The following PDF file contains 3 separate brochures highlighting some of the benefits of Harney County, Oregon, the largest county in Oregon.

1. Harney County, Oregon
Alternative Energy
Rugged. Resourceful. Renewable.
For centuries, Harney County has been home to trailblazers, pioneers and kindred spirits that share a love of
the rugged outdoors. That same spirit continues to thrive here today.
In Harney County, people have long understood the need to respect natural resources that have provided
for their families. From restoring forests after timber harvesting to growing renewable crops that sustain family
farms to providing high-quality free range natural beef products. It’s no wonder that it turns out that
Harney County Harney County is a perfect place for cultivating renewable energy resources. In Harney County, we
Economic Development understand renewable. We’ve been living a renewable culture for centuries.

2. Biomass
Managing timber resources
Energy The timber industry sustained many local families for years. The 10,000+ acres are home to both
the Malhuer and Ochoco National Forest and hundreds of acres of land covered with juniper
trees and sagebrush. Harney County has the infrastructure to support a biomass plant fueled
by scrap wood products created from timber management practices used to promote healthy
forests. And there are many business benefits here including a quality skilled workforce, tax and
development incentives and fiber optic services.
Wind Power
Harnessing the wind
With land mass larger than 10 US states, land is plentiful and the wind blows freely through the
forests and fields filling the air with the scent of sagebrush and pine. The open prairies that cover
much of the county provide a perfect landscape for harnessing the wind for power generation.
Several wind generation projects are already scheduled and expected to complement wind
generation from the blustery Columbia Gorge region.
Wind
Energy

3. Solar Energy
Let the sun shine in...over 300 days a year
In Harney County, solar power is a truly bright idea. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the
regions gets as much sun every year as Miami, Florida and is well positioned to deliver solar
power to the masses. Oregon boasts the largest solar cell manufacturing facility in North America
in Portland and green energy production is a priority to our State, Federal and local Government
leaders. Harney County is a perfect place to soak up the sun.
Getting steamed up
For many years local people have visited the natural hot springs located near Crane, Oregon for
relaxation and rejuvenation. Little did they know that such geothermal activity may someday be
used as an alternative form of energy. Testing in the area has revealed that the southern portion of
Harney County is a hotbed of geothermal activity and is viable for producing geothermal power.
It’s enough to get you all steamed up.
Geothermal

4. Rugged. Resourceful. Renewable.
For hundreds of years every spring, millions of birds migrate to Harney County to nest at the Mal-
huer National Wildlife Refuge. Coveys of quail line the streets of the towns and deer graze quietly
in the lawns of the local townspeople. The Steens Mountain Wilderness Area, a rugged,
beautiful and pristine mountain range is home to big horn sheep, elk, bear, cougar, birds, fish and
lots of other wildlife.
The people of Harney County have made a living off the land for centuries and their livelihoods
have depended on renewing and replenishing for continued prosperity. Respecting the
environment is not a political or corporate buzzword here–it’s integrated into the fabric of our
people. Free-range is the only way cattle area managed here, where factory farming is unimaginable.
Real working cowboys and ranchers work and till the land like generations before them. Their hats
and boots dusty but their purpose and hearts as clean as the crystal streams that flow through the
valleys.
This rich and diverse land has long been a place of harmony between nature and humans. And
renewable energy is just another way in which Harney County is embracing a new generation of
time honored ideals.
Harney County Economic Development
484 N. Broadway Street | Burns, Oregon 97730
541.573.1638 | econdev@harneycounty.org
www.harneycounty.org
Alternative Energy-Brochure-RevA Designed by Jeri Hauth

5. Harney County, Oregon
Dairy & Agriculture
Open. Collaborative. Rooted.
Harney County has been home to farmers and ranchers for generations. Working family farms are not a thing
of the past, but are a thriving oasis in the open wild of the high desert.
The people of Harney County embrace the time honored ideals of ranching and farming and they have built
a supportive community where they learn from each other and prosper. This collaborative environment helps
build these businesses through both good and hard times.
Harney County
Economic Development Putting your roots down in Harney County is not only a good idea but a smart one. It is the perfect place to
plant and nurture your farm or ranch and build it into a flourishing and successful business.

6. Dairy
Biomass
Energy
Where You Will be “Herd”
Harney County loves farmers. We have over 500 farms and ranches here that produce quality cattle, hay and dairy products. The rich heritage of these
enterprises runs deep, many being fifth generation farmers. Harney County Commissioners endorsed and implemented a “Right to Farm” ordinance
that promotes and protects agricultural practices. Children, many not raised on farms, are widely supported in the community through a solid 4-H
program and Harney County often has the highest contribution auctions in the state. In addition, every fall, local schools close for 2 days in celebration
of the Harney Country Fair and Rodeo, an event that is steeped in tradition and highlights local farms and ranches. There is perfect dairy land identified
and a strong support system for siting and permitting that meets the Clean Water Act, has adequate drainage, and wind protection.

