Grower Profile: Ben & Dave Smith, B&D Farms

Ben & Dave Smith

B&D Farms

St. Paul, Oregon

Ben and Dave Smith are part of the fifth generation of a hop-growing family rooted in the sandy loam along the Willamette River. They grew up moving pipe, driving tractor, and generally helping out during harvest on their father’s farm. Ben and Dave knew from an early age that they wanted to continue this legacy.

The Smith brothers founded B&D Farms in 1984 and situated it in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Beginning with 15 acres of hops in addition to row crops, grass seed, wheat, and clover, they have steadily grown over several decades to expand their operation to 1000 acres under nine different varieties.

Both Ben and Dave hope that their own sons will someday take over what they’ve worked so hard to build and continue to improve it for the future.

Total acreage:

1,000

Varieties grown:
Cascade, Centennial, Mt. Hood, Golding, Citra®, Mosaic®, Willamette, Nugget, Mt. Ranier

Machinery/facilities:

Two farm locations with three Dauenhauer pickers, two dryers and a total of 11 drying floors

Industry & Trade Memberships:

Hop Growers of America and the Oregon Hop Growers.