Roy Hofer, a hazelnut grower from Canby, Oregon, has been selected for the American Farm Bureau Federation's Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Committee for the 2026-27 term. The appointment marks a significant step for West Coast agricultural representation in a body often dominated by Midwestern farming interests.
Background and Role
Hofer, who also manages a private museum featuring about 12 vintage John Deere tractors—including a rare 320 model—works as farm manager for Oregon Flowers Inc. in Aurora. His appointment comes as the Farm Bureau prioritizes engaging younger producers amid industry challenges such as high input costs, labor shortages, and shifting federal policies.
The YF&R program targets members aged 18 to 35, focusing on public speaking, advocacy, business skills, and networking. Ryan MacKay, incoming chair for 2025-26, emphasized the program's role in building a unified voice for farmers.
Policy Context
At the 2026 AFBF convention, President Zippy Duvall highlighted "unprecedented challenges" including rising supply costs, trade imbalances, and weak commodity prices. Delegates adopted new positions on labor programs, biosecurity, and dairy safeguards. Hofer noted that land use, labor, and water are top concerns for young Oregon farmers, though these may not always align with national priorities like commodity prices or trade.
Hofer's journey into farm advocacy began after college, when isolation from farm work led him to a Clackamas County Farm Bureau meeting. "Wow, these are really my people," he recalled.
The Tractor Museum
Hofer's private museum houses a collection of two-cylinder John Deere tractors from the Dubuque Works plant. A standout is the rare John Deere 320, of which only 3,084 units were produced between 1956 and 1958, according to TractorData. The museum has become a gathering place for Farm Bureau events, local meetings, and even senior visits, blending agricultural heritage with community engagement.
The collection reflects a pivotal era in U.S. farm equipment, when the number of tractor manufacturers fell from 193 to 38 by 1930. Deere's response to competitors like International Harvester led to the Model A in 1934 and the Model B later that year.
Broader Representation
Hofer joins other West Coast representatives on the committee, including Trelawney Bullis of California and Johnathan Quigley of Washington. The committee staggers member terms to ensure continuity. While the appointment provides a platform, Hofer acknowledged that local issues don't always make the national agenda.
