Douglas County Farm Bureau is pleased to announce that it will offer up to five $1,000 scholarships for the 2019-2020 school year to students who are pursuing a course of study in agriculture or forestry — or are the children or grandchildren of a voting member of Douglas County Farm Bureau, in which case any major will be considered.

Applicants must be Douglas County high school graduates, either graduating this year or already enrolled in a higher education institution. Douglas County homeschool students are also eligible to apply.

The selection of winners will be based on merit, financial need, initiative, and demonstration of interest in forestry or agriculture.

Past recipients are eligible to reapply.

The application deadline is March 15, 2019.

For more information and the application, contact Troy or Holly Michaels at 541.825.3760.

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* Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

Newly elected OFB First Vice President Barb Iverson of Clackamas County Farm Bureau

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Barb Iverson of Clackamas County Farm Bureau was elected to serve a two-year term as Oregon Farm Bureau’s (OFB) First Vice President.

Iverson was voted into the position by the OFB House of Delegates, a grassroots body comprised of family farmers and ranchers representing County Farm Bureaus from across the state. The election took place on Dec. 6 during the 86th OFB Annual Meeting, which was held Dec. 4-6 in Salem.

“Farm Bureau benefits greatly from Barb’s steady leadership, expansive knowledge about farming, and unwavering dedication to protecting, promoting, and strengthening Oregon agriculture,” said OFB President Sharon Waterman. “We’re proud to have Barb as OFB’s First Vice President. She will do an outstanding job, as she’s done in so many other ways for Farm Bureau at the county, state, and national levels over the years.”

“Farm Bureau is such a great group of people, kind of like family. It’s an honor to be able to serve the organization in this capacity,” said Iverson.

As OFB First Vice President, Iverson presides over the OFB House of Delegates, is familiar with all financial records for the grassroots organization, and assists the OFB President and OFB Board of Directors as needed.

In January, Iverson will participate in the national American Farm Bureau House of Delegates as one of four seated representatives from Oregon during the 2019 AFBF Convention in New Orleans.

Iverson’s family operates the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn, which raises tulips, industrial hemp, wine grapes, wheat, and potatoes, among other crops.

PHOTO: Newly elected OFB First Vice President Barb Iverson of Clackamas County Farm Bureau

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* Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit, general farm organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties.

Oregon Farm Bureau President Sharon Waterman is an OFB Hall of Fame honoree and operates a Century Ranch raising sheep, cattle, and timber in Bandon. She is OFB’s 16th president.

Newly elected OFB Third Vice President Shane Otley of Harney County Farm Bureau

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cattle rancher and hay farmer Shane Otley of Harney County Farm Bureau was elected to serve a two-year term as Oregon Farm Bureau’s (OFB) Third Vice President.

Otley was voted into the position by the OFB House of Delegates, a grassroots body comprised of family farmers and ranchers representing County Farm Bureaus from across the state. The election took place on Dec. 6 during the 86th OFB Annual Meeting, which was held Dec. 4-6 in Salem.

“Since Shane joined the OFB Board of Directors in December 2013, the state board has benefitted from his leadership, expertise, and perspective. Shane will do an excellent job as OFB’s Third Vice President, and we congratulate him on being elected to serve as a state officer,” said OFB President Sharon Waterman.

“I feel dedicating my time to Farm Bureau is very important because I’m a rancher and a farmer. Farm Bureau gives me a strong voice to advocate for Oregon agriculture as a whole in the political, regulatory, and legal arenas,” said Otley.

The Third Vice President coordinates OFB’s issue advisory committees, which are comprised of Farm Bureau members representing many types of agricultural commodities, to maximize their effectiveness and guide OFB staff in their advocacy work. The Third Vice President also assists the OFB President and OFB Board of Directors as needed.

“Being from Burns, I have very strong support from the ag community on the east side of Oregon. It’s an honor that Farm Bureau members from the rest of the state have the confidence in me to represent them at the state level,” he said.

Otley is a cattle rancher and alfalfa hay farmer based in Burns.

PHOTO: Newly elected OFB Third Vice President Shane Otley of Harney County Farm Bureau

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* Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit, general farm organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties.

Oregon Farm Bureau President Sharon Waterman is an OFB Hall of Fame honoree and operates a Century Ranch raising sheep, cattle, and timber in Bandon. She is OFB’s 16th president.

