Steve and Rebecca Pierce Oral History Interview, July 26, 2018

Partial Transcript: All right. So go ahead and start by introducing yourself.

Segment Synopsis: Steve Pierce introduces himself and briefly discusses his personal and family background. He explains that his parents were from Germany and that they immigrated to the U.S. after getting married. He was raised in New Hampshire, and now lives in Ashland, Oregon, where he grows hops and cannabis on his family farm.

Partial Transcript: When did you meet?

Segment Synopsis: Steve and Rebecca Pierce talk briefly about how they met and their life together. They explain that they got married shortly after Steve left the Navy. They moved to Oregon together where they raised their children. They briefly talk about what their children are doing now and the home they raised their family in.

Partial Transcript: What was Berkeley like in, into the seventies?

Segment Synopsis: Steve Pierce discusses some of the different places he’s lived over the course of his life. He begins by discussing life in Berkeley in the 1970s, where he attended college. He then discusses the years he spent living in Munich, Germany, where he learned more about hops and beer production. He then talks about a variety of other places he visited, giving brief summaries of each.

Partial Transcript: Did you spend any time in Alameda or were you...

Segment Synopsis: Steve and Rebecca Pierce return to talking about their family life. They recall memories of raising their children in Berkeley, recounting their favorite memories and details about the city they were living in. They also discuss the structure of the house they had been living at in Berkeley.

Partial Transcript: So, anyway, back to hops.

Segment Synopsis: Pierce talks about how he became interested in and educated about hops and hop production. He notes that his parents, who were from Germany, instilled an early appreciation of beer in him and his siblings. He also notes that while living in Germany he learned a great deal about hops, and that he took that information back to the U.S. with him. Finally he states that he has learned from other growers in Oregon.

Partial Transcript: When did you start homebrewing?

Segment Synopsis: Steve Pierce talks about when he started homebrewing and his personal interest in brewing. He discusses how homebrewing compares to brewing professionally and how it differs. He also briefly touches on how his interest in homebrewing has influenced his views on the importance of growing organic hops.

Partial Transcript: What made you land here? What was the attraction of the southern Oregon, Ashland area?

Segment Synopsis: Rebecca Pierce talks about the similarities between Berkeley, California, and Ashland, Oregon. She notes that there was a degree of openness and freedom amongst both communities that attracted her. Steve Pierce talks about his experience in Southern Oregon. He notes that the land is highly nutritious and suitable for most agricultural crops, particularly for hops. He also talks about finding community in Southern Oregon and his appreciation for rural culture.

Partial Transcript: What about agriculture down here? Has it ever had a robust agriculture, or maybe even smaller local farms?

Segment Synopsis: Pierce talks about the agricultural industry in Oregon. He notes that the economy of Southern Oregon has been impacted by an increase in agricultural producers, and that hop farms, cannabis farms, and hay manufacturers are particularly influential. In discussing the industry, Pierce explains that many Oregonian farms are small and not highly industrialized, unlike larger midwestern farms.

Partial Transcript: Why did you decide to grow organic?

Segment Synopsis: Pierce discusses the benefits of organic farming and his decision to make his farm an organic producer. He states that it’s generally healthier both for consumers and for the land itself. He notes that the negative to running an organic farm is that it produces a much lower crop yield every year, but that consumers are generally willing to pay higher prices to make up for that loss. Pierce also states that the business model he uses has been replicated by other organic growers, and that new growers often reach out to him for advice.

Partial Transcript: Do you think there are...would you keep the structure?

Segment Synopsis: Pierce talks about the future prospects of agriculture in Oregon. He notes that while Oregon is not a large agricultural producer when it comes to food crops, it is well known for its hops and cannabis crops. He expects that cannabis and hops will continue to be popular amongst farm owners in Oregon, although the increased competition may make the field more difficult. He also explains that hemp farming is much more lucrative than hop farming which will likely influence future production decisions.

Partial Transcript: Well, that reminds me of the woofers.

Segment Synopsis: Pierce talks about the different employees, or woofers, who have worked on the farm over the years. He notes that they hire from a broad range of backgrounds, leading to a diverse pool of workers. He recounts a few anecdotes about several workers, including a Brazilian professor on sabbatical leave, numerous college students, a dedicated hiker, and a nurse, among others.