Kathy Freeborn is a poster child for the future of agriculture in Oregon.

In her mid-20s, Kathy is the daughter in one of Rickreall’s long-time farming families. She grew up working on the farm, which her grandparents started in the 1960s. The Freeborn farm since has expanded to nearly 1,000 acres, where they farm grass seed, grain, hay and raise cattle.

Kathy’s experience growing up, coupled with a Masters Degree in Agriculture from Oregon State University, enabled her to take over recently much of the daily operations. In the not-too-distant future, Kathy will be in charge of the entire farm.

But there is another picture that will be the future of Oregon agriculture if Measure 49 does not pass. And it worries Kathy.
"Measure 37 claims for land surrounding our farms have thrown into question our future, as well as those of other farmers," she says.

Kathy supports Measure 49 because it closes loopholes in Measure 37 that allow large-scale development and at the same time enables farmers and other landowners to build a few homes where they otherwise are restricted.

For the time being, however, Kathy is living with the realities of Measure 37.

Voters in 2004 approved Measure 37, which enables some landowners to demand that any and all land use regulations be waived. This special right is only available to those who have owned the property longer than the regulation has existed.

Freeborn says it is likely her family could've filed Measure 37 claims but didn't because they want to stay in the business of farming.

Within three and a half miles of Kathy's farmland, Measure 37 claims propose: commercial development and 79 one-acre housing lots on farmland, a 54-lot subdivision on farmland, and at least two more subdivisions of farmland.

Read more or watch a video of Kathy below.