Bryce Oates
Bryce Oates writes The Cocklebur on Substack and is a Contributing Editor (Rural Community Organizing) at Barn Raiser. He writes about rural policy, people, places and politics. His work includes narrative nonfiction, opinion pieces and Q&A interviews. Bryce studies how the federal budget affects rural counties, farm and food policy, public lands and conservation issues, racial and gender equity in rural areas, climate change, economic inequality, rural demographic data and rural politics. A former farmer, rural economic developer and community organizer, he lives and works in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
Latest articles
page 1 of 3Can Democrats Stop the GOP From Taking a Chainsaw to the Farm Bill?
Republicans are gearing up to cut SNAP programs and increase payments to the largest farmers
Why Democrats Lost in Rural America. Again.
A message from rural America to Democratic Party elites
Are Democrats Finally Taking Rural Voters Seriously?
The Harris-Walz campaign now has a rural policy plan. Their message, however, continues to lack one crucial talking point.
The 10 Rural Districts That Could Swing the House
Candidates in rural battleground congressional races are pivotal in deciding who controls the U.S. House
J.D. Vance’s Populist Charade
Thoughts on a dangerous vice presidential candidate as President Biden steps aside
Will Senate Democrats Defend Child Labor Protections in the Farm Bill?
The Senate Republican farm bill framework fails the farms and families of rural America
