In December, farmers across Oregon met to debate, amend, and approve policies meant to ensure the viability and sustainability of farming and ranching.
The setting was Salishan Resort Lodge in Gleneden Beach, away from many of their homeplaces, but home to Lincoln County Farm Bureau members, who were proud to announce their community as excelling in aquaculture, nursery stock, and hay, while apparently without any dairies—per the 2022 USDA Ag Census.
The Oregon Farm Bureau Annual Convention is the democratic, last line of defense for many farmers and ranchers. Over 100 delegates, chosen by their peers, pour over new and old policy, doing their best to represent the farmers in their own counties. This process, known as the House of Delegates, is Oregon’s largest ag-dedicated assembled body, and Oregon’s best effort to represent the interests of OFB members with one cohesive voice in the legislature, courts, and regulatory arenas. It is no easy task.
This year, OFB policy on issues such as domestic well use, water right applications, and land use were debated—not without exhausted review—amended and voted on. The policy that is adopted is included in the OFB Policy Book, which acts as the end-all-be-all advocacy instructions for OFB’s advocacy efforts. It is policy made by farmers, for farmers, all of whom belong to Oregon’s largest and oldest agriculture organization. But this wasn’t the extent of the convention. Each night, the programs that make up OFB presented their accomplishments over the previous year.
For the Young Farmers & Ranchers Night, there was a focus on their efforts to connect with students in Professor James Proctor’s sustainability class, telling their stories and ultimately inviting them to visit their farms. For some of these students, this was their first time on a farm, and by their own admission, they wouldn’t be scared to visit again.
The Women’s Advisory Council presented Sharon Waterman with the County Women of the Year A
ward and honored the County Farm Bureaus that donated to their charity efforts for Ronald McDonald House Charities. The last day concluded on a note of growth and reflection. OFB President Angela Bailey gave her annual Presidential Address to attending members. Over the course of thirty minutes, she revisited the activities of the organization last year.
At the OFB Legislative Reception, OFB State Board members and County Farm Bureau Presidents met and mingled with state officials and their staff. In March, members of OFB Advisory Committees—appointed members that serve as farmer experts on certain issues such as labor, land use, or farm markets—traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with elected leaders, fellow farmers, and even the ambassador of Cuba. Angi also highlighted the efforts of Farm Bureau members to stay engaged, even though victories don’t come often, and if they do, it is after considerable effort.
There were victories. With the help of the Oregon Association of Nurseries, members, and OFB staff, there was a successful effort to exempt farm equipment from being assessed as real property. That’s more money in the razor-thin budgets that keep farms running. At the federal level, OFB and Oregonians for Food and Shelter successfully opposed an arbitrary mandate by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to prevent spraying in certain areas because of Checkerspot Butterfly populations. While it might not seem like a great victory at first glance, the potential cost to farmers’ livelihoods would have been significant. Without this opposition, farmers in these areas would have faced thousands of dollars in additional costs to stay in compliance.
One of the biggest victories in years came not in 2024 but in 2023. It deserves another mention. OFB and coalition partners successfully lobbied for an estate tax exemption for farming, fishing, and forestry properties up to $15 million. Previously, the exemption was just $1 million, with the addition of a small natural resource tax credit. This change ensures families can pass down their farms without having to sell the land to cover excessive taxes, preserving legacies in one of the oldest professions.
Bailey closed with a reflection on the organization. “Farm Bureau is not built for easy times,” she said, attributing the quote to a respected past member. “In the early 1900s, Farm Bureau was born out of the need for agriculture to have a collective voice. Now, almost a century later, the issues might look different, but the need remains the same.”
Two days earlier, Farm Bureau members attended workshops in communication, member advocacy, economics, and the national political sphere that farming exists within. Those present were Farm Bureau leaders willing to tackle issues head-on. One of these is surfacing new members and leaders. Without them, Farm Bureau’s mission becomes more difficult, and in turn, so do the challenges for farms and ranches.
The banquet concluded with the Farm Bureau’s highest recognitions. Don Schellenberg, of Polk County, took home the Service to the Agriculture Special Award. He has been a steadfast supporter, advocate, and friend to agriculture for well over 50 years. In his professional role as a lobbyist for the Oregon Farm Bureau, Don was a champion for agriculture at the Capitol. Tackling complex issues like tax policies and land use laws, Don faced the hard questions and legislative challenges head-on, always with the best interests of Oregon’s farmers at heart.
Marie Schmidt, of Yamhill County, received the Outstanding County Secretary Award. She has been the cornerstone of the Yamhill County Farm Bureau for an incredible 27 years, a steady hand, a trusted partner, and an invaluable resource for board presidents and members alike, ensuring that the work of the Farm Bureau thrives year after year.
Wes Miller, longtime President of Benton County Farm Bureau, was inducted into the OFB Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame celebrates those rare individuals who have devoted their lives to agriculture and our organization. This award recognizes more than 50 years of dedicated service – it celebrates a lifetime of nurturing both the land and the farming community. Thank you for your contributions, Wes. Rest in peace.
Former Congresswomen, and now nominee for U.S. Secretary of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer was awarded the President’s Award. In the last few years, she has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to her community and paved the way for future generations of leaders, amplifying the voices of farmers and ranchers on the national stage.
Lauren Henderson also received the President’s Award for his tireless work at the Oregon Department of Agriculture for over 25 years. Lauren left his role as Deputy Director last year. Have a happy retirement, Lauren.
As the last night wound down, accompanied by the sound of the Tuesday String Band, members were slow to disperse. Most of them soon found each other again in the hospitality suite Lincoln and Multnomah County Farm Bureaus put together. And of course, they had to celebrate—these are friends they only get to see once a year.
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