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House committee hears bill to designate Oct. 12 as Oregon Farmer and Rancher Day
Summary
Chief sponsor and supporters told the committee HB 3141 would honor Oregon farmers and ranchers with an annual recognition day aligned to National Ag Day; testimony stressed historical and cultural ties to the state’s agricultural heritage.
State Representative Vicki Breeze Iverson, sponsor of House Bill 3141, told the committee the bill would designate October 12 each year as Oregon Farmer and Rancher Day to honor people who built and sustain Oregon agriculture. Senator Todd Nash and multiple agricultural stakeholders, including Matt McElligott, president of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, spoke in favor.
Iverson read the bill’s recital language describing Oregon’s agricultural diversity and the role families and multi‑generation operations have played in state history. Senator Nash said farmers and ranchers “make up less than 2 percent of the population of America” yet produce food, fiber and other products that underpin daily life. Matt McElligott noted the wide economic value of Oregon agricultural commodities and added the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association supports HB 3141.
Members of the committee and several witnesses described family and generational farming traditions and supported a day of recognition. A committee member asked why October 12 was chosen; Iverson replied it aligns with National Ag Day and the sponsors considered it a fitting date for state recognition.
Why it matters: HB 3141 is a ceremonial recognition bill. Supporters characterized it as a way to honor long‑standing family farms, ranching practices and the industries that supply food and fiber across the state. The committee closed the public hearing on HB 3141; no formal vote was recorded at that session.
