He received a Diamond Pioneer Award from Oregon State University in 2022 and a Distinguished Service Recognition from the Agricultural Communicators Network in 2023.
TANGENT, OR, October 13, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Donald R. Wirth has been inducted into Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Wirth started farming in 1968 when his parents rented the farm to him and his wife, Maryanne. He then formed Cala Farms, a family-owned farming corporation, in 1974 and ultimately co-founded Saddle Butte Ag in Tangent, Oregon. Now retired, he previously served as the company's chief executive officer and researcher, managing his company from 1995 until his retirement in 2019. Recognized as a family-owned and operated forage and cover crop seed distribution company with substantial experience in production, processing, packaging, and shipping, Saddle Butte markets a large selection of proprietary and standard forage and cover crop products to retail markets and national and international wholesale customers.
Managing a team of eight employees during his tenure, four of whom were in the Midwest promoting and supporting cover crop seeds, Mr. Wirth was also heavily involved in research as an expert in agriculture production. Among his many accomplishments, he recruited a salesperson in the Midwest, which was necessary for the company's success and resulted in hiring several additional salespeople to support the region. These individuals are responsible for selling to producers and employees of Saddle Butte, who also own small farms and have tried and endorsed the products, adding to their credibility.
Mr. Wirth has supported numerous local causes, including Oregon Women for Agriculture, to help host a booster club auction at the local high school. He also continues to serve as the treasurer for a high school scholarship fund that he founded in 1989 after losing his son.
Mr. Wirth graduated from Oregon State University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture. Active in his professional community, he served on the board of directors for the Oregon Ryegrass Commission for over 20 years, promoting ryegrass marketing and research. He also served on the Northwest Farm Credit and AgWest Farm Credit board of directors. Moreover, Mr. Wirth has also been a member of his local Rotary International for over 35 years.
In light of his accomplishments, Mr. Wirth received a Farm Family of the Year Award from the Linn County Farm Bureau and Oregon Farm Bureau in 1989. He also received a Diamond Pioneer Award from Oregon State University in 2022 and a Distinguished Service Recognition from the Agricultural Communicators Network in 2023. Mr. Wirth attributes his success to his parents, particularly his mother, who instilled in him the importance of actively asking questions and seeking solutions.
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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Marquis celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2023, and Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who's Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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