Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Chris Boice and Tom Kress were excited to issue a proclamation recognizing National Agriculture Week in Douglas County during their weekly business meeting on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. The proclamation celebrates the bounty provided by our hardworking farmers, ranchers, businesses and stewards in the agricultural industry in Douglas County.
The Commissioners invited several individuals and organizations that work in the agricultural industry in Douglas County to attend a special proclamation presentation to acknowledge the vital role each of them plays in raising and/or growing food, fiber and renewable resources in our rural and diverse county. Attending the presentation were special guests: Marwood Hallet, Walter Gayner, Kristina Haug, Tony Braumbach and Troy Michaels representing the Douglas County Livestock Association; Amy Hackler and Karsten Van Roekel from the USDA – Douglas County Farm Service Agency; Melvin Burke, Trent Pynch and Eric Cline from the Douglas County Farmers Co-Op; Shelby Filley and Laura Corder from the OSU Extension Service; Hal Westbrook from Blue Heron Vineyards; Evan Kruse from the Douglas County Farm Bureau, Elin Miller from UmpquaNut Farm, Elin Miller Consulting, Oregon FFA Foundation and Umpqua Vineyards; and Dyson DeMara from the Oregon Wine Council and Hillcrest Vineyard. To learn more about the agriculture industry in Douglas County, click on the links provided for our special guests.
Commissioner Chris Boice read the proclamation and Commissioner Tim Freeman presented each group with a “National Agriculture Week” proclamation certificate to thank them for the amazing work they do day-in and day-out, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to not only produce a viable commodity and/or support the agricultural industry, but also in being strong advocates and stewards of the land, water and air in order to preserve their livelihood for future generations. Then Commissioner Freeman asked each group to come up and tell us about their farm, ranch, business or association. Watch the Facebook Live video of our proclamation presentation, here.
“Thank you for the privilege and honor in recognizing the livestock industry in Douglas County. Our livestock producers want to do the very best for their livestock, for their families, for their land and for the community.” - Marwood Hallet, President, Douglas County Livestock Association.
“For over 100 years, Douglas County Farmers Co-op has served Douglas County’s farmers and agricultural community. From the backyard farmer to the major producers, we have been here to ensure the continued success of local and regional agriculture, no matter how big or small.” - Melvin Burke, General Manager, Douglas County Farmers Co-op.
“The county plays a vital role in the success of our local agricultural industry. I just wanted to say that we appreciate that Douglas County is very friendly towards agriculture and in helping us to meet our goals and needs.” - Hal Westbrook, Blue Heron Vineyards.
In conclusion, Commissioner Tim Freeman added, “We have and will continue to do everything we can to support the men and women involved in our wonderfully diverse agricultural industry in Douglas County. Our past, present and future farmers, ranchers, workers, families, businesses and agencies that support local agriculture, all play an important role in our history, in our economy and in our future. Thank you for all that you do.”
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