Community Involvement
Threemile has been a dedicated member of the local Boardman and greater Morrow County community for more than 25 years. We are committed to being a trusted employer and good neighbor, as well as a significant contributor to the economy and county tax base through $3.5 million in property taxes and $535,000 in donations each year.
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, that the Oregon Food Bank then distributes statewide to organizations like Blanchet House.
Feeding Oregonians
Every month, we donate high-quality food to the Oregon Food Bank. We have also worked with other organizations on this collaborative effort, including Farmers Ending Hunger. Our monthly donations include 80,000 pounds of potatoes and 6,500 pounds of high-quality beef.
People Make the Difference
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.
Our employees are encouraged to regularly volunteer in the community through donations to the Boardman Food Pantry, working with the Boardman Chamber of Commerce, and donations to the Boardman Families First Childcare Center. Here are just a few examples of ways we give back to the local community:
- Our unique internship program provides scholarships and hands-on learning opportunities for college students.
- Our employees volunteer as first responders, and we provide annual CPR training classes for managers and supervisors.
- Team members are involved with various sports teams in the surrounding communities of Boardman, Ione, and Hermiston.
Dairy Heifer Project
In 2019, Threemile Canyon Farms partnered with Oregon State University’s Morrow County Extension and Morrow County 4-H to launch the 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 area 4-H youths who were entrusted with the care and feeding of one of Threemile's own dairy heifers for nine months.
The 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 participants proudly showed their heifers for judging.