Oregon Farm Bureau Hall of Fame member Edmund Duyck of Washington County Farm Bureau received a special Farm Bureau Membership Bulldog Award at the 86th Oregon Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Salem.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Edmund Duyck, member of the Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) Hall of Fame and Washington County Farm Bureau, was honored with a special Membership Bulldog Award at the 86th Oregon Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, which took place Dec. 4-6 in Salem.

“For his decades of dedication, effectiveness, and passion for Farm Bureau, we created a special Membership Bulldog Award to present to OFB Hall of Famer Edmund Duyck,” said Mary Brady, chair of the OFB Membership Committee, on Dec. 6.

This fall, Duyck stepped down after 50 years of serving as membership chair for Washington County Farm Bureau.

“Edmund estimates that over the past half century, he’s signed up nearly 900 Farm Bureau members. As a grassroots, membership-based organization, Farm Bureau depends on that sort of initiative and dedication. We thank Edmund for 50 years of leadership, determination, and hard work in Farm Bureau,” said Brady.

“It’s very rewarding and humbling to receive recognition for your efforts,” said Duyck. “I certainly didn’t do it on my own. Farm Bureau members work together to reach our goals and we all benefit.”

Duyck’s multi-generational farm in Hillsboro raises sweet corn, wheat, and other crops.

PHOTO: Oregon Farm Bureau Hall of Fame member Edmund Duyck of Washington County Farm Bureau received a special Farm Bureau Membership Bulldog Award at the 86th OFB Annual Meeting in Salem.

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* Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit, general farm organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties.

Oregon Farm Bureau President Sharon Waterman is an OFB Hall of Fame honoree and operates a Century Ranch raising sheep, cattle, and timber in Bandon. She is OFB’s 16th president.

Sue Liskey (middle) of Klamath-Lake County Farm Bureau was honored with the 2018 Outstanding County Farm Bureau Secretary Award during the 86th OFB Annual Meeting, which took place Dec. 4-6 in Salem. She was presented the award by OFB President Sharon Wat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Susan Liskey of Klamath-Lake County Farm Bureau was honored with the 2018 Outstanding County Farm Bureau Secretary Award during the 86th Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) Annual Meeting, which took place Dec. 4-6 in Salem.

“As a grassroots organization, a County Farm Bureau is only as operational as its secretary,” said Logan Kerns, chair of the OFB Membership Committee. “After an impressive 18 years serving as secretary for Klamath-Lake County Farm Bureau, I’m honored to give this award to Sue in recognition of her hard work, dedication, and effectiveness.”

Besides keeping the Klamath-Lake County Farm Bureau’s materials organized and the books in order, Liskey manages the county’s scholarship program, organizes the county’s annual meeting, coordinates events throughout the year, and keeps members informed of Farm Bureau activities happening at the local, state, and national levels.

“I was very surprised to receive this award and am very grateful to my county board for nominating me,” said Liskey. 

“I believe that Farm Bureau is the greatest organization to belong to because it works very hard for its grassroots membership of farmers and ranchers — the people who are the foundation of every community,” she said.

“Through my involvement in Farm Bureau, I’ve gained so many friends,” said Liskey. “I’ve also had the opportunity to travel to different places throughout the United States and connect with people who are on the same page, talking the same language, and working hard to promote our way of life. In agriculture, we have to stick together.”

Liskey and her husband Tracey Liskey run a farm in Klamath Falls, raising hay, cattle, grain, and greenhouse plants.

PHOTO: Sue Liskey (middle) of Klamath-Lake County Farm Bureau was honored with the 2018 Outstanding County Farm Bureau Secretary Award during the 86th OFB Annual Meeting, which took place Dec. 4-6 in Salem. She was presented the award by OFB President Sharon Waterman and Logan Kerns, chair of the OFB Membership Committee, on Dec. 6.

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* Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit, general farm organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties.

Oregon Farm Bureau President Sharon Waterman is an OFB Hall of Fame honoree and operates a Century Ranch raising sheep, cattle, and timber in Bandon. She is OFB’s 16th president.

