ALBANY, Ore. (AgPR) — Oregon Women for Agriculture (OWA) celebrated their Golden Anniversary March 1 at their annual convention, hosted by Polk County, at Spirit Mountain Casino in Grand Ronde. Oregon Women for Agriculture’s long-standing purpose is to educate themselves and then the public on the importance of agriculture. OWA was originally organized by Mary Holzapfel in August of 1969 when she called a group of about 200 farm wives together to discuss complaints neighboring communities had about the burning of straw after grass seed was harvested.
During the convention Deanna Dyksterhuis, of Newport, OR, who farmed with her husband in the Halsey and Corvallis areas, was given the group’s LEAVEN award for her dedication and accomplishments. OWA presents the award to those members who, to an outstanding degree, are Loyal, Enthusiastic, Anticipatory, Valiant, Effective, and Nurturing: “LEAVEN”.
Among Dyksterhuis’ accomplishments are her work with Dr. Rod Fielder to write and publish the textbook GET OREGONIZED. She was an originator of OWA’s annual FUNraiser dinner and auction, which celebrates its 32nd Anniversary this year on April 20, 2019 at the Linn County Fairgrounds in Albany. She was the group’s 10th President and also served as the group’s Historian for over 15 years.
Officers for 2019 from left to right, Treasurer Tracy Duerst, Recording Secretary Emily Duerst, 2nd Vice President Mary Hood, 1st Vice President Mallory Phelan, Past President Debbie Crocker, and President Helle Ruddenklau. (Not pictured Corresponding Secretary Jessica Hanna-Locke.) (Courtesy Photo)About Oregon Women for Agriculture
Oregon Women for Agriculture was organized 50 years ago by Willamette Valley farm women who were concerned with regulatory issues impacting the grass seed industry. Since that time, this volunteer group has broadened its scope to include nearly all facets of agriculture and areas of the state. Learn more at owaonline.org.
–Oregon Women for Agriculture
AgPR