Mary K. Corp

Director, Columbia Basin Agricultural Research Center

Extension Regional Administrator, Columbia Plateau Region

Professor, Crop and Soil Science Department

Oregon State University Extension Service

PO Box 100 Umatilla Hall

Pendleton, Oregon 97801

Office: 541-278-5403 Extension

Office: 541-278-4415 CBARC

Cell: 541-720-3859

August 30, 2017

I. EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

EDUCATION

YearUniversityDegreeMajor

1995Portland State University, M.B.A.Business Administration

1989Eastern Oregon UniversityB.S.General Studies

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Years / Employer / Brief Description of Responsibilities
Dec. 2011- present / Oregon State University / Extension Regional Administrator and CBARC Director (beginning in 11/2015) with fiscal management ($4.1 Million annual budget) and supervisory responsibilities (24 faculty and 17 staff) for a three county region including Umatilla, Morrow, and Gilliam; and the two station locations (Pendleton and Moro). (100%)
2011-2014
2004-2011
1998-2004 / Oregon State University
Oregon State University
Oregon State University / Professor with Extension outreach and education responsibilities for dryland cereals and alternative crop in Umatilla County and Master Gardener program coordinator for Umatilla and Morrow Counties. (20%)
Associate professor with Extension responsibilities for dryland cereals, and alternative crops in Umatilla County. Also Master Gardener program coordinator in Umatilla and Morrow Counties.
Assistant professor with Extension responsibilities for dryland cereals, and alternative crops in Umatilla County.
1996-1998 / Oregon Department of Agriculture / Pesticide specialist with responsibilities for training, compliance assistance, inspections and complaint investigations for 11 Eastern Oregon counties.
1997-1998 / Eastern Oregon University / Adjunct faculty responsible for teaching financial management in External Degree Program.
1984-1996 / Umatilla County Weed Control / Supervisor of county vegetation management program including noxious weed district, roadside weed control, environmental compliance, and safety training. Managed staff of 7 employees and $325,000 annual budget.

II. TEACHING, ADVISING AND OTHER ASSIGNMENTS

1) Extension Regional Administration for Columbia Plateau Region – active dates: December, 2011 – November, 2015 (100% assignment)

November, 2015 – present (50% assignment) reduced region to Umatilla, Morrow and Gilliam Counties.

a) Situation - Extension administration changed from a county based model to a 12 region model in 2011. I was selected to lead the Columbia Plateau Region which encompasses a five county area: Umatilla, Morrow, and Gilliam Counties. I am responsible for the fiscal management (approximately $2.2 million annual budget) and primary supervisor for 12 faculty and 9 staff spread across the region.

b) Activities beyond the day-to-day personnel and fiscal management duties include:

  1. hiring new staff and faculty, both inside and outside my region,
  2. building stronger community relationships with three counties Board of Commissioners, and key leaders across the region
  3. creating greater visibility for OSU and Extension programming through increased marketing and
  4. reaching out to new underserved and younger audiences through new programing, networking, and social media

2) Director for Columbia Basin Agriculture Research Center – active dates: November, 2015 – Present (50% assignment)

a) Situation – I was selected to lead the Columbia Basin Agriculture Research Center (CBARC) which encompasses the operations of two stations – the Pendleton station and the Sherman station. I am responsible for the fiscal management (approximately $1.9 million annual budget) and supervision of 3 faculty scientists and 12 professional and support staff.

b) Activities beyond the day-to-day personnel and fiscal management duties include:

  1. Hiring new faculty and staff for the two stations
  2. Building stronger relationships with key partners like the Oregon Wheat Commission, Oregon Wheat Growers League, the USDA ARS unit co-located at the Pendleton station, community leaders in the Columbia Plateau, state and federal agencies
  3. Building a strong liaison committee for both stations
  4. Developing alternative funding and development opportunities

3) Extension Educational Programming – active dates: 1998-2014

a) Situation – My primary program responsibility was to provide research updates and new information to my Extension clientele in the dryland cropping production areas of Umatilla County. Grain crops are raised on 378,000 acres by about 570 full time operators. There are about 1,000 farms in the area, with about 20% being greater than 1,000 acres in size. In addition, crop consultants and government agency personnel use my educational programming to stay up-to-date on agricultural pest, agricultural issues, and improved production practices.

b) Activities – the following avenues are used to convey information about new herbicides, new cereal varieties, pesticide safety, drift reduction techniques, disease control, and other topics of current importance:

