Published October 26, 2026
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One of the biggest subjects in Oregon vineyards right now is a small rodent called a meadow vole. Voles are an important part of the ecosystem, but like the arctic lemmings I read about as a child, their populations can boom in certain years. When the boom coincides with a very dry summer, voles in the vineyard turn their attention to the grapevines and begin to chew. Vineyards are not the only Oregon farms being negatively affected by voles. In fact, I’m currently attending the 2026 Vole Summit organized by Oregon State University.
We’re trying a variety of strategies here at Winter’s Hill, including encouraging predators, reducing vole habitat, as well as experimenting with our Kune Kune pigs. Hopefully I’ll learn some new ideas from other farmers at the Summit this week.
