Judy & Greg Bennett at KMUZ Studio, February 2019 February 7 & 15, 2019 Episodes.
The vast majority of the folks who desired to settle in the West were looking for opportunities to own their own land and raise crops to support their families. The fertile Willamette Valley with its mild climate and ample water supply drew many from the eastern United States as well as those from much farther away. Recently we spoke with Greg & Judy (Ditchen) Bennett whose family has been farming onions and other crops in the Lake Labish/Labish Center area of northeast of Salem for five generations.
The vast majority of the folks who desired to settle in the West were looking for opportunities to own their own land and raise crops to support their families. The fertile Willamette Valley with its mild climate and ample water supply drew many from the eastern United States as well as those from much farther away. Recently we spoke with Greg & Judy (Ditchen) Bennett whose family has been farming onions and other crops in the Lake Labish/Labish Center area of northeast of Salem for five generations.
Fourth Generation Farming Family Greg & Judy Bennett & sons, c2000. Greg accounts that his family moved from Wisconsin c1900 after hearing about this amazingly fertile valley. His great-grandparents, Irving "I.D." & Antoinette "Jim" Bennett first raised loganberries on acreage on Savage Road, north of Asylum Avenue (now Center Street). They later moved to the Labish Center area to grow the latest trend in food crops, onions. As once typical with farming families, each succeeding generation continued working and expanding the family farm, and now Greg & Judy's two sons are farming with them, as well as establishing independent farms raising blueberries and hazelnuts. Their family has been recognized for their efficient farming practices and longevity. You might want to check out this video about their family and business.
Judy is also well experienced in farm life. Her family, the Ditchens, came to the Gervais area north of Salem from Romania in the 1800s. Other family members immigrated and joined them to farm in the surrounding area. Each son received a portion of the farmland at marriage. Judy's immediate family still farms in the North Howell area east of Salem.
 [Photos Courtesy of the Bennett Family] |  |  |
When asked how farming had changed since his childhood, Greg explained that crop rotation and soil quality were major change factors. Initially crops were repeatedly replanted until all the nutrients in the soil were exhausted; then the farmer would seek different acreage to plant the same crop again. Now they plan years in advance which fields will be planted with which crop so that the nutrients are being replaced for the future. Additionally, there are now efficient ways to test soil quality and determine what amendments might benefit soil health. Farm equipment like tractors and harvesters have become fuel efficient and computer-assisted. Even the weekly chore of moving irrigation pipes to new areas has been superseded by permanent drip-line systems that are managed from a computer hub.
Family farms have grown into modern businesses, "manufacturing plants without walls," as Greg puts it, utilizing all the management and marketing skills of any other industry. Trade organizations focusing on specific crops have developed, providing support in many forms for their members. The Bennetts are very active in the National Onion Association, as well as Future Farmers of America (FFA) and other local organizations promoting agricultural opportunities for youth.
Family farms have grown into modern businesses, "manufacturing plants without walls," as Greg puts it, utilizing all the management and marketing skills of any other industry. Trade organizations focusing on specific crops have developed, providing support in many forms for their members. The Bennetts are very active in the National Onion Association, as well as Future Farmers of America (FFA) and other local organizations promoting agricultural opportunities for youth.
The picture to the left showing I.D. and Antoinette "Jim" Bennett (the first generation) with their grandchildren (the third generation), was most likely taken by their son (the second generation). The picture below shows the fourth and fifth, and probably the sixth, generations of Bennetts who still follow in the footsteps and tractor ruts made so many years ago. We are all indebted to their dedication to provide food for the people of Oregon, and the larger world.
The Bennett Family, Northwest Onion Company
As we've found with other long-time area residents, Judy & Greg are friendly folks, eager to tell a humorous family story or share a personal recollection. You only have to ask one question to get them started, but you'll learn so much more than just the answer.
~~Posted by Deb Meaghers
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