Board of ag profile: Dan Carver

Some would say the future of Oregon agriculture is personified by Dan Carver, the newest member of the State Board of Agriculture. At the heart of his successful philosophy is a concept that is increasingly being recognized by growers and producers across the state: good stewardship of land and water is good for the bottom line. Economics and environment go hand in hand.

“As a producer, you need to look at yourself as a land manager,” says Carver. “I have realized more profit with less impact on land and water by using a conservation ethic.”

At the same time, Carver realizes it’s all about marketing agriculture.

“If you create the demand for the product, all other issues tend to go away,” he says.

Carver’s 30,000-acre ranch covers parts of Wasco and Sherman counties. Diversification and added value to his operation through farm-ranch recreation have combined to produce a successful business. Grains, cattle, sheep, and fee hunting sounds like an odd combination. But the formula is being recognized as a viable solution to struggling operators throughout Oregon.

“If you can make it ranching these days, you can make it anywhere,” says Carver.

The ranch is a page out of the history books, literally. With the main headquarters built in 1900, the ranch is classified as a National Historic District, with 41 historic buildings maintained by the Carvers. It is a natural for tours. Only 20 miles from the Deschutes River, the ranch caters to large group tours. No one tour is ever the same, according to Carver.

To enhance the operation, the rancher and his wife Jeanne purchased a 14-room lodge on the river at Maupin. A restaurant and rafting services—along with some of the best fishing in Oregon—have all attracted such celebrities as Tiger Woods.

“You can be incognito in Maupin,” says Carver.

Meanwhile, the agricultural products born and raised on the ranch are central to the successful business. Five years ago, the Carvers began direct marketing lamb meat to the Bend and Sunriver areas. The wool production has evolved into a complete line of ready-to-wear clothing and wool knitting starter kits. Still, it gets back to land and water stewardship for Carver, who claims his beef production has doubled since he adopted conservation practices.

Several years ago, a nationally-acclaimed conservation effort known as the Buck Hollow Project improved conditions in the local creek. It didn’t require a government-mandated program or even the existence of a watershed council. The 37 landowners in the basin got together and simply decided to make things better.

“It didn’t happen by fencing off the creek,” says Carver. “It was a mindset. You have to think conservation and what is the best practice each day.”

In 1990, only two steelhead returned to Buck Hollow Creek. Last year, that number reached 800.

Carver is hoping to bring his experience and insight to a board of agriculture he says is already incredible and knowledgeable.

“The board needs to help promote agriculture and get it recognized in this state,” he says. “Whatever the board can do to help farmers and ranchers sell more product or get a better price, we need to do it.”

In the meantime, the Imperial Stock Ranch—at one time the largest privately held ranch in Oregon—will continue to offer day-to-day challenges for the Carvers.

“Ranching is a hard life,” says Carver. “The victories we get are when a chef says the meat we produced is the best he’s ever tasted or when a customer who has just toured the ranch simply says thanks.”

Director’s column

Agriculture is a major part of Oregon’s economic base. I have been preaching that continuously now for the 10 months I’ve been director. But two recent developments strongly suggest the message is actually getting heard by those who aren’t part of the choir.

Agriculture, food processing and its related supportive industries make up Oregon’s second largest traded sector industry behind high technology. During the Oregon Business Council’s recent annual Leadership Summit and also at the launching of a new brand campaign for the state, it appeared that individuals outside of the agriculture industry in Oregon are getting that message.

The Leadership Summit was cohosted by Governor Kulongoski, and U.S. Senators Wyden and Smith. This event drew 1,400 people from around the state, from a variety of economic sectors and included public officials, opinion leaders, and business leaders. During the main morning session, one of the two presenting panels was entitled “Looking Ahead: The Future of Oregon’s Traded-Sector Industries.” Panel members included representatives from notable non-ag companies Hewlett Packard, Precision Castparts, Olympic Venture Partners, and Nike. Ranchers Doc and Connie Hatfield represented Oregon’s agricultural industry.

Many participants agree that Doc and Connie did an incredible job telling the story and their message about the future of agriculture as a thriving part of Oregon’s economy was extremely well received. Obviously they spoke specifically about their own business’ success as well. But perhaps the biggest news of the day was simply that agriculture had good representation in the makeup of the panels, as a topic in the breakout sessions, and as part of the informal conversations that were happening throughout the day.

As you may have read in the news, the Governor unveiled the new Brand Oregon concept of “Oregon: We Love Dreamers.” This is a concept developed by the premiere advertising agency Weiden and Kennedy. It talks about Oregon as a place where not only do we dare to dream, but we have the desire and independence to act on those dreams. This is certainly true about agriculture!! Weiden and Kennedy have worked closely with some elements of Oregon agriculture, and we believe there are more opportunities to pursue. Again, the fact that an urban and creative genius like Weiden and Kennedy is working with and helping Oregon agriculture is a strong, positive indicator that the industry is part of the state’s blueprint for the future. I believe there is a benefit from the campaign, not only in helping us market agricultural products, but perhaps even more importantly, in raising the profile of Oregon agriculture among the people of this state who may not always understand or appreciate the industry.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that agriculture is being given a seat at the table when the future of Oregon is being discussed. That is a great opportunity for the industry. Hopefully agriculture can use the opportunity to its advantage and ensure that ag is a vibrant, vital part of Oregon’s future.

Katy Coba, Director

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