Tell us about yourself.

My husband, Larry, and I own and operate Verna Jean Nursery. I am proud to be a fourth-generation farmer and second-generation OAN member.

After my mom’s passing in 2005, Larry and I, along with our two daughters, Katie and Abbigayle, returned to the nursery. Today, we farm on the same land my great-grandparents farmed and where my mom started her nursery in 1967.

We continue to grow Japanese maples, monkey puzzle trees and other specialty nursery stock in the Gresham area.

What’s your guiding principle?

“You can’t change the ocean or the weather, no matter how hard you try, so it’s best to learn how to sail in all conditions.”

Best business decision?

Stick to the old but explore the new. When we returned to the nursery, we made the decision to continue to grow inventory that the nursery was known for. My mom was known for growing Japanese maples and monkey puzzle trees. Although both are quite complicated and labor intensive, we felt that it was wise to continue with her model. Through the years, we have added and expanded into more options and different varieties, but our core has remained the same and that has worked well for us.

Hardest business decision?

Do we keep going or call it quits? Through the lean years, when things are really hard, I am sure this is a question that many business owners ask themselves. I am glad we have persevered.

Most significant mentor?

I am fortunate to have had many people in my life who have encouraged me, believed in me and mentored me along the way. My mother, Verna Jean Hale, was a strong woman and from her I learned what it means to be a strong woman. When I was young, it never occurred to me the significance of Verna Jean Nursery being her dream and her business. Though my dad helped at the nursery, he had an off-farm job, so the primary responsibility of the day-to-day operations was hers for 38 years (1967–2005). When I think about that now, I realize what an accomplishment that was. Though we own and operate the nursery now, I think of all the ways her influence still impacts the way we operate today.

Likewise, I am fortunate to have Barry Bushue (Bushue’s Family Farm) as a mentor, neighbor and dear friend. For nearly 20 years, through the good and bad of life and leadership, Barry has been present with a listening ear, wise counsel and a good dose of healthy perspective. I am deeply grateful for all of the ways that he has invested in me and my leadership journey.

Best business advice?

Be you, not them. In life and in business, you must do what works for you.

What do you love most about the nursery industry?

Without a doubt, the people. In the spring of 2005, my mother, Verna Jean Hale, passed away suddenly. We were stunned and didn’t really know what to do or how best to move forward. In the days, weeks and months after her passing, the outpouring of care and offers of help that we received from the industry were extraordinary. It was then that we knew that this was an industry we wanted to be a part of.

Greatest challenge?

Not enough time in the day. Eighteen years of balancing the nursery, off-farm jobs, our family and leadership roles have made our lives full and busy. Now, as Oregon Farm Bureau president, my schedule is more demanding than ever. I am thankful for the great partnership I have with my very supportive husband, who picks up a lot of slack at the nursery and at home.

What are you most proud of?

The small role that I have been privileged to play in advocating for an industry that I love.

What are the most critical challenges facing the industry today?

Oregon politics. We live in a state where our leadership simply doesn’t value agriculture or small business. The legislature feels like a runaway train and the regulatory agencies are promulgating rules at an alarming rate. The effects of legislative action and regulatory burden are making it harder and harder to survive. We are fortunate to have several farmers/ranchers currently serving in the Oregon Legislature, but we need more.

Labor. At the national level we are in desperate need of immigration reform.

Also, the economy and cost of doing business.

Meet the Leader from the April 2023 issue of Digger magazine | Download PDF