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Legislature hears testimony supporting Oregon Wheat Growers League centennial designation
Summary
Supporters of HCR 12 urged the Senate Committee on Rules to designate a day recognizing 100 years of the Oregon Wheat Growers League; farmers and league staff highlighted the industry's multi-generational role, export markets, and local economic importance.
The Senate Committee on Rules received testimony in support of House Concurrent Resolution 12, which would mark 100 years of the Oregon Wheat Growers League.
Aaron Hansel Heidemann, president of the Oregon Wheat Growers League and a sixth-generation Oregon farmer, told the committee he traveled 170 miles to Salem to testify and described the league's century-long role advocating for family farms, protecting land and water resources, and expanding market opportunities. "For a century, the Wheat Growers League has stood as the voice of wheat growers," he said, emphasizing Oregon wheat's export links to Pacific Rim markets.
Amanda Hoey, CEO of the league, said the designation would highlight farmers' sustainability and innovation and called the centennial a chance to showcase Oregon agriculture's contributions nationwide. Ben Schmuller read testimony from Representative Anna Scharf that connected the designation to local agricultural traditions and noted that February 11 would be proposed as Oregon Wheat Day.
The committee closed the public hearing after supporting testimony; no committee vote was recorded in the transcript.
Why it matters: Supporters said the designation recognizes a major commodity industry in Oregon and the role multigenerational farm families play in the state's agricultural economy.
Next steps: The hearing record shows support from farmers, industry leaders and a legislative sponsor; no committee vote was recorded in the session transcript.
