Ruth “Pinky” Beymer is the third generation to live on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in central Oregon, where she is involved in the livestock and logging industries.
By Cassie Bable, Public Affairs Specialist
Ruth “Pinky” Beymer is the third generation to live on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in central Oregon, which covers 560,000 acres of desert, mountains and water. She married into a ranching family in 1972, and after her husband passed away, took the reins of the operation and became involved in the livestock and logging industry. Beymer runs light-weight steers on dryland pastures and operates an underground heavy equipment construction business with her two children.
Serving and Important Role
Beymer serves on the Jefferson County Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee as a voice for Native American producers. She has served two consecutive terms and is currently the vice-chair.
County committee members are elected by their peers and are a direct link between the agricultural community and USDA. Farmers on the committee help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level, help decide the kind of programs their counties will offer and work to make FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers.
Each year, FSA accepts nominations for a certain Local Administrative Area (LAA) and the LAA up for election rotates each year.
Beymer knows she serves an important role on her county committee.
“I’m trying to promote and support all phases of Indian agriculture,” said Beymer. “We’ve been in a drought and fire situation, so we are trying to make people aware of those programs if they’ve had losses.”
Beymer’s farm on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Oregon.
Sharing a Passion for her Culture and Agriculture
Beymer has worked with the Jefferson County FSA executive director to host more informational meetings on the reservation to explain FSA programs and loans.
The reservation spans across seven counties, is very rural and mostly open range. Beymer would like to see more agriculture practices on the reservation. She recalls traveling with her grandparents in the past and seeing more agriculture including cattle, alfalfa and grass hay.
“I want to promote the importance of Indian agriculture,” said Beymer. “There isn’t enough agriculture on the reservation and I want to provide support and information about agriculture on Indian land.”
Beymer is passionate about agriculture, her heritage and sharing information with fellow producers. She enjoys learning from the other FSA committee members and encourages producers to get involved with their FSA county committee.
“Make the commitment,” said Beymer. “Attend the meetings. Become aware and educated and do what you can to get the word out.”
For the digital version of this blog visit our interactive story map and check back as we add all of our county committee spotlights.
