Don Kruse, Roseburg

Oregon agriculture thrives and survives through leadership. Farmers and ranchers who are leaders in their industry are also leaders in their community. Don Kruse of Roseburg is a role model for the younger generation of farmers. His long-time service to the community and the industry demonstrates that individuals can make a difference.

As a successful producer and businessman, Don Kruse credits his parents for instilling an ethic of community service. He says the community has been good to him, and he has simply wanted to give something back. Don was born and still lives on the original 15 acres of stump land that his dad cleared in order to farm. Don Kruse became a full time farmer in 1949 and, while raising a family and staying active in community service, expanded the operation in 1973. It was 1987 that the Kruse Farms retail business exploded to the point where the farm stand west of Roseburg became a major attraction. Here you will find the fresh produce right from the Kruse farm: sweet corn, peppers, melons, tree fruit, and berries when in season.

Employing some 30 people, the retail market includes a bakery that uses the fresh fruits grown on the Kruse farm. The operation is a great example of vertical integration. Don Kruse and his family not only grows it, they add value to it, sometimes process it, and sell it directly to the consumer, capturing as much of the dollar as possible. He realizes that’s largely the way family farms are going to survive these days.

But as successful as he is in business, Don Kruse has made his mark in longtime community service. In 1983, he won the prestigious First Citizen Award by the Roseburg Chamber of Commerce. He spent 19 years on the Roseburg School Board, another eight on the State Board of Education, did a spot on several local bank boards, was part of the Douglas County Farm Bureau and OSU Extension Advisory Committee for Douglas County, was part of the local soil and water conservation district, and served a challenging stint as chair of the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s local advisory committee for the Umpqua Basin water quality management plan. Don’s leadership made it possible for the committee to meet its goal. The long list of service is continually expanding as Don shows no sign of slowing down.

Don Kruse believes in treating people right, whether they are customers, employees, or neighboring farmers. He says it takes time to build up a good reputation, but it doesn’t take much time at all to lose it. Don Kruse and his wife Sally, along with sons Jeff and Denny, will keep going– showing that good farming and community service go hand in hand.

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These are authentic stories from real farmers.  Any editorial content does not necessarily reflect the beliefs of the Agri-Business Council of Oregon or our members.