My name is Patrick Newton, and my path into agriculture was anything but traditional.
I did not grow up in a farming family. My father, Mike, worked as a fleet and lease manager, while my mother, JoEllen, created and sold handmade jewelry. Alongside my two brothers, I learned the value of hard work and personal responsibility through their example.
After graduating from high school, I enrolled in community college while trying to determine the right direction for my future. During that time, I explored a variety of jobs — working in restaurants, spending time at an HVAC company, and even selling cars, among other roles. While each of these experiences taught me valuable lessons, none felt like the right long-term fit.
That changed when I began working for a landscape company. It was there that I discovered how much I enjoyed being outdoors, working with my hands, and seeing the tangible results of a day’s effort.
For the first time, work felt intuitive and rewarding. That realization set me on a path toward horticulture and, ultimately, a fulfilling career in the nursery industry.
In 2001, I joined Powell’s Nursery, a wholesale operation specializing in grafted woody ornamentals for ball-and-burlap and container growers. Although I had no prior experience in the field, I embraced the challenge. Grafting demands patience, precision, and attention to detail—qualities I quickly came to value. More importantly, I found great satisfaction in knowing the plants we cultivated would one day enhance landscapes across the country.
Over the years, Powell’s Nursery became more than just a job. I immersed myself in all aspects of the operation — from the grafting bench and potting shed to learning the business and management side. It became a place of growth not only for the plants we produce, but also for me personally and professionally.
In 2017, after many years of dedication, I was given the opportunity to purchase Powell’s Nursery. While it was a significant decision, it felt like the natural next step. Today, I am proud to own and lead the company.
I didn’t inherit a family business, nor did I follow a straight path into agriculture. My journey included trial and error, exploration, and persistence. That nontraditional path has given me a deeper appreciation for the work I now do and the industry I am proud to be part of. Building something lasting, contributing to Oregon’s nursery community, and leading a team with a shared commitment to excellence has been both fulfilling and inspiring.
In 2010, I became more involved in the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN), attending chapter meetings and holiday events to connect with fellow growers. Around 2012, I joined the Farwest Show Committee and have proudly served on it ever since, including four years as committee chair. In 2021, I was honored to join the OAN Executive Committee, and today, I serve as your OAN President.
As president, I look forward to touring member nurseries alongside our executive director, Jeff Stone, to better understand your challenges and priorities. I am committed to enhancing transparency within the organization and taking a thoughtful look at the future of the Farwest Show. I’m excited to serve you and our industry in the year ahead.
From the November 2025 issue of Digger magazine | Download PDF of article