 workers, serves Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties in Central Oregon. The area includes communities such as Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Prineville and Warm Springs.

The region is home to major crops including carrot grown for hybrid seed, Kentucky bluegrass grown for seed, peppermint grown for oil or tea leaf, garlic grown for seed and specialized potatoes.

Other widely grown crops in Central Oregon are alfalfa hay, grass hay and wheat.

About 70% of the hybrid carrot seed across the globe comes from Jefferson County.

Interim director to stay

Jeremiah Dung has been the interim director of the Central Oregon Agricultural Research and Extension Center since 2021.

Carol Tollefson, the former director, had held the position since 2014.

Dung said in an email that he planned to continue as an associate professor and plant pathologist at the center.

“Fortunately, he will stay on,” Culman said.

Work background

Before joining Washington State University in 2022, Culman was for nine years a state specialist in soil fertility at Ohio State University.

He has also held postdoctoral research positions at the University of California-Davis and Michigan State University. He has a master’s degree in soil science and a doctorate in agronomy from Cornell University.

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