  1. Columbia Basin Cereal Seminar and Sustainable Ag Forum is an annual event that focuses on cereal production and is used to provide cutting edge information to producers from around the region. Attendees include growers and crop consultants from the region. My role is to provide leadership in planning, organizing, facilitating and teaching for the Cereal Seminar. Cereal Seminar became a day-long session of the Hermiston Farm Fair and Tradeshow in 2011. I serve on the Farm Fair Committee that plans the event (2011- present) This event is moving to the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center outside of Hermiston this year (2016) and we have expanded the educational program offerings, increased tradeshow and look forward to building this into an even bigger and broader reach in the next 5 years.
  1. Umatilla County Weed and Crop Tour has been an annual event for the past 20 plus years. It is a cooperative effort with the Umatilla County’s Wheat Growers, Soil and Water Conservation District, and Weed Control program. My role is to lead in planning, organizing, facilitating, and teaching for the Weed and Crop Tour with input from other cooperators.
  1. Core Pesticide Training Program provides ongoing pesticide education and is often in conjunction with other educational programming. Approximately 10 Pesticide recertification credit hours are offered annually. My role is to plan, organize, facilitate and teach for the Core Pesticide Training Program.
  1. Social Media Networking is used to give timely educational updates and alerts for current cropping issues, pest updates, field research updates, and program announcements. I started using blogs and Twitter for my dryland cereals production program in 2009, and started a blog and Facebook for the Master Gardener Program in 2009. Here are some examples of social media that I have created, use and currently maintain:
  2. YouTube Video Series: Insect Collection, Mounting, Labeling, and Identification ( 11 videos -55,360 viewings) July, 2011-present.
  3. Twitter Cereal Central (172 followers) 2009-present
  4. Facebook Umatilla County Master Gardeners page(30 members)
  5. Facebook Columbia Basin Ag Research Center, November, 2015
  6. Facebook Mary Corp (850 friends)
  7. CerealCentral listserve (314 members)

c) Results – One example of results from a combination of my different educational programs is the increased adoption of new and different herbicides, the increased adoption of new sprayer technology and better application methods by both growers, commercial and public pesticide applicators. The result is reduced off-target herbicide movement from cereal crops to sensitive adjacent crops such as grapes. This reduction in drift and reduction in crop injury to neighboring grape vineyards has contributed to the successful establishment of vineyards in the region. As of 2011, about 2,000 acres of wine grapes and 100 wineries have been established in the Walla Walla Valley. Nearly half of the production is located on the Oregon side of the stateline, and in 2008 the farm gate production values were estimated at $3.2 million for Oregon’s share of the grape production. Currently, drift is minimal and the Walla Walla Valley has become world renowned for their high quality wines.

d) Examples of Related Scholarship -

Corp, M.K., Rondon, S. & Van Vleet, S. 2013. “Insect Identification Educational Volunteers Created in Train-the-Trainer Workshops in Oregon and Washington.” Journal of Extension. [On-line] June, 2013 Volume 51 Number 3 pg3-8. Role: Created evaluation component of project, conducted research, analyzed results and was lead author on the article.

Corp, M.K. & C. LaBelle. 2010. “Social media – a Fad or the Future? Experiences of an Extension Agronomist in Northwestern U.S. 2010 International Annual Meeting of ASA, CSSA & SSSA. Long Beach, CA. November, 2010. 50 participants: extension specialists and industry leaders. Role: Designed and conducted online research, collected and analyzed data, and presenter.

Corp, M.K. (Guest interview). January 6, 2010. FoxBusiness News. “Weather Impacts on Pacific Northwest Wheat Crop.” New York, NY: Fox Broadcasting Company.

Corp, M.K. & Diebel, P. 2009. “Redefining Change Influencers in a Post-Boomer Demographic.” 2009 International Annual Meeting of Agronomy Society of America (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), & Soil Science Society of America (SSA). Presentation and abstract. November, 2009. Pittsburgh, PA.

Corp, M.K., Darnell, T. & Ball, D.A. 2006. “Milton Freewater Drift Taskforce: A Case Study for Solving Drift Issues Locally.” Western Society of Weed Science. Presentation. Reno, NV. March, 2006.

