Dale Buck, Tillamook

In the dairy-rich region of Tillamook County, in the shadow of the Coast Range, water quality and environmental stewardship have been key issues for years. Dale Buck, a retired dairyman, is still working– but this time as an advocate for conservation among farmers and ranchers. His is a strong voice of honesty in terms of issues facing his industry. Dale has led the dairy industry to address water-quality issues– not always easy issues to deal with– and has gained the respect of those both in and out of agriculture.

Dale Buck has a long list of awards and accomplishments. In terms of conservation issues, it all really came together in 1993 when then Governor Roberts appointed him to the Tillamook National Estuary Project. He worked with the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Agency on the issue of coastal non-point source pollution. He represented Oregon Dairy Farmers in working with the Oregon Department of Agriculture on its Confined Animal Feeding Operation Program, playing a key role in modifying the CAFO permit process as part of an effort to keep the dairy industry alive.

But with the issue of salmon restoration in the agriculture industry, Buck really went to work. He became active in the Nestucca-Neskowin Watershed Council, helping agriculture do the right thing with projects designed to protect and restore habitat. He was instrumental in helping the North Coast put together a proposed agriculture water quality management plan for the basin. Buck believes in agriculture doing the right thing when it comes to conservation and protection of the natural resource base. He has put in many dedicated years of helping to show the ag industry as a responsible partner.

Dale Buck continues to be a prominent person in the local community. Whether it is dishing up Tillamook ice cream at the county fair or just being a grandparent, Dale and his wife Jackie are considered special people, as evidenced by their selection as grand marshalls of  Tillamook’s June Dairy Parade a few years back.

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These are authentic stories from real farmers.  Any editorial content does not necessarily reflect the beliefs of the Agri-Business Council of Oregon or our members.