7. Agriculture Solar Energy
Sowing Seeds
In Harney County, we enjoy the designation as the highest quality hay production in the state, producing over 158,000 tons of quality hay. This is
partly due to the low day and night temperatures, rarely exceeding 100, over 300 days of sunshine a year, and plentiful water supply, but we like to
think that much of the success comes from the heart and soul of the quality farmers we raise here in Harney County. The Steens Mountain Wilderness
Area has many features that are conducive to successful hay farming.
We believe there’s no better place to lay down your roots. Come pay us a visit and we’ll put out the welcome mat for you.

8. Open. Collaborative. Rooted.
For hundreds of years every spring, millions of birds migrate to Harney County to nest at the Mal-
huer National Wildlife Refuge. Coveys of quail line the streets of the towns and deer graze quietly
in the lawns of the local townspeople. The Steens Mountain Wilderness Area, a rugged,
beautiful and pristine mountain range is home to big horn sheep, elk, bear, cougar, birds, fish and
lots of other wildlife.
The people of Harney County have made a living off the land for centuries and their livelihoods
have depended on renewing and replenishing for continued prosperity. Respecting the
environment is not a political or corporate buzzword here–it’s integrated into the fabric of our
people. Free-range is the only way cattle are managed here, where factory farming is unimaginable.
Real working cowboys and ranchers work and till the land like generations before them. Their hats
and boots dusty but their purpose and hearts as clean as the crystal streams that flow through the
valleys.
This rich and diverse land has long been a place of harmony between nature and humans. And
using our land to sustain dairy and agricultural farming is just another way in which Harney County is
embracing a new generation of time honored ideals.
Harney County Economic Development
484 N. Broadway Street | Burns, Oregon 97730
541.573.1638 | econdev@harneycounty.org
www.harneycounty.org
Dairy Agriculture-Brochure-RevA Designed by Jeri Hauth

9. Harney County, Oregon
Golden Retirement
Affordable. Expansive. Wilderness.
Harney County has always been home to nature lovers, freedom seekers, and people who enjoy a slower
pace of life. With thousands of acres of open range prairies, aromatic high desert, and scenic mountains,
Harney County enjoys a very low human population. So low in fact, that the cattle far outnumber the people.
And that’s just the way they like it here. You won’t find overpopulated and under-friendly cities, endless
commutes in snarled traffic, and senseless amounts of crime here. Only the natural wonder of watching a
Harney County sandhill crane arching it’s wings in flight, hikes through uncharted miles of wilderness trails, and the joy of living
Economic Development
in a simpler time. These are the values Harney County was built on and these values continue to thrive here
today.

10. Active Lifestyle
Retirement & New Beginnings
Just because we enjoy a slower pace of life in Harney County doesn’t mean we’re idle. People here don’t let the grass grown under their feet. With
so many outdoor activities for all four seasons, Harney County is the place to retire but not stay motionless. In the summer, spring and fall, opportuni-
ties for outdoor activities like hiking, bicycling, camping, golfing, fishing or hunting are plentiful. In the spring, the Malhuer National Bird Refuge is a
wonderful place to visit and watch the hundreds of migratory bird species congregate to have their babies. In the winter, activities like snowmobiling,
sledding and cross country skiing are enjoyed. No matter what the season, Harney County has so many things to offer that will help keep you young
and vital.

11. Quiet Country Atmosphere Solar Energy
Stepping Back in Time
There was a time when life was much simpler. In Harney County, it still feels that way. Where neighbors are still friendly, visiting over the fence or drop-
ping by to borrow a cup of sugar, where children still ride their bikes through the streets, run through sprinklers, and play ball together at neighbor-
hood parks, and families huddle together to watch snowstorms by the fireplace. This simpler, low-key lifestyle is easy to get used to. Along with the
low-key lifestyle, residents also enjoy low housing costs and property taxes. You won’t see many people hussling to get to their jobs in their suit and
tie or heels...you’re much more likely to encounter someone in a pair of cowboy boots or tennis shoes and a pair of jeans but with a smile on their face
and an open heart.

12. Open. Collaborative. Rooted.
For hundreds of years every spring, millions of birds migrate to Harney County to nest at the
Malhuer National Wildlife Refuge. Coveys of quail line the streets of the towns and deer graze
quietly in the lawns of the local townspeople. The Steens Mountain Wilderness Area, a rugged,
beautiful and pristine mountain range is home to big horn sheep, elk, bear, cougar, birds, fish and
lots of other wildlife.
The people of Harney County have made a living off the land for centuries and their livelihoods
have depended on renewing and replenishing for continued prosperity. Respecting the
environment is not a political or corporate buzzword here–it’s integrated into the fabric of our
people. Free-range is the only way cattle are managed here, where factory farming is unimaginable.
Real working cowboys and ranchers work and till the land like generations before them. Their hats
and boots dusty but their purpose and hearts as clean as the crystal streams that flow through the
valleys.
This rich and diverse land has long been a place of harmony between nature and humans. And
using our community to help retirees find peace and happiness is just another way in which Harney
County is embracing a new generation of time honored ideals.
Harney County Economic Development
484 N. Broadway Street | Burns, Oregon 97730
541.573.1638 | econdev@harneycounty.org
www.harneycounty.org
Retirement-Brochure-RevA Designed by Jeri Hauth