Frank Tubbs, Umatilla County

In the golden wheat fields of Umatilla County there are many examples of farmers who have given every bit as much, if not more, than they have taken from the land. They became heavily involved in contributing to the betterment of others in agriculture by creating a vision and working towards achieving it. Frank Tubbs was such a person. If ever there was a 20th century pioneer in Oregon, Frank was it.

Frank grew up on the family farm in days when gathering the wheat crop wasn’t as easy as it is today. Marketing it was not nearly as sophisticated. Frank changed all that by helping create the first effort by a commodity interest group to enhance market development on a world-wide basis. As one of the incorporators of Western Wheat Associates, Frank paved the way for the promotion and eventual increased sales of soft white wheat to international customers, primarily Japan.

Today, about 80 percent of all the wheat grown in Oregon is exported, most of it to Asian countries. That figure would never have been attained without Western Wheat Associates, and the help it received from the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service, and Frank Tubbs. Not only did Northwest wheat growers benefit from new markets, hungry people a continent away were now able to be fed.

Frank’s list of accomplishments, service, and awards is lengthy. Everything from serving on the local school board to president of the Pendleton Roundup. From Oregon Wheat League President to chair of the State Board of Agriculture. From an OSU advisory board to the Board of Directors of the federal land bank. His involvement and commitment led to a better existence for Oregon agriculture as well as those in his own community. Distinguished Service Awards from OSU and the Wheat League, Business Leader of the Year by Associated Oregon Industries, OSU’s Ag Hall of Fame, and an Oregon Department of Agriculture's Ag Progress Award– all are examples of the industry's recognition of Frank Tubbs and what he contributed.

Frank remained modest about all the attention, but was always appreciative. He lived on that third generation farm in Adams– growing wheat, barley, peas, and raising cattle– until he passed away in 2001.

Frank Tubbs always stayed close to his family, making sure that future generations would have an even better chance at making a good living through working the land.

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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.