Article by Brian Gailey, KWUA Director of Communications for Basin Ag News, June 2024.
On June 12, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) announced that Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA) Board Member and third-generation Klamath Project farmer, Ty Kliewer has been appointed to the Oregon State Board of Agriculture by Governor Tina Kotek.
Kliewer is one of two people appointed by the Governor to fill vacancies on the board. Ellie Norris a second-generation blueberry farmer from the Umpqua Valley was also appointed.
The appointments were effective June 1, 2024. The newly appointed members fill the remaining partial terms left vacant when Shantae Johnson and Randi Svaty resigned from the board. Kliewer and Norris, with their extensive backgrounds and qualifications, will each serve on the Board until October 31, 2026, and be eligible to serve at least one additional 4-year term.
Kliewer is a third-generation Klamath Project farmer, rancher, part-time brewer, and KWUA Board Member. He graduated from Henley High School and Oregon State University, earning a degree in animal science.
In addition to farming forage crops and raising Angus, Gelbvieh, and crossbred cattle, Kliewer is the owner and founder of Skyline Brewing Company. He is currently in the process of opening a taproom to showcase local agricultural products. As an active community member, Kliewer volunteers his time with the Klamath County 4-H and the local chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA).
“Agriculture is my greatest passion in life, and cultivating the young people who will carry forward and elaborate on the proud tradition we have inherited is the great calling of my life,” said Kliewer. “I strive to be very involved in my community and advocate for what will bring forth a brighter future.”
Norris is a second-generation blueberry farmer with Norris Farms located in the Umpqua Valley in Southern Oregon. She graduated from Oregon State University with degrees in biology and chemistry. After graduation, she worked in marine biology, then made the jump to outdoor apparel companies REI and Arc’teryx, where she specialized in opening new stores and developing training programs.
In 2014, Ellie came home to the family blueberry farm and began the transition to owner/operator. Since returning, she has been active in the Oregon Blueberry Commission, the US Highbush Council, and the North American Blueberry Council.
“Farming and agriculture are my passions, and I have devoted my life to preserving them,” said Norris. “I am a fierce advocate for family farms, advancing technologies to improve farming practices and improving the quality of life of the American farmer. I feel I could continue to have a unique voice and perspective for the ODA Board with my experiences as a Southern Oregon farmer.”
The Governor is responsible for appointing all members of the Board of Agriculture. The Oregon State Board of Agriculture, a 12-member board, is vital and influential in advising ODA on policy issues, developing recommendations on key agricultural issues, and providing strong advocacy for the state’s agriculture industry. The Board was established by Oregon Revised Statute 561.372.
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all the applicants for their willingness to serve Oregon,” said Lisa Charpilloz Hanson, Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture. “Service is what life is all about, and I’m honored to welcome Tyrel and Ellie, who share this philosophy in life and their work.”