The umbrella of Oregon Ag is diverse and far reaching, which is one of the industry’s many strengths according to Oregon Farm Bureau’s Anne Marie Moss. Moss has served as the organization’s communication director since 2004, and in that time she says she’s learned many truths about the Oregon farmer. First, diversity in size and operation makes the state’s Ag economy strong.

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She noted while some try to create a farmer v. farmer tension, that’s simply not the case.

“Maybe an organic farm is somehow considered good, and a conventional or biotech farm is considered “bad”, and that’s just not true.  There is a place for a need for all types.”

She added consumers may forget, but growing food is a business and part of profitability is sustainability. And above all else, Moss says there’s more that unites agriculture than divides it.

“No matter the acreage worked or farming methods you use, there are just core values that farmers and ranchers share and I see it time and time again in my years here.  They have a deep love for the land.  Obviously they depend upon the land to stay in business.  And they want to keep it in the family or keep it for the next generation of operators.”

National Ag Weather runs through Saturday.




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