Jefferson County's manufacturing sector steps into the spotlight this morning as Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) hosts its annual Made in Jefferson County Tour — a community bus tour designed to showcase the industries that quietly power the local economy.
The 2026 tour runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon today, Thursday, June 18, with stops at three featured businesses:
- Central Oregon Seed, Inc. — one of the region's leading agricultural seed producers
- Keith Manufacturing — a family-owned company producing industrial equipment with deep roots in the region
- Poland Organic Dairy — a certified organic dairy farm representing Jefferson County's agricultural heritage
The tour departs from Madras Sanitary Services and is open to registered attendees. Tickets and registration details are available at edcoinfo.com/events.
Why It Matters
Jefferson County has long been characterized as economically distressed, but recent data shows improvement. Mayor Mike Lepin noted last week that the county's economic distress ranking in Oregon has improved over the past year — a trend that reflects, in part, the stability of its traded-sector businesses like those featured on today's tour.
Traded-sector industries — companies that sell products or services beyond the local market — are the economic engine that brings outside dollars into a community. For a rural county like Jefferson, these businesses represent job stability and multiplier effects that ripple through local retail, housing, and services.
EDCO has hosted the Made in Jefferson County Tour annually for several years, and the event has grown in both attendance and profile. Participants typically include local elected officials, business owners, economic development partners, and community members curious about what's being built and grown in their backyard.
A County Building On Its Strengths
Jefferson County's economy is rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, and outdoor recreation. With COCC expanding educational offerings at its Madras campus — including a new nursing program — and new infrastructure investment proposals on the table, the county is positioning itself for measured but meaningful growth.
The Made in Jefferson County Tour is one of the most accessible ways for residents to understand and appreciate the economic foundation beneath their community. If you're not registered this year, mark your calendar for 2027.