Sam Sweeney, Country Heritage Farms, Dayton

Sustainability. Conservation. Stewardship of Oregon's natural resources. Taking care of the land and water. These are all commonly heard terms these days that are directly tied to agricultural production. Among the many leaders showing the way for farmers and ranchers is Sam Sweeney of Yamhill County.

Growing a diversity of crops on the 11,000 acre Country Heritage Farms in Dayton, Sam has backed up the talk about conservation with a number of projects and management techniques that are models for agricultural producers as they contribute to the sustainability of the environment.  Sam understands that good practices on the land will produce quality food products, and that can translate into sales and economic viability.

The second of three generations of a farm operation that began in 1923, Sam had a few things to accomplish before taking over the farm in 1962, including military service, a marriage to Nancy, and the start of a family and the third generation of Sweeneys on the farm.  But from the beginning, Sam showed a lifelong interest in the conservation of natural resources.  That ethic has spread to the entire Sweeney clan as they work together on the farm. Conservation awards have come their way as a result. No matter which types of crops are being grown at Country Heritage Farms, Sam Sweeney is making sure the operation will be sustained for the next generation.

Appointed to the Yamhill Soil and Water Conservation District board in 1984, Sam has contributed tremendously in establishing the district as a model for the rest of the state. One of his biggest efforts has been to promote roadside seeding, a project he has successfully employed on the farm. By planting vegetation right up to the road, ditch erosion can be brought under control and pollutants can be strained out before they get into the waterways. 

As a member and cooperator of the Willamette Farm Improvement Association, and working with Oregon State University, Sam has participated in a research project that evaluated strip till equipment, practices, and the use of cover crops to control erosion.  He has also demonstrated the effectiveness of sediment basins– control structures that improve water quality on the farm.  Fields have natural drainage outlets. A dam can stop the natural flow of water, slow it down, and allow for sediments in the water to settle out at the bottom of the dam. When the water leaves, it doesn't carry the sediment with it.

Sam has also been a major player in the Yamhill Basin's Agricultural Water Quality Management Plan, the third so-called Senate Bill 1010 plan to be adopted in Oregon.  His efforts helped bring funds to the district to pay for projects that aid in conservation.

Sam also delivers his pro-agriculture, pro-conservation message to young people, traveling to schools to tell the story of ag's contribution to the environment. His promotion of Oregon agriculture and overall operation have been recognized by others. In 1995, the Sweeney's were named the Oregon State Fair Farm Family.

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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.