REAL Oregon Class 9 in Pendleton
Session 5 | March 17–19, 2026
REAL Oregon Class 9 concluded its leadership journey in Pendleton for Session 5, bringing together lessons from across the state into a final experience focused on how agriculture operates at scale, how resources are managed across regions, and how leaders work together to support Oregon’s natural resource industries. Over three days, participants explored Eastern Oregon’s production systems, completed final presentations, and celebrated their transition from participants to alumni.
Day 1 | Scale, Systems & Agricultural Innovation in Eastern Oregon
The session began with a visit to the SAGE Center in Boardman, where participants were introduced to the Port of Morrow and its role as one of Oregon’s most significant agricultural and industrial hubs. Through presentations and a driving tour of the port complex, participants saw firsthand how infrastructure, logistics, and workforce development support large-scale agricultural production and global distribution.
A tour of the Port of Morrow’s freezer warehouse highlighted the scale and efficiency required to move Oregon-grown products to markets around the world. Discussions emphasized the importance of transportation, energy, and coordinated planning in sustaining agricultural competitiveness.
The group continued to Three Mile Canyon Farms, one of the largest and most technologically advanced farming operations in the region. Participants toured the cross-ventilated dairy barn, milking parlor, and calving facilities, gaining insight into large-scale dairy management, animal care, and operational efficiency. The visit reinforced themes seen throughout the program—innovation, investment, and long-term planning are essential to sustaining agriculture in a complex regulatory and economic environment.
The day also included a session on Running Effective Meetings led by Neal Lucht, connecting leadership development back to practical application. Participants explored how strong meeting structure, clear expectations, and intentional facilitation contribute to effective decision-making—an essential skill as they move into greater leadership roles.
Day 2 | Water, Production Systems & Regional Interconnectedness
The second day centered on Eastern Oregon’s water systems and diversified agricultural production. The morning began with the final round of participant public speaking presentations, showcasing the growth in confidence, clarity, and leadership presence developed throughout the program.
The group then traveled to Cold Springs Canyon Farms and Bracher Farms, where they heard from regional leaders about the history and current realities of water management in the Columbia Basin. Presentations highlighted the complexity of irrigation systems, infrastructure investment, and long-term planning required to sustain agricultural productivity in an arid region.
Throughout the afternoon, participants visited a range of operations that together illustrate the interconnected nature of modern agriculture:
- Irrigation infrastructure at the Columbia River pump station
- Livestock operations and advanced reproductive technologies
- Seed production and regional crop systems
These experiences reinforced how water, infrastructure, technology, and market access are deeply linked—and how each component plays a role in the success of the broader agricultural system.
The day concluded with a visit to Grain Growers Distillery, where participants explored value-added agriculture and the role of innovation in creating new market opportunities. A final group dinner provided time for reflection, connection, and celebration of the journey shared over the past five sessions.
Day 3 | Capstone, Reflection & Graduation
The final day brought the cohort together at The Vert Theatre for capstone presentations and program reflection. Participant groups presented their legislative projects, demonstrating their ability to analyze complex issues, collaborate across perspectives, and propose thoughtful solutions grounded in real-world understanding.
Following presentations, the class engaged in a discussion with the REAL Oregon Board, reflecting on their experience and offering insights to inform the future of the program. The conversation highlighted the value of exposure to diverse industries, the importance of relationship-building, and the lasting impact of shared learning experiences.
The session concluded with the REAL Oregon Class 9 Graduation Ceremony. Board Chair Brent Klumph opened the program, followed by a recorded congratulatory message from Congressman Cliff Bentz. Keynote speaker Erin Hansell-Heideman shared reflections on leadership, service, and the responsibility of representing Oregon’s natural resource industries.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Kirk Burkholder Memorial Service Leadership Award, selected by the class to honor a peer who exemplifies servant leadership. This year’s award was presented to Darcy Sexson, recognizing her leadership, engagement, and commitment to the cohort.
The ceremony closed with remarks from Program Coordinator Lauren Lucht, marking the transition of Class 9 from participants to alumni.
