INCLUDES DOWN-ON-THE-FARM VIDEO | Discover why this organization led a tour of outer East Portland farms, followed by a barbecue supper …
Here, in the Rossi Farms barn, local farmers gather for the Tractor to Table Ag Tour & BBQ.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It was an afternoon and evening of celebrating farmers in Multnomah and Clackamas Counties on Friday, June 23 – and it began with a tour of outer East Portland farms, concluding with supper in the Rossi Farms barn.
The Tractor to Table Ag Tour & BBQ, actually outdrew the organizers’ expectations, with about 150 people participating.
Ag-oriented organizations tell about their services at the gathering.
East Multnomah County Soil and Water District Senior Rural Conservationist Jeremy Baker spends a moment with the Rossi’s farming neighbor, Al Garre.
While The Badlanders musically entertain, seating begins at tables in the barn.
The day was hosted by the Multnomah County Farm Bureau (MCFB) and Clackamas County Farm Bureau organization, according to MCFB President Larry Bailey.
“The mission of the MCFB is this: ‘We help local farmers be successful’,” Bailey told East Portland News.
Here are Rossi Farm’s Joe Rossi and Gabriel Rossi, with East Multnomah County Soil and Water District Senior Rural Conservationist Jeremy Baker, MCFB President Larry Bailey, Oregon Farm Bureau President Angi Bailey, and MCFB Executive Director Jay Udelhoven.
We learned that the non-profit MCFB was established in 1958, is a local chapter of the Oregon Farm Bureau, and has more than 7,000 members.
Before gathering for the barbecue supper, many in the group went on a bus tour in outer East Portland. “We visited Moen Machinery in Gresham, Hilltop Produce Farms in Troutdale, and Grower’s Outlet, Spada Farms, and Giusto Farms in Portland.
Watch this ‘Video Vignette’ that presents the great feeling provided at this event:
“There were not any elected officials on the tour – but we had representatives from the OSU Extension Service, USDA’s Farm Service Agency, and the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service on the tour,” Bailey remarked. “We also had a representative from Portland City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez’s office.”
On the bus, Joe Rossi gave a history of farming in the Columbia Corridor to the participants. “I told of the rich history of being the primary vegetable and fruit growing region for our early City of Portland,” he told us after the tour.
Parkrose Neighborhood Association President and Historic Parkrose’s Executive Director Annette Stanhope chats with neighbors – Argay Terrace Neighborhood Association (ATNA) member Jessy Jacobs, ATNA President Lillian Erwin, and ATNA Treasurer Stefanie Pinniger.
This freshly pit-roasted pig is prepared for serving.
This grand barbecue supper is served!
At the barbecue, Bailey acknowledged that his connection with farming is his operation of at tree nursery in Gresham.
“It’s important to have a gathering like this – a day to bring this diverse group of people together,” Bailey observed. “Having representatives here, not just from the Farm Bureau, but from other organizations, helps everyone get to know one another better.
“And, it’s just nice to get together and chat, and get to know a little bit more about what everybody does,” continued Bailey. “When people get together, there is potential for learning new things, developing collaboration, and a potential for creating or strengthening relationships that be valuable in the future.”
Attendees enjoy the supper with old friends and new.
This trio of participants tries their hand at the game of “Cow Stacking”.
“Plus, as you can see, everyone is really having fun! This is good, especially since we may have different viewpoints on some things, it shows we can still get together and have a great time.”
And, being part of the largest advocacy association for agriculture in the state, “We’d like to have the opportunity to ‘be at the table’ when farm-based issues are being contemplated by the state legislature,” Bailey concluded.
On into the evening, the Tractor to Table Ag Tour & BBQ continues.
© 2023 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™