Century Farms of Oregon
The Century Farm program is an important way of preserving Oregon's rich agricultural history and heritage. This story map is intended to demonstrate Oregon's agricultural history.
In understanding the history and importance of small family farms in Oregon, they can be celebrated, safeguarded, and emulated.
By: Grant Zoch
Oregon's Agriculture
Oregon's agricultural sector is incredibly diverse, as well as famous. In 2015, Oregon's agricultural exports totaled nearly $1.9 billion. Nearly $1 billion came from seeds, oilseeds, and other horticulture alone -- proving that Oregon really is the grass seed capital of the world.
The Willamette Valley, outlined in yellow, is one of the most agriculturally diverse locations in the state, if not the country. More than 170 different crops are produced in the Willamette valley alone, including wine grapes, marionberries, grass seed, and beef cows.
Apart from being #1 in grass seed production, Oregon is also first in the nation in the production of blackberries, hazelnuts, Christmas trees, and sugarbeet seeds.
Information from the Oregon Department of Agriculture
Farming in Oregon
As of 2016, Oregon could claim 34,400 operating farms, with over 16,300,000 acres used for cultivation -- that's nearly 26% of Oregon's total land area.
The majority of this farm land is located in the Columbia Plateau, Oregon's breadbasket, where wheat is the dominant crop. The proximity of the Columbia river has allowed for extensive irrigation into what was once sagebrush.
More than 75% of Oregon's farms, however, are less than 180 acres apiece. Additionally, 84% of all farms are individually owned, meaning that farming in Oregon is very much a family affair.
Information from the Oregon Department of Agriculture
Oregon's Century Farm Program
Oregon's Century Farm Program is a way to recognize the longevity and importance of these family farms. This program recognizes and honors those farms and ranches in Oregon which have been in contiunous operation for more than 100 years
Since the beginning of the program in 1958, 1,181 farms have been recognized as Century farms. Additionally, there are also 38 farms which have earned the designation of Sesquicentennial farms, having been in operation for more than 150 years.
Century Farms are important for remembering Oregon's contemporary agricultural heritage. Farmers are as diverse as the state is, representing immigrants, homesteaders, and entrepreneurs.
Iwasaki Brothers, Inc.
The Iwasaki farm was originally founded in Hillsboro, OR in 1917 by Yasukichi (Billy) Iwasaki, an immigrant from Japan. The farm began as a dairy farm, but in 1928 Billy built his first greenhouse, branching out the farm into bedding plants and other crops.
Billy and his family were sent to Japanese internment camps from 1942-1945. After the war, the Iwasakis returned to their farm as one of the few Japanese-American families to return to Washington County.
The farm is now currently run by the grandson of Yasukichi, Jim Iwasaki. The farm now focuses primarily on wholesale starter plants, as well as holiday wreaths. Jim's daughters are the 4th generation of Iwasakis to keep the farm in the family.
Information and photos from Iwasaki Brothers, Inc.
The Mosby Farm
Originally founded in 1852 by David and Isabelle Mosby as a grain and hay farm, the Mosby Farm is now a small-scale beef operation.
David Mosby arrived in Oregon in 1850 and laid claim to a parcel of land which he established as a farm. Originally, it was a subsistence farm, with additional income earned through the raising and sale of hogs, beef cattle, and timber.
Currently, the farm runs 100 cow/calf pairs and harvests winter hay when it's available. Video courtesy of the Register-Guard
Jesse and Ruby Looney Farm
As members of the first wagon train of settlers to Oregon, led by Dr. Marcus Whitman (pictured below), Jesse and Ruby Looney arrived in the Oregon Territory in 1843.
Jesse Looney received his family's land grant in 1846 and quickly set about clearing the land to build the farm, using animal traction.
Originally a grain and dairy farm, after 173 years in operation, the farm now primarily produces grass seed and produce, as well as hosting a purebread Hereford cattle herd.
The farm is currently run by Smith Cox, the 6th generation of the family.
Smith Bros Farm, LLC.
Originally founded by John and Sara McCoy in 1853 as members of a wagon train coming to Oregon.
The farm passed down through generations to become the current 180 acres that can be seen today.
Early on, the farm was multi-faceted: many varieties of grains and cereals were farmed, alongside sheep and dairy cattle.
Today, the farm is well-known for its grass seed, like many other farms in Oregon
Cattrall Brothers Vineyard
The Cattrall farm was originally established in 1916 by John Celestin Sartore, an Italian immigrant. Originally, the farm produced strawberries, dairy cows, chickens, and pigs.
John's sister's grandchildren, Bill and Tom Cattrall, took over the farm in 1971. Bill was stationed in Italy himself at an Army post, and came back to America with a passion to grow wine.
Bill planted some grape cuttings in 1973, and the vineyard took off. It is now the oldest operating organic certified vineyard in Oregon.
Information and photo from Cattrall Brothers Vineyard
Stauffard Farms, Inc.
John Stauffer, Sr., originally came to Hubbard, Oregon in 1872 from Pennsylvania. The farm has been in the hands of the Stauffer family for four generations; John's great grandsons, Robert and Norman Stauffer currently work the land. The Stauffers primarily grow hops and filberts (hazelnuts) on 150 of the original 320 acres.
At some point, part of the farm was sold off the old Aurora Colony Museum, including the original barn. The farm and the barn are now on the National Registry of Historic Places.
