WASCO COUNTY, Ore. — Wheat in Oregon has been a staple and a big economic crop for at least 135 years, according to the Port of Portland. In fact, the port was created in 1851 primarily to make sure Oregon wheat could reliably be distributed internationally.
To this day, the international market for Oregon wheat is king — and that’s why it’s the focus of this month’s installment in the Fresh From Oregon series.
In Wasco County, David Brewer’s family farm stretches 2,000 acres, as far as the eye can see. He’s a fifth-generation farmer. His family has worked the land for 143 years or so. Brewer is also vice chairman of the Oregon Wheat Commission, which is responsible for collecting money from growers and using it to fund research on wheat production and to promote the product…