Active Community Involvement

We’ve been an active community member since we started farming here. Supporting the local community — both its businesses and people — is an important part of our definition of sustainable farming. We hire locally, promote from within, purchase locally whenever possible, and support our employees' community activities.

We contribute to statewide initiatives and organizations including the Oregon Food Bank and Farmers Ending Hunger, donating 8,000 pounds of ground beef each month that the Oregon Food Bank then distributes statewide to organizations like Blanchet House.

Since 2008, we have continued this monthly commitment to provide a high quality, nutritious source of protein to the many Oregonians who receive their food from the Oregon Food Bank. We also have worked with other organizations on this collaborative effort including Farmers Ending Hunger.

Each year we donate money and provide other support to local service organizations and youth groups including soccer leagues, high school athletic programs, and after-school/summer sports.

Dairy Heifer Project

In 2019, Threemile Canyon Farms partnered with Morrow County Extension, a division of OSU, and Morrow County 4-H, to launch our first-ever Dairy Heifer Project. Designed to spark local youth's interest and participation in the dairy segment, Threemile's dairy team, led by Livestock Manager Jeff Wendler DVM, worked closely with eight area 4-H youth who were entrusted with the care and feeding of one of Threemile's own dairy heifers for nine months.

The eight project participants ranged from 3rd grade elementary students to high school juniors. Threemile's dairy team worked closely with the participants teaching skills ranging from health basics (feed and water), the importance of appropriate shelter, and the prevention and treatment of any potential health issues. Three onsite health and wellness checks at Threemile were required during the project's duration.

After nine months tending to their adopted heifers, the participants received training on grooming and showing, thanks to the generous help and support from local area volunteers. The Project culminated at the Morrow County Fair, where each of the eight participants proudly showed their heifers for judging.

OSU Extension Cooperator Award

Threemile Canyon Farms was awarded the OSU Extention Cooperator Award for its work with the Morrow County 4-H, including our annual Farm Field Day and Dairy Heifer Project. We were very proud to be recognized for this esteemed award. Seeing the enthusiasm on these young faces is really the best reward of all.

People Make the Difference

Our employees are encouraged to be active in their communities and serve on our Community Giving program committee. Here are just a few examples of ways we give back to the local community:

We sponsor quarterly on-site blood drives with the American Red Cross.
Our unique internship program provides scholarships and hands-on learning opportunities for college students.
We joined the Boardman Fire District and have one firefighting vehicle stationed on the farm.
Our employees volunteer as first responders and we provide annual CPR training classes for managers and supervisors.