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The Agri-Business Council of Oregon is pleased to announce two
leaders in agriculture who will accept awards for their achievements
on November 21, 2008 at the 11th annual Denim & Diamonds Dinner and
Auction at the Governor Hotel in Portland.
2008 Agriculturist of
the Year: Bernie Faber
2008 Ag Connection Award:
Thayne Dutson
 2008
Agriculturist of the Year – Bernie Faber
Bernie Faber, owner of Cal-Gon Farms, is the recipient of the
2008 Agriculturist of the Year Award and was selected for his work
in advocating the importance of agriculture to the economic,
environmental and social well-being of the State of Oregon.
In addition to farming, Faber served as chair of the Oregon
Department of Agriculture State Board, a role he took very
seriously, and has been applauded for his strong belief in the
concept of teamwork.
“Bernie Faber has provided an incredible contribution to Oregon
agriculture,” says Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Katy
Coba. “Even though he is a dairyman, Bernie believes strongly that
if all of agriculture speaks with one voice, it will be much more
effective in telling its story. He has consistently been an advocate
for agricultural unity and prosperity. In addition, Bernie is
extremely committed to educating the youth of this state about
agriculture and constantly looks for ways to celebrate the
achievements of our young people who are involved in the industry.
Oregon agriculture is proud to have Bernie Faber as a leader.”
 Faber
grew up on a dairy farm in Southern California and though his
parents sold the farm when he was 12 years old, he was determined to
stay in the dairy business. He and his wife Mary Lou moved to Oregon
in 1968, and in 1974 they were able to buy land in West Salem for
their operation.
In addition to the State Board of Agriculture, Faber has served
on boards for the Oregon Dairy Farmers, the Dairy Commission, the
Creamery Board, and the Northwest Milk Marketing Federation. He was
also recognized by the Oregon Farm Bureau in 2007 with the Service
to Agriculture Award.
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Thayne
Dutson, who recently retired from his posts as dean of the Oregon
State University College of Agricultural Sciences and director of
the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station, will accept the 2008 Ag
Connection Award. The Ag Connection Award is given annually to
recognize an outstanding job of connecting the public with
agriculture.
Dutson
was raised on a cattle and sheep ranch in Idaho that taught him two
valuable life lessons: produce as much value as you can with what
you have, and always strive for accountability, excellence and
balance. 
