Grower Spotlight | Rob Wagstaff
In Nyssa, Oregon, farming runs deep in the roots of the community and for Rob Wagstaff, it is more than a career. It is a family tradition. Born and raised in Nyssa, Rob is a second generation onion grower who started working in the fields as a kid. Today, he continues that legacy alongside the third generation of his family, with even a few members of the fourth generation lending a hand.
A Family Farm in Nyssa, Oregon
For the Wagstaff family, onion farming is about more than producing a crop. It is about passing down knowledge, values, and a work ethic built over decades. The farm is a place where parents, children, and grandchildren work side by side, each playing a role in keeping the operation moving forward.
The Demands of Onion Harvest
Onion farming is far from easy work, especially during harvest season. Timing is everything. Once the onions are ready, there is only a limited window to get them into storage before the weather changes or quality is affected. That means very early mornings, long days in the field, and working well into the night until the job is done.
Innovation and Change in the Industry
Over the years, Rob has seen remarkable innovation in onion farming from advances in equipment to improved storage technology. These changes have helped growers work more efficiently and improve quality. However, the industry also faces new challenges. Increasing regulations and rising production costs are making it harder for farmers to operate, putting additional pressure on family farms like the Wagstaffs.
Preserving a Farming Legacy
Despite the challenges, Rob remains committed to his work and to the land he grew up on. His story is a reminder of the dedication and resilience it takes to keep a farm thriving for generations. In Nyssa, the Wagstaff family continues to plant, harvest, and store onions, working together to ensure their farming legacy stays alive for years to come.