Corp, M. K., & Darnell, T. February, 2002. “Conflict-Laden Issues: A Learning Opportunity.” Journal of Extension. [On-line serial] Vol. 40 Num. 1. Available:

2) Dryland Summer Fallow Production Systems Program – active 1998-2014

a) Situation: Pacific Northwest summer fallow production systems have historically provided a means to recharge soil moisture from fall and winter precipitation. Tillage has then been used to minimize moisture loss during the summer due to capillary flow and evaporation, or from transpiration by weeds. However, these tillage practices degrade soil physical properties and pose a threat of increased soil erosion. No-tillage chemical fallow systems can reduce soil erosion but tend to increase the evaporation losses of seed zone soil moisture. I established an on-farm large scale research effort in the fall of 2005 with a local farm to increase understanding of the effects of types of fallow tillage and its impact on seed zone moisture, weed control, yields and profitability. Various growers, researchers and extension faculty have participated in the project over its life, and have made important contributions to the overall success of the project.

b) Activities: I led the following research efforts and related extension activities-

  1. Four year replicated on-farm research comparing primarily 3 different fallow systems ranging from no-tillage, reduced tillage using undercutter sweep tillage, and conventional mulch tillage.
  2. Year 3 and 4 of the study, 3 additional treatments were added to the study and an additional second location in Davenport, Washington, was added as the research expanded to include additional researchers and funding.
  3. Umatilla County Weed and Crop Tour presented the research findings in May, 2006 and again in 2009 to local farmers, field consultants, researchers, and agency personnel.

c) Results: The adoption of conservation farming practices continues to develop across the area with both reduced tillage practices and no till. These changes represent an annual soil loss savings of about 422,000 tons, which at $6/ton for a soil “value” equals $2.5 million in savings.

d) Related Scholarship:

Wuest, S., & Corp, M.K. 2011. “One-pass Tillage for Summer Fallow Under Arid Summer Conditions.” Plant Management Network Journal. [On-line] doi: 10.1094/CM-2011-1223-3-RS. December, 2011.

Riar, D.R., Ball, D.A., Yenish, J.P., Wuest, S.B. & Corp, M.K. 2010. “Comparison of Fallow Tillage Methods in the Intermediate Rainfall Inland Pacific Northwest Environments.” Agronomy Journal. Nov-Dec, 2010. Page 102:1664-1673.

Wuest, S., Shillinger, W.F. & Corp, M.K. 2010. “One tillage pass can produce highly effective tilled summer fallow.” CBARC Station Report. June, 2010. [On-line] http://cbarc.aes.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/one_tillage_pass_can_produce_highly_effective_tilled_summer_fallow.pdf

Corp, M.K. & S. Wuest. 2008 “Evaluation of Fallow Methods Study: No-Till, Reduced Tillage & Traditional Fallow.” 2008 Joint International Meeting of ASA, CSSA, & SSSA. Presentation and abstract. October, 2008. Houston, Texas. Pp 541-5.

Corp, M.K. & Lutcher, L. 2007. “Evaluation of Fallow Methods in the Pacific Northwest.” Merredin Research Center, Presentation. Merridin, Western Australia. September, 2007.

Corp, M.K., Lutcher, L. & Wuest, S. 2007. “Evaluation of fallow methods: chemical fallow, reduced tillage fallow & traditional tillage fallow impacts on soil profile and seed zone moisture.” PNW Direct Seed Conference. Poster presentation. January, 2007. TriCities, Washington.

3)Alternative Crops Program – active 2005-2011.

a) Situation: The alternative crops program is an effort to identify profitable alternative crops that can be successfully integrated into traditional wheat/fallow production areas in Umatilla County. In 2005, an organic wheat production study was initiated. The organic wheat market continues to experience growth and premium prices. The organic wheat research is part of the Organic Working Group at OSU that includes a combination of Extension faculty, researchers and organic producers.

b) Activities: Research looking at organic wheat as an alternative crop began in 2005 and continued at the Blue Mountain Community College Ag Complex until 2010 and was expanded to include an on-farm trial at Nelson Farms in 2008 which continues today. The current research is being conducted as a cooperative effort with Stephen Machado, OSU Cropping Systems researcher from the Columbia Basin Ag Research Center in Pendleton, Oregon and Diana Roberts, Washington State University in Spokane, WA.

c) Results: Adoption of organic wheat production still faces many challenges in the dryland production system. I have two growers that rely on and use information from my organic research trials with combined production of about 3,500 acres. Farm visits and regular communication is helping these early adopters overcome some significant challenges.

d) Examples of Related Scholarship:

Machado, S., Humphreys, C., Tuck, B. & Corp, M. 2006. “Seeding Date, Plant Density, and Cultivar Effects on Chickpea Yield and Seed Size in Eastern Oregon.” Crop Management Journal. [On-line] June 21, 2006. Available:

Machado, S., Humphreys, C., Tuck, B. & Corp, M. 2004. “Evaluating Chickpea (Garbanzo Bean) For Adaptability to Eastern Oregon.” Oregon State University Station Report 1054. June 2004.

