A historically dry year defined farming in Jefferson County in 2026. With 94% of the county under severe drought and North Unit Irrigation District cutting water allotments significantly, local growers faced some of the tightest conditions in decades — and are already planning ahead for 2027.

Jefferson County awarded grant administration services for the Madras Food Pantry's building expansion project this spring, moving a long-delayed effort forward. Meanwhile, the pantry is inviting the community to its annual fundraising gala on December 4.

As potato harvest wraps up across Jefferson County, growers are tallying up a season defined by reduced water allotments, persistent drought, and hard choices about what to plant. The North Unit Irrigation District had cut allocations significantly heading into 2026 — and the effects played out all summer long.

After a summer of severe drought, Jefferson County farmers are wrapping up the 2026 season and counting losses. A Governor's drought emergency declaration underscored the scale of what producers faced.

A canceled carnival, wildfire smoke, and closed roads cut fair attendance by two-thirds, leaving the Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo with a $13,995 deficit. But the fair manager says 2027 will be “nothing this community has ever seen.”

The North Unit Irrigation District will shut off water deliveries on October 9, closing out a difficult 2026 season that saw reduced allotments, a significant Wikiup Reservoir drawdown, and persistent drought conditions across Jefferson County farmland.

Jefferson County commissioners held a public comment hearing this month on a proposed ordinance that would authorize and regulate the operation of all-terrain vehicles on certain county roadways — a move that could open up new riding options for residents across the region.

Despite a punishing drought year that forced reduced water allotments, the North Unit Irrigation District says the 2026 irrigation season will wrap up on schedule, with the final shutdown set for October 9.

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners convened Wednesday morning for their regular September meeting, with county business including continued movement on grant administration services for the Madras Food Pantry Project — a community food security initiative aimed at expanding local access to essential resources.

Falling student enrollment and changes to Oregon's school funding formula are forcing Jefferson County School District 509J to trim its budget this year — part of a statewide challenge hitting rural districts especially hard.

Jefferson County commissioners voted this week to allow Class IV ATVs — commonly called side-by-sides — on portions of 42 county roads near Madras, Culver, and Crooked River Ranch, opening new recreational and utility corridors for off-road vehicle operators.