Jefferson County's manufacturing base got a moment in the spotlight last Wednesday when 60 people turned out for the annual Made in Jefferson County Tour, an event organized by Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) to showcase the county's traded-sector businesses.

This year's tour featured three Madras-area businesses: Central Oregon Seed, Inc., Keith Manufacturing, and Poland Organic Dairy — a diverse cross-section of the agriculture, industrial equipment, and food production industries that anchor the local economy.

Strong Outside Interest

According to EDCO representative Brenna Fulks, between 60% and 70% of attendees came from outside Jefferson County. That figure underscores the tour's role not just as a community event, but as a tool for regional economic awareness — connecting investors, site selectors, policy makers, and curious neighbors with the realities of what's being made in Madras.

"The Made in Jefferson County Tour is a good place to start if you want to better understand what's driving Jefferson County's economy," EDCO wrote in a preview earlier this year.

What Participants Saw

  • Central Oregon Seed, Inc. — A cornerstone of the region's grass seed and agricultural seed industry, which has long been one of Jefferson County's most significant economic sectors.
  • Keith Manufacturing — A Madras-based industrial manufacturer with a national customer base, producing specialized equipment for bulk material handling.
  • Poland Organic Dairy — Representing Jefferson County's growing presence in organic agriculture and sustainable food production.

A County Built on More Than Agriculture

Jefferson County is often known for its agricultural roots, but the Made in Jefferson County Tour is part of EDCO's broader effort to highlight the diversity of the county's traded-sector economy — businesses that export goods or services beyond the local market and bring outside dollars in.

EDCO's next major regional networking event is Central Oregon PubTalk on June 25 in Bend. Information on future Jefferson County economic development events is available at edcoinfo.com/events.