Oregon Women for Agriculture elect new officers 032507

Our Klamath Basin Water Crisis
Upholding rural Americans' rights to grow food,
own property, and caretake our wildlife and natural resources.

KBC editor attended the OWA meeting and was privileged to be asked to speak regarding KBC website and also give a Klamath Basin update. To all you Oregon women for Agriculture, become members!! And California agriwomen may become members at large.

(l-r): Judy McClaughry, Shireen Malpass,
> Eunice Goodrich, Jackie Nixon, Cindy Gilmour, Tricia Chastain

Oregon Women for Agriculture elect new state officers!

by Jana Kittredge 3/25/07

McMinnville, OR - At their recent annual state convention and meeting in McMinnville at Hotel Oregon, the Oregon Women for Agriculture elected new officers for two year terms. The theme "Past, Present and Future" reflected what the 38 year old statewide all volunteer group has accomplished, and galvanized the group to set forth future goals.

Everyone gathered to learn more, network and talk all about the importance of agriculture in Oregon. Ag issues included those of labor, water, and endangered species. Other areas OWA convention attendees learned about were the importance of the state fair to Oregon, marketing, nursery and dairy processing, wine making, the future of corn production and its part of ethanol processing, and the role all of the women play in OWA.

Elected to new positions are: From Yamhill County, Eunice Goodrich, retired farmer of Dayton, recording secretary for Oregon Women for Agriculture; Linn/Benton Women for Agriculture's Cindy Gilmour, grass seed farmer, Albany, remains treasurer; and, Central Oregon Women for Agriculture's Jackie Nixon, farm appraiser and cattle rancher of Powell Butte, is second Vice-President.

Returning officers are President, Judy McClaughry, onion farmer from Brooks; First Vice-President, Tricia Chastain, farm appraiser, Salem; and, Shireen Malpass, grass seed farmer and educator, Harrisburg, Corresponding Secretary.

Oregon Women for Agriculture thanked retiring officers, Recording Secretary, Chelle Davis, farmer and banker, Scio and Second Vice President Susan Woods, pumpkin farmer, Salem.

Oregon Women for Agriculture is statewide (which includes county affiliates) and organized in 1969. The all-volunteer organization supports Agriculture in the Classroom, Summer Agricultural Institute, Ag Fest, and Farm Expos.

OWA also helps educate the urban public about issues critical to the survival of agriculture with brochures, exhibits at fairs and conventions, and radio ads. Find out more at www.owaonline.org or call 503.243.FARM.