Yamhill SWCD Board of Directors

Barbara Boyer, Chair

Director Zone 2

Barbara Boyer was elected director for zone 2 in 2004. She has lived in McMinnville for twelve years. She and her husband took over the family farm’s operations in 1999 and decided to steer away from the practice of using chemicals in order to keep the soil and water healthy. They have also created two smaller businesses on the farm: Gourmet Hay and a small CSA (community supported agriculture) where families pay to grow organic vegetables. One of Barbara’s primary goals is to educate people on the programs available to assist them with restoring and repairing our tributaries. She and her husband have taken 23 acres of their own farm out of hay production to enhance their riparian buffer. We’ve planted trees to keep water cool in years to come in order to encourage salmon spawning for the benefit of future generations. Barbara has also participated in McMinnville Downtown Association Volunteer of the Year 2004; Yamhill County Master Gardeners, the Master Gardener of the Year in 1999 and a life member in 2002; McMinnville Farmers’ Market as a founding charter member; Yamhill County Parks board member; the Committee of Physical Activity and Nutrition educating kids and parents on healthy habits.

Mike Green, Treasurer

At Large

Mike Green was voted in as Yamhill SWCD’s newest Director this past November. Mike ran for an At-Large position that previously was held by Jim LeTourneux. Mike’s four year term starts January 1, 2011. Mike and his wife Patty live on their 80 acre property outside Yamhill where their Deux Vert vineyard is located. The site has south facing slopes with Willakenzie soils where the Green’s planted the first to Syrah and Viognier grapes in Yamhill county. In addition to producing wine grapes that are sold to a half dozen different wine makers, the Green’s property produces grass seed and has several acres of riparian habitat. Mike hopes to provide a ‘wine grape grower’ voice on the SWCD board since this industry has grown to be so important for the county. He will be working to make other wine grape growers more knowledgeable concerning the programs and guidelines that the district oversees. Mike has a strong business background and has served on Yamhill Counties Budget Committee, and as a Board member of the Yamhill-Carlton District AVA. The Green’s are also members of LIVE (a sustainable grape growing organization) and the Oregon Farm Bureau.

Dave Cruickshank,Vice Chair

At Large

Dave is a third generation Yamhill County farmer serving the YSWCD as an associate director and director since 1998. He operates a small family farm raising seed crops, grain, hay, and beef. Dave has been active in many farm related organizations over the years. He was State Cooperator of the year in 1996. The farm has also hosted the Yamhill Soil and Water Conservation District's Woodland Tour continuously since 1961.

Leo Krick,  

Director Zone 3

Leo Krick is the Director of Zone 3, representing West Valley residents of Yamhill County. Leo has been a resident of Yamhill County for the past 24 years. He and his wife Mary are the owners of Cherryhill Ranch, a 209 acre family farm nestled in the foothills of Sheridan.  Their farm produces All Natural Grass Fed Beef through a cow/calf operation. He recently built a state-of-the-art livestock barn that houses the animals during the winter months and captures enough rainwater to meet all of their drinking water needs. He has reforested 50+ acres and completed numerous other conservation projects earning him the 2002 Yamhill County Conservationist/Farmer of the Year Award. His other conservation interests include: Wildlife Enhancement, Water Quality and Oak Savanna Restoration.

Michael Paine,            

Director Zone 4

Mike has 10 years farming experience, 3 years international experience, 2 years as assistant farm manager and five years full-time farming in Yamhill County. As a farm owner he is responsible for all aspects of his farm systems design and implementation as well as day-to-day business. Their farm serves approximately 120 families directly through our community supported agriculture program; additionally we sell our produce at the largest regional farmers markets and several restaurants.

Sam Sweeney

Director Zone 5

Sam Sweeney represents Zone 5 of Yamhill County, Dayton area. He farms irrigated row crops. Sam is the secretary/treasurer of the Palmer Creek Irrigation District. He is also the Local Advisory Committee Chairman for the Agriculture Water Quality Management Plan. Sam has been a board member since 1985 and has taken an active stand on many land use issues since that time.

Gordon Dromgoole,

Director Zone 1

Gordon Dromgoole represents Zone 1 of Yamhill County, Yamhill area. He runs a grass seed, grain, hay and livestock operation. Gordon has been a board member since 1989.