Page "Metolius, Oregon" Paragraph 6

Prior to the 1940s, only dry farming existed in the area.

An irrigation project diverting water from the Deschutes River boosted farming output and the town began to grow again.

Through an extensive canal system, water from the Deschutes river reaches the area.

Farmers were now able to grow large crops-mostly mint, potatoes and hay.

By 1960 over 3000 railroad cars of fresh potatoes were loaded each year from the area.

Four giant packing sheds stored fresh packed potatoes and delivered them onto railroad cars.

A frozen French fry factory employed many workers year round.

In 1968 a potato blight of nematodes ended large scale potato production in this area.

In 1973 the railroad closed its depot in Metolius.

By 1990 almost all mint production had ended due to root rot.

Now in 2007 most agricultural production around Metolius is marginal.