Goodbye to Salem... For Now
We started the walk today in Salem. All systems are go. My blisters are under control thanks to about a foot (no pun intended) of athletic tape. I thought this shot of the Capitol with the Tahoe was just beautiful. The sky and the clouds are just stunning.
Stick to Politics and Business
Here is a fun one. Rick Dancer and I spent a lot of time around each other on our respective races for Secretary of State and Treasurer. So much so, we started to be able to imitate each other and even give each other's stump speeches. This picture is me "doing Rick" and Rick "doing Allen". I think Rick "doing Allen" wins. I guess 23 years on TV makes it not a fair fight.
We said fair well to Salem after a perfect couple of days. We had a blast and great weather. I cannot wait for my next trip.
Tulips and Farm Issues
The above picture was from this spring. Pleas do not travel to Woodburn and expect to see this scene. I wanted to show you what the Iverson's farm looked like in full bloom.
We spent about an hour with them talking about the challenges of doing business here in Oregon. The economy has really hit all farmers and ranchers and we have not done much in Salem to help the situation.
It is also stunning to me how much major agricultural activity exists so close to our major metropolitian areas of Portland and Salem. When you blow by on I5 you really don't get a sense of how important agri-business is to Oregon and our economy. Take hwy 99 next trip. Slow down. Stop at a few vegetable or fruit stands. Buy some produce and talk to the farmers. Ask them about doing business in Oregon. I guarantee you will get a different perspective.
On the Road Again
We hoofed it up hwy 99. The traffic was aggressive and a little dangerous but it was worthwhile. It was like getting the backlot tour at Disneyland. If I5 is the "front" 99 is the "back" and in this case, "back" is best.
Christmas in September
We stopped by to visit a Christmas Tree farm. I had no idea about the technology involved in growing a good tree. It is also a very labor intensive process. While some other forms of farming, like dry land wheat farming, have become mechanized to the point of becoming a "farm factory" Christmas trees and other nursery plants still require a lot of manual labor. One size does not fit all when addressing farm policy.
Grass is Greener
We did not stop at JB but we did see their farm. It was really beautiful. We did discuss grass farming issues with other farmers and the situation is a bleak as it is for other agri-business. Bottom line we talked to a broad cross section of farmers and ranchers (dairy, tulips, grass seed, peaches, corn, wheat, cattle and cherries to name a few) and they are all being devastated by the economy and feel Salem has turned its back on them.
These are great people. Hard working. Environmentally conscious folks who are trying to supply us with great products in a sustainable manner while competing with South America and China. We need to do a better job of understanding their issues and helping them to take advantage of opportunities. We have one of the most fertile states in the country but we are not taking full advantage of our assets.
