Past officers of league share insight on consolidation

By DEAN BRICKEY

For the Capital Press

PENDLETON, Ore. -- Officers of the Oregon Wheat Growers League have decided to pursue joint administration with the Oregon Wheat Commission.

The topic has been discussed before, and the most recent discussion began in 2008. It culminated Jan. 10 with a super-majority vote in favor of hiring a joint administrator.

The Oregon Wheat Growers League is a membership-funded organization for producers. The Oregon Wheat Commission is a state-appointed research, marketing and education committee funded by grower assessments.

Top officers of the Pendleton-based league have conducted numerous discussions throughout the state, and collected comments from producers about having a joint administrator for Oregon's wheat industry.

The meeting in Pendleton included 16 past league presidents, many of whom also have served on the Oregon Wheat Commission, said Sally Christensen, the league's member services director.

"Valuable historical information was gleaned on the subject, and all voices in the room were heard," she said.

"The officers have been and continue to be open to input and dialogue from the grower community," said Craig Reeder, of Echo and league president.

He said league executives plan to continue soliciting comments from growers.

Information will be mailed to all league members, including pros and cons of hiring a joint administrator, with a reply card to be mailed to the league office.

Comments will be entertained at the league's Feb. 2 board meeting at Pendleton's Red Lion Inn.

Reeder said the executive officers, along with the board and a group of past presidents, offer to entertain producers' specific questions via phone. Those interested should call the league office at 541-276-7330 for more information.