He worked for Oregon State University as a rural extension agent and a farm crop specialist from 1929 until 1959.

In this capacity, he advised local farmers and ranchers on modern agricultural techniques, land use, and conservation practices.

This includes his original notes, publication draft, and correspondence related to The Oregon Desert book.

Together they produced a book about a unique region of the American West and its inhabitants, filled with history, lore, and humor.

Jackman contributed scholarly chapters on geology, geography, flora, fauna, and the life of Native Americans in the high desert.

[8][9][10] According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, the book "successfully blended natural science with cowboy humor and scholarly prose with casual meanderings.

Long was a story teller so the chapters attributed to him were dictated to Jackman, who then prepared the entire volume for publication.

According to the Oregon State Library, this book is "a classic account of the places, events, animals and people in the High Desert region.

Stories of life on the desert are told with deep subtle humor, wisdom, and charm, producing a delightful book.