Corp, M.K., Ball, D.A., & Siemens, M.C. 2004. “Wheat straw management and its effects on weed populations, stand establishment and yield in direct-seed chickpea.” Western Society of Weed Science Proceedings. Vol.57. Pg.20. March, 2004.

Corp, M., Machado, S., Ball, D., Smiley, R., Petrie, S., Siemens, M. & Guy, S. 2004. “Chickpea Production Guide.” Oregon State University EM 8791-E. January 2004.

4) Umatilla County Master Gardener Program – 2005 – 2015

a) Situation: In the fall of 2004, Umatilla County Master Gardener Chapter members (5 active members) requested that I take leadership of the local program that had languished since the departure of a part time coordinator several years earlier. OSU Extension Service Master Gardener program educates community members about the art and science of growing and caring for plants. This program also facilitates the training of a highly educated corp of volunteers. These volunteers then extend sustainable gardening information to our local communities through education and outreach programs.

The size of the Umatilla County program grew from 5 to 55 trained volunteers in 6 years. The size of the program reached a level that my county administrator added Master Gardener Program oversight to my official duties in 2009.

In 2015, I hired a .49 FTE Educational Program Assistant to oversee the training program for the County program, and to liaison with the local Master Gardener Association to plan activities, and educational events with the communities.

b) Activities: In the seven years, I organized, and facilitated Master Gardener training programs consisting of 48 hours of basic training in year 2005, and 64 hours of basic training from 2007 - 2015. I also taught 2-3 classes during the annual training programs. My presentations have included “Overview of Master Gardeners Program,” “Weed Control for Home Gardens,” “Safe Pesticide Applications,” and “Integrated Pest Management.” I have also organized garden tours demonstrating the use of water features as part of the training programs. In 2009 and 2011, I planned and facilitated a leadership training program for the volunteers to help the group overcome the challenges of increased size and provide advance training. Twenty five volunteers attended each training.

The number of trainees varies from 13-20 people per year. About 50% of our trainees go on and finish the trainee program by volunteering 30 hours during the remainder of the year. Completing the service component allows them to earn the highly coveted Master Gardener official badge

A series of “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) fact sheets has been developed to answer common gardening questions that arise each year. I have recruited volunteers to draft the FAQs, and then I edit them for accuracy. Next the fact sheets are formatted by my support staff and submitted for review to other Extension and OSU University researchers with subject matter expertise. Once a final edited version is ready, it is posted on the Umatilla County Master Gardener website for use by volunteers. Currently, eight FAQ factsheets are available online.

c) Results: Umatilla County Master Gardener Program has grown from 5 individuals to 55 active members over the last seven years. Total volunteer service hours in 2011 were 1,536 hours. This is equals .75 FTE and a dollar value of $23,040 (1536 hours times $15 per hour) to our county Extension program. These hours represent approximately 2,918 individual public contacts made by volunteers representing OSU Extension here in Umatilla County by answering gardening questions and training others about gardening.

In addition they oversaw and maintained 5 different community gardens in Pendleton and Hermiston, and contributed about 5,265 pounds of fresh produce and flowers to low income individuals and seniors in 2011. Master Garden volunteers in the past year also made regular contributions to:

  • Landscaped the County Courthouse into an educational/demonstration garden
  • Wrote a regular column for the East Oregonian newspaper
  • Sent members to OSU Mini College in Corvallis
  • Wrote garden columns in the Hermiston Herald, “The Desert Home Gardener”
  • Wrote garden columns for Umatilla County Employee newsletter
  • Worked with Alternative Ed Program, Pendleton School District
  • Worked with Homestead Youth Program, a program for troubled teenagers
  • Worked with LifeWay, a program for developmentally challenged adults
  • Provided an OSU Master Gardener information booth at numerous local garden shows, garden centers, farmer’s markets, and are on-call to answer homeowner calls about gardening issues.
  • Recruited a Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) intern to our county who focused on building up our local foods and community-based food system.

d) Examples of Related Scholarship:

Rondon, S.I., Corp, M.K., Horneck, D.A. & Hamm, P.B. “Home Remedies to Control Garden Pests.” Oregon State University EC-1586. December, 2006.