Our Friday Farmer Feature spotlights Troy Hansen, a dedicated sugarbeet grower from Nyssa, Oregon. Farming has been a way of life for Troy and his family for generations, and his passion for agriculture continues to drive him forward despite the challenges that come with it.
Troy farms alongside his father (Charles Hansen), brother (Kory Hansen), uncle (Rob Wagstaff), and cousins (Tyler Wagstaff and Randy Bowns). Together, they manage WBH Farms, which spans 4,500 acres across Nyssa and Adrian in Oregon. Their operation is diverse, consists of majority sugarbeets, onions, and potatoes, with additional acres of wheat and corn.
WBH Farms was officially formed in 1999 when the family operations were combined. The farm was initially founded by Troy’s father, uncle, and grandfather, along with two other family members. Today, Charles and Rob are the only two remaining original founders, but the next generation continues to carry the legacy forward.
Troy grew up immersed in agriculture and always felt a strong connection to farming. After marrying his wife Courtney in 2005, he stayed close to the farm while attending Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC) and later earning a Business degree from Eastern Oregon University (EOU). Though he jokes that he never really used his degree, Courtney made sure he finished college! Troy and Courtney have three children: Max (16), Peyton (13), and Jayne (9). Max and Peyton are active participants in the Youth Sugarbeet Grower program and help on the farm during the summer.
Troy stays connected to the agricultural community through the Nyssa-Nampa Sugarbeet Growers Association (NNSGA), where he serves as a board member, a role his father, Charles, previously held. He has also attended American Sugarbeet Growers Association (ASGA) meetings in Washington, D.C., where he learned about the legislative process that impacts the industry.
In talking with Troy about the different challenges that the agricultural industry is currently facing, he highlighted the ongoing challenge of increasing input costs. “The line gets thinner every year.” Despite these challenges, Troy remains committed. “When you’re in this deep, you just keep going. Farming is what I choose to do, and it’s what I enjoy. It’s always a challenge, and every year brings uncertainty.”
Troy also recognizes the importance of educating consumers about modern farming practices, particularly when it comes to pesticide use and GMO sugarbeets. He stresses that once sugar is processed, there is no trace of pesticides like Roundup in the final product, something that is often misunderstood by consumers. “It’s crucial for people to understand how safe these pesticides are and how vital they are to modern farming,” Troy explains. By being involved in local farm organizations and advocating for accurate information, he hopes to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers. At the end of the day, Troy’s goal is simple and similar to most growers: to keep farming in a way that provides for his family and sustains the operation for future generations.
Feature by Cassidey Plum, Executive Secretary, Nyssa-Nampa Sugarbeet Growers Association
