>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

It may have been the big day for their open house celebrating their new location, but as far as Jennifer Isley, county executive director for the Farm Service Agency, is concerned, there’s still work to be done. Wednesday marked the official celebration of the new offices of Rural Development, National Resource Conservation and Farm Service Agencies at 1901 Adams Ave. in La Grande. - The Observer/CHRIS BAXTER

What prompted the move was the expiring of the USDA’s lease at the Ag Service Center. At that point, the agency was required to put the lease out for bid according to U.S. General Services Administration facilities standards.

“The building here on Adams was simply the winning bid,” said Patty Good, area specialist with Rural Development.

The Farm Service Agency, Natural Resource Conservation Service and Rural Development are now housed in suites 1, 5 and 6 at 1901 Adams Ave. The move took place in early December.

Good said she remembers moving into the Ag Service Center when it first opened in the early 1980s.

After so many years at the Ag Service Center, the change has required some adjustment, but Good said it has been a positive move.

“Our customers can still drive their horse trailer with cows in it and stop here on their way to the sale,” she said. “The new location is very convenient — not only for serving our customers, but for the routine running of the office.”

Good, who has been with Rural Development for 29 years, said having the banks, the post office and other delivery agencies so close has been great for office staff. 

Office hours for the Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resource Conservation Service and Rural Development remain the same — Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.