Hal Schudel, Holiday Tree Farm, Corvallis

“In November 1954, while on an elk hunting trip to eastern Oregon near North Powder with my good friend and elk hunting partner, Paul Goodmonson a happening occurred that gave direction to my long term career in Oregon agriculture, which signaled the beginning of Oregon’s Christmas tree industry.”

After World War II and having served my country as a B-24 pilot, I moved my family from my boyhood home in North Loup, Nebraska to Corvallis, Oregon in July 1946, where I attended Oregon State University on a teaching and research fellowship.

I earned my PHD in the School of Agriculture in 1953. After obtaining my degree, I had to make a decision as to what line of work to follow to make a living for my young family which by this time included my wife and three young sons. I decided to form and operate a company called “Oregon Turf and Chemical Company”. Herbicides including 2-4D were relatively new to agriculture and their proper use offered economic opportunity. The drawback to the business was the high cost of liability insurance and the seasonal nature of the business. It was a difficult time in my career but I knew I wanted to be part of Oregon’s agriculture, it was my background and my passion.

In 1954, while on an elk hunting trip with my friend Paul, who had a consulting business in forestry, we found ourselves discussing our careers while sitting around the campfires in the evening.  We both had considered growing Christmas Trees.  The more we talked the more we were convinced that we wanted to give it a try…as partners.  He was the forester who knew his trees; I was the agronomist who knew soils, chemicals and the basic fundamentals of crop production. With a handshake we agreed to form a partnership in the Christmas tree business.  We had a lot of energy by also a lot to learn!

Paul had found a 360 acre tract of land in the Kings Valley area that he thought would be good to grow trees. We met the landowner, Mr. Wayne Allen, and agreed on a final price of $28,800 or $80 per acre.  “Now,” Mr. Allen said, “how soon can you make the down payment?” We answered, “as soon as the bank will loan us the money.”  We arranged to see our local banker but were turned down flat, “Sorry boys, we do not loan on speculation. Who ever heard of anyone making any money by growing trees on prime agricultural land?” Our next plan of attack was to pitch the idea to Paul Brandt at Willamette Production Credit Association.  After my persuasive arguments that this was a viable venture, a loan was arranged.

This was the first time a Willamette Production Credit Association intermediate loan was made for Christmas tree production in Oregon.  They were willing to take a gamble and 50 years later it proved to be one of Oregon’s successful, multi-million dollar agricultural enterprises, Holiday Tree Farms, Inc., Corvallis, Oregon.

Over the years and after many changes and challenges made and met, in 1992 I turned over the tree operation to the three Schudel sons and stepped into a consulting position. After stepping down from management, I pursued a life long dream…that of owning and operating a cattle ranch in Central Oregon.  My wife and I purchased a irrigated ranch and operated it as Holiday Ranch at Terrebonne LLC. After selling the business in 2007, we decided it was time to retire and moved to a new home in Corvallis in 2008 to be closer to family and friends.

In 2007, Holiday Tree Farms took a step forward in its marketing program, helping create and joining the “Coalition of Environmentally Conscious Growers”, with the primary purpose of consumer education. It is part of the green wave sweeping America today.

Holiday Tree Farms, Inc. has been a true leader in the development of Oregon’s Christmas tree industry and today is Oregon’s leading Christmas tree producer.

What about the future of Oregon agriculture?  Agriculture in the future will be more important than now…with more people to feed…and also be more challenging. But with Oregon’s diverse climate and soils almost anything is possible.

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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.