Dalton Straus, Jackson County

Oregon agriculture has no shortage of industry leaders– those who have not only looked after their own commodity interests, but that of agriculture in general. Jackson County farmer-rancher Dalton Straus is that kind of leader. The tremendous amount of time and effort he has given for the betterment of Oregon agriculture has spoken volumes over the years.

Dalton has lived most of his life in Southern Oregon. Born on a beef ranch during the Great Depression, young Dalton learned the value of a hard day's work. The family operation needed the monthly income provided by adding dairy cows during those early days. Soon, times improved and the family ranch began to expand onto productive land– even if some of the new property was only good for rocks and rattlesnakes.

After graduating from Medford High School and a couple of years at Oregon State College, the military came calling at the time of the Korean War. The Armed Services would play a major role in the life of Dalton Straus.  But for now, the immediate benefit was training in Texas, where he went on a Valentine's Day blind date with a girl named Ruth. It wasn't long before the two were married. Dalton completed officer leadership training and could have made a full-time career out of the military. But the ranch back in Sams Valley still beckoned. He returned with his bride and started a family while helping his dad, uncle, and cousin with the farm– a decision he has never regretted. A part time military career with the army reserve kept Dalton active for another three decades.

But by 1964, the dairy was sold and Dalton went into full partnership with his dad. Watching their daughter and son grow up was also one of the major highlights for Ruth and Dalton.

This was about the time Dalton Straus gained a reputation as a guy who simply can't say no– and that has been a good thing. His community service has included stints with the Central Point School District and Jackson Education Service District, and the vocational ag advisory council at Crater High School.

In the 1970s, Dalton served on the Governor's Livestock Advisory Board, eventually as chair. As a member of the Oregon Cattlemen's Association, he chaired several important committees and also served on the Board of Directors of the National Cattlemen's Association. Other notable volunteer activities included being on the board of directors of the Northwest Farm Credit Services, the district farm credit council, and an association with the Oregon Farm Bureau. Dalton also served on the State Board of Agriculture.

In recent years, Dalton has greatly contributed as a member of the Oregon Beef Council. Dalton helped to manage industry messages and consumer assurances during a critical time when BSE first appeared in the United States in neighboring Washington. He has tirelessly promoted Oregon beef as part of trade trips overseas. He has been a great ambassador for the beef industry and Oregon agriculture in general.

Warning: include(../includes/150logosm.php) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/syscp/webs/aglink/oregonfresh/oregon150/daltonstraus1.php on line 103

Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening '../includes/150logosm.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/share/php:/usr/share/pear') in /home/syscp/webs/aglink/oregonfresh/oregon150/daltonstraus1.php on line 103

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.