Key Takeaways
- Roy Hofer, a 35‑year‑old hazelnut farmer from Canby, Oregon, turned his passion for John Deere tractors into a leadership role on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Committee for 2026‑27.
- His private farm‑machinery museum, centered on vintage two‑cylinder John Deere machines, began as a personal hobby and grew into a community hub that hosts Farm Bureau meetings, school tours, and visits from senior citizens.
- Hofer’s involvement with the Clackamas County Farm Bureau provided networking, business‑development, and leadership experience, eventually leading him to chair the Oregon YF&R committee (2024‑25) before his national appointment.
- He emphasizes the simplicity and durability of older John Deere tractors—particularly models from the Dubuque Works factory—that can still be operated today without computerized systems.
- As one of the few West Coast representatives on a YF&R committee traditionally dominated by Midwestern and Southern members, Hofer encourages young agricultural professionals to join local Farm Bureau chapters to gain access to regional and national opportunities.
Roy Hofer grows hazelnuts on his farm near Canby, Oregon, but he is perhaps better known locally as a “history nut.” On his property sits a barn that houses a private farm‑machinery museum devoted largely to John Deere tractors. What began as a personal fascination with vintage farm equipment has, in a roundabout way, propelled Hofer onto the national stage of the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Committee, where he will serve a two‑year term beginning in 2026.
After graduating from college, Hofer immersed himself in farming and quickly felt isolated from peers who shared his interests. Seeking connection, he joined the Clackamas County Farm Bureau, hoping to meet fellow farmers who appreciated agricultural history. His first meeting left a strong impression: “Wow, these are really my people,” he recalled. The Farm Bureau became more than a social outlet; it offered him a platform to develop business acumen and leadership skills through committee work, event planning, and advocacy.
Hofer’s active participation did not go unnoticed. He chaired the Oregon YF&R committee from 2024 to 2025, a role that included testifying before state legislators in Salem on issues affecting young producers. That experience built his confidence and visibility within the organization, paving the way for his selection to the national YF&R Committee for the 2026‑27 term. In this capacity, he works alongside peers from across the country to shape policy, mentor newcomers, and promote the next generation of agricultural leaders.
A significant part of Hofer’s identity is his collection of John Deere tractors, which he maintains and restores with enthusiasm. He owns about a dozen tractors and is constantly working on another restoration project. “I love working on equipment… I’ve just done it since I was a kid,” he says. Of particular affection are the two‑cylinder models produced at the Dubuque Works factory, which were built between the 1940s and 1960s. Hofer notes that these machines are mechanically straightforward—no computers or sophisticated diagnostics required—and many retain a three‑point hitch that allows them to be used effectively even today. One standout piece, a John Deere 320 manufactured only from 1956 to 1958, is now on display at the John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum in Waterloo, Iowa, a testament to its historical significance.
Beyond tractors, Hofer’s museum includes a horse‑drawn plow and an early Weygandt Machine caneberry harvester that, in its day, could replace the labor of 40‑50 workers. The space serves multiple community functions: it hosts Farm Bureau meetings, educational tours for local school groups, and visits from seniors at a nearby retirement center. By opening his collection to the public, Hofer creates a living classroom where the evolution of farm technology can be appreciated firsthand.
Geographically, Hofer’s presence on the national YF&R committee is noteworthy. The committee’s membership has historically been weighted toward Midwestern and Southern agricultural producers, with fewer voices from the West Coast. Alongside Hofer, fellow West Coast appointees Trelawney Bullis of California (a water, GIS, and sustainability director at AC Foods) and Johnathan Quigley, a Washington tree‑fruit grower, highlight a recent shift toward broader regional representation. Hofer views this as an encouraging sign and urges other young agricultural professionals to get involved at the county level, where attending meetings can lead to connections with regional and national YF&R events.
In sum, Roy Hofer’s journey from a solitary hazelnut farmer to a national Farm Bureau leader illustrates how personal passion—here, a love for historic John Deere machinery—can foster community engagement, skill development, and advocacy. His story underscores the value of sharing agricultural heritage, the importance of intergenerational mentorship, and the growing influence of West Coast voices in shaping the future of American agriculture.