Shelley Wetherell (middle) of Douglas County Farm Bureau was honored with a Farm Bureau Top Hand Award by Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) President Sharon Waterman and OFB Executive Vice President Dave Dillon on Dec. 6 during the 86th OFB Annual Meeting in Salem

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shelley Wetherell of Douglas County Farm Bureau was honored with a Farm Bureau Top Hand Award by Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) President Sharon Waterman and OFB Executive Vice President Dave Dillon during the 86th OFB Annual Meeting, which took place Dec. 4-6, 2018, in Salem.

Wetherell also received the 2018 County Farm Bureau Woman of the Year Award, presented by the OFB Women’s Advisory Council.

“We’re proud to give the 2018 Top Hand Award to Shelley Wetherell of Douglas County Farm Bureau in recognition of her many years of outstanding service, dedication, and leadership within our grassroots organization,” said Waterman. “Shelley is a stalwart volunteer, a good friend, and is always ready to share her time, energy, and counsel to further the goals of Farm Bureau and support agriculture in Douglas County.”

Said Wetherell, “I’m grateful to be part of the diverse Farm Bureau family. I’ve made so many friends, and I’ve learned so much from other members in an environment that respects all opinions and types of agriculture. There’s no satisfaction more precious to me than recognition from these allies.”

“It’s vital to the preservation and success of farming and ranching in Douglas County that Farm Bureau continue to promote the importance of agriculture within our community,” said Wetherell.

Wetherell is known for sharing her understanding of Oregon’s complex land use policy with Douglas County Farm Bureau members, encouraging them to engage on critical land use issues and navigate cases having serious impacts on local agriculture and forestry.  

Wetherell organized Farm Bureau members to testify before the Douglas County Commissioners in hearings involving a Rural Open Space designation and Rural Transition Zoning classifications. She was involved in the entire Land Use Board of Appeals process for both cases, and kept Douglas County Farm Bureau members informed and engaged throughout.

Wetherell has also organized many events for Douglas County Farm Bureau members, including a CPR training and an estate planning forum. The forum featured presentations from the Rogue Valley Trust, a local attorney, and speakers who had completed successful estate planning for family farms and timberlands.

Wetherell also volunteers on Douglas County Farm Bureau’s scholarship committee and women’s committee, and has served as a county delegate or alternate at the OFB House of Delegates, the grassroots body that votes upon OFB Policy at the state level, for many years.

Wetherell is a staple in all OFB Women’s Advisory Council activities, volunteering at the annual Farm Bureau legislative reception at the state capitol, the OFB Annual Meeting, and Oregon Ag Fest at the state fairgrounds.

“I was honored and grateful to receive the 2018 County Woman of the Year Award from the OFB Women’s Advisory Council,” said Wetherell. “The council has given me the opportunity to become involved in promoting agriculture at the state level and making connections between farmers, ranchers, and the the general public.”

Shelley and her husband Mike Wetherell raise wine grapes in Umpqua.
 

PHOTO: Shelley Wetherell of Douglas County Farm Bureau was honored with the 2018 Oregon Farm Bureau Top Hand Award and the 2018 County Farm Bureau Woman of the Year Award at the 86th OFB Annual Meeting, which took place Dec. 4-6 in Salem.

PHOTO: Shelley Wetherell (middle) of Douglas County Farm Bureau was honored with a Farm Bureau Top Hand Award by Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) President Sharon Waterman and OFB Executive Vice President Dave Dillon on Dec. 6 during the 86th OFB Annual Meeting, which took place Dec. 4-6 in Salem.

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* Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit, general farm organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties.

Oregon Farm Bureau President Sharon Waterman is an OFB Hall of Fame honoree and operates a Century Ranch raising sheep, cattle, and timber in Bandon. She is OFB’s 16th president.

Evan Kruse (middle) of Douglas County Farm Bureau accepted the 2018 OFB Memorial Award honoring the memory of his grandparents Don and Sally Kruse at the 86th OFB Annual Meeting in Salem. The award was presented by OFB President Sharon Waterman and OFB Ex

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

At the 86th Oregon Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Salem, OFB President Sharon Waterman honored the memory of Don and Sally Kruse of Douglas County Farm Bureau with an OFB Memorial Award.

