Harney County

Making the Future Better through Teaching, Service & Research!

In one year, Harney County Extension connects with an average of 20,000 people through workshops, seminars, committee meetings, volunteer programs, field days, newsletters, and individual consultations.

Educational programs/resources are offered in the areas of:

• Agriculture and Natural Resources
• 4-H/Youth Development
• Family and Community Health

OSU Extension is a partnership of USDA at the federal level, OSU at the state level, and Harney County.

Quick Facts about Harney County:

• Population (2019) 7,393
• Established: 1889
• Established Extension Office March 4, 1914
• Elevation at Burns is 4,147'
• County covers 10,133 square miles, Harney County is the largest and most sparsely populated county in the state of Oregon
  • Approximately 75% of the county is federal land and contains the Burns Paiute Indian Reservation
• County Seat: Burns
• Communities of Harney County include: Andrews, Buchanan, Crane, Denio, Diamond, Dreswey, Fields, Frenchglen, Hines, Lawen, Princeton, Riley, Wagontire
• Population per square mile, 0.7 person per square mile
• Average Max Temperature: 87^o
• Average Min Temperature: 44^o
• Annual Precipitation: 10.6" rainfall and 21.7" snow
• Economy: Agriculture, livestock raising, forestry and recreation/tourism services constitute most of Harney County's economy
• Prominent Natural and Community Features that serve as point of interest: Steens Mountains, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and Alvord Hot Springs