E. R. Jackman - Agriculture Expert

Agriculture Expert

After he graduated from Oregon Agricultural College, Jackman was appointed the state's Agricultural Extension Agent for Wasco County, Oregon. As an extension agent, he worked for Oregon State University as part of the United States Department of Agriculture's Federal Cooperative Extension Service (now known as the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. In this capacity, he was responsible for advising local farmers and ranchers on modern agricultural techniques, land use, and recommended conservation practices. In 1926, he resigned to enter commercial business, but returned to the Extension Service in 1929. From 1929 until 1953, he served as a farm crop specialist; then from 1953 until his retirement in 1959, he was engaged as a range crop management specialist.

Jackman helped organize the Oregon Seed Growers' League, serving as the organization's secretary for many years. He also played a leading role in creating the Oregon Wheat League, which was subsequently copied across the United States. As president of the Pacific Northwest chapter of the American Society of Range Management, Jackman started a Youth Range Camp program in 1950. The camp is now a well established annual event. He was a member of the national extension honorary fraternity, Epsilon Sigma Phi. In 1949, Jackman was awarded the fraternity's Western States Certificate of Recognition. In 1956, he received the United States Department of Agriculture's Superior Service Award for his success in promoting grassland agriculture and for helping to develop Oregon's multi-million dollar seed industry. In 1957, the Oregon Farm Bureau Federation recognized Jackman with their Distinguished Service to Oregon Agriculture award.