Stan Christensen, McMinnville
As an entity to help agricultural producers protect Oregon’s
natural resources, the local soil and water conservation
district has been a key player in the state’s successful
efforts. One of the most effective and progressive districts is
Yamhill County, where rural and urban often intersect. Of all
the individuals who have made a difference over the years, Stan
Christensen tops the list.
Consider the fact that Stan was there at the beginning--when
the district was formed nearly 60 years ago. Today, he is still
there, providing non-stop service to the district for more than
half a century.
The Christensen family farm is a Century Farm. Stan, first
and foremost, has been a farmer for much of his life– working a
thousand acres in the McMinnville area. Agriculture was always
in his blood. A 1950 graduate of Oregon State, Stan and Mary
were married shortly thereafter and spent at least part of his
career as a grain company field rep. During that time, Stan took
notes on what techniques and management practices were working
on other farms. That would come in handy almost right away. It
was December 1952 when Stan was invited to a meeting to form a
local soil and water conservation district. A month later, he
was elected to the very first board. He became chair in 1954.
Stan never gave up that position for more than 50 years. Nobody
would even think to take his place. Nearly six decades of
leadership and accomplishment made Stan one of the most
respected conservation leaders in the state.
Stan has long been actively involved in statewide
conservation issues through his involvement with the Oregon
Association of Conservation Districts, where he was treasurer
for more than a dozen years. He served four years on the
national board and in 1980 was the first Oregonian to receive
the highest award given nationally by the NACD as the nation’s
top conservationist. He has been involved in the local Senate
Bill 1010 plan for the Yamhill Basin. Other activities include
involvement with the Oregon Wheat League, the Yamhill County
Farm Bureau, OSU Extension Advisory Committee, and various other
regional committees where Stan has ensured that agriculture has
a voice in decision making.
Under his watch, the Yamhill SWCD has provided expertise to
local producers who want to practice good stewardship of the
land and water. The district is strongly supported by both rural
and urban interests, and has brought about very positive changes
for farmers, city folks, and the environment. Water quality has
improved, soil erosion has been reduced. Stan’s leadership has
paved the way for a great deal of that success.
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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.
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