“In the Farm Bureau family, we remember grassroots leaders who’ve inspired us with their dedication, integrity, and heart. We’re proud to honor Don and Sally Kruse, longtime members of Douglas County Farm Bureau, with an OFB Memorial Award to recognize their many years of outstanding service in their lifetimes,” said OFB President Sharon Waterman.

The award was accepted by Don and Sally’s grandson Evan Kruse, outgoing president of Douglas County Farm Bureau. 

Don was raised on a family farm in Roseburg that was established in 1923 by his father H.B. Kruse. The farm grew crops for the wholesale produce market.

In 1948, Don left Roseburg to attend Oregon State University, which was where he first met Sally, the love of his life.

Don and Sally returned to the farm and got to work as the second generation to run the family business. They were married in September of 1950 in between prune and walnut harvest.  

Don, Sally, and the generations of Kruses to follow grew the family farm from 15 acres into 500 acres raising 60 different crops and orchards, along with launching a thriving farm market.

Besides being a successful farmer, Don was also the heart and soul of Douglas County Farm Bureau for many years. He served as president and in most every other leadership capacity at the county level.

“Don was known for his extraordinary work ethic, innovative spirit, and determination, all of which helped expand Farm Bureau’s membership, impact, and influence in the region,” said Waterman.

Longtime OFB staffer Dennis Myhrum said, "Don was a great man. He was considered 'Mr. Farm Bureau' in Douglas County and was very well respected."

Don’s dedication to Farm Bureau is a family tradition that spans multiple generations. His grandson Evan Kruse is active in Douglas County Farm Bureau and at the state level with OFB. Evan is also the fourth generation to work on the family farm in Roseburg.

Don passed away on May 13 at the age of 87. He was laid to rest next to his wife Sally in Roseburg.

PHOTO: Evan Kruse (middle) of Douglas County Farm Bureau accepted the 2018 OFB Memorial Award honoring the memory of his grandparents Don and Sally Kruse on Dec. 6 at the 86th OFB Annual Meeting in Salem. The award was presented by OFB President Sharon Waterman and OFB Executive Vice President Dave Dillon.

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* Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit, general farm organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties.

Oregon Farm Bureau President Sharon Waterman is an OFB Hall of Fame honoree and operates a Century Ranch raising sheep, cattle, and timber in Bandon. She is OFB’s 16th president.

Tiffany Harper of Lane County Farm Bureau and Logan Padget of Sherman County Farm Bureau were two of four competitors in the Oregon Farm Bureau 2018 Young Farmers & Ranchers’ (YF&R) Discussion Meet.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tiffany Harper, hazelnut farmer and president of Lane County Farm Bureau, was the winner of the Oregon Farm Bureau 2018 Young Farmers & Ranchers’ (YF&R) Discussion Meet. The event took place on Dec. 4 during the 86th Oregon Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Salem.  

The Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are put to the test between four competitors. The competition is evaluated on the exchange of ideas and information, a skill that’s essential to the success of a democratic, grassroots organization like Farm Bureau.

“The Discussion Meet is a great way for young Farm Bureau members to practice and become more effective communicators. We’re using skills that we can put to use in County Farm Bureau meetings or when speaking with lawmakers, the media, or the general public,” said Harper, a fifth-generation hazelnut farmer from Junction City.

As winner of the state meet, Harper will represent Oregon at the national Discussion Meet during the 2019 American Farm Bureau Convention, taking place Jan. 11-16 in New Orleans.

“It will be an honor to represent Oregon in the 2019 American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet next month in New Orleans,” said Harper.

Oregon’s Jenny Freeborn, YF&R Committee chair and member of Polk County Farm Bureau, came in second place in the 2018 American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet, which took place in Nashville.

PHOTOS: Tiffany Harper, hazelnut farmer and president of Lane County Farm Bureau, was the winner of the Oregon Farm Bureau 2018 Young Farmers & Ranchers’ (YF&R) Discussion Meet.

Tiffany Harper of Lane County Farm Bureau and Logan Padget of Sherman County Farm Bureau were two of four competitors in the Oregon Farm Bureau 2018 Young Farmers & Ranchers’ (YF&R) Discussion Meet.

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* Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit, general farm organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties.

Oregon Farm Bureau President Sharon Waterman is an OFB Hall of Fame honoree and operates a Century Ranch raising sheep, cattle, and timber in Bandon. She is OFB’s 16th president.