OSBA Honey Judge Marjie Ehry
OSBA Honey Judge Marjie Ehry and her late husband Alan began their careers as commercial beekeepers in 1962, in Dundee, Oregon. Alan always knew this was what he wanted to do, and together they embraced the beekeeping life, which has been an amazing journey.
In the early 1960’s, Marjie and Alan joined the Oregon State Beekeepers Association and became submerged in every function of the group, including traveling to American Beekeeping Federation events.
In 1965, Marjie began helping set up the OSBA honey exhibit at the Oregon State Fair. Today, the Oregon Beekeepers’ display is the largest educational attraction in the Creative Living dept. at the state fair.
Next, she learned the ropes of judging honey, taking classes throughout the years to increase and refine her skills. She has mentored others and enjoys sharing her expertise on honey and products from the hive, while continuing her judging duties whenever needed.
Marjie was the Oregon Honey Queen program coordinator and chaperone 1969 – 1990 bringing two Queens to the National level (1969 Karen Peterson, 1987 Leslie Kuenzi).
She was a founding member of the Willamette Valley Beekeepers Association (1967); and served as OSBA President 1988 – 1992. She is a Lifetime Member of the Oregon State Beekeepers, the Willamette Beekeepers, and the Tualatin Valley Beekeepers Associations.
Marjie’s mission has been, and continues to be, sharing the story of the miraculous honey bee. She believes beekeepers should be very proud of the work they do. The challenges of nature, economics and manmade problems are best solved when beekeepers stick together. The future of our industry and the health of mankind depend on us.
MARJIE EHRY, ACTIVITIES:
● OREGON STATE BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION. Member 1962 – present
● Lifetime member: OSBA, Willamette Valley & Tualatin Beekeepers
● OSBA – State Fair, Chair (beginning in 1966), coordinating events, assembling displays and honey judging
● Founding member of Willamette Valley Beekeepers Assoc. 1967- present (Founders: Bob & Betty Ramsey, Wes & Elise Kester, Alan & Marjie Ehry)
● School presentations, Honey bees and Beekeeping. 1965 – 2010
● Yamhill County and Dayton School District, 1966 -2015 (Title One, Budget Com., Parent Advisory)
● Oregon Farm Bureau, 1967 – 93, 2020
● Oregon Women for Agriculture, 1969 – present (Charter Member)
● OSBA Honey Queen Program, Chair 1969 – 1990 (Two National Queens: 1969 Karen Peterson, 1987 Leslie Kuenzi)
● OSU, Research & Advisory Board, “Top Ten” Ag Priorities, 1970
● OSBA, Legislative Comm. (OSU Bee Research Position) 1970 -73
● Oregon Department of Agriculture, Unity Group 1972 – 1980
● Farm Wife Forum, Milwaukee, Wi. 1973 (forming of AAW (American Agri-Women))
● American Agri-Women, 1973 – present (Charter Member)
● Oregon State University, Honey Judging Certification, 1978 (Dr. Mike Burgett)
● Oregon Agri-Business Council- Board 1984 – 1986
● Yamhill Education Service District, Board 1984 -96, 2000-03
● Yamhill County “Leader 85”, 1985
● Oregon Honey Festival, Organizer, 1985, Dundee
● OSBA, President 1988 – 1992 (first woman president of a bee association in the nation)
● National Honey Board – Nomination com. & Alt. Board Mem. 1988 – 1995
● OSU, Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station, Centennial Committee, “100 YEARS OF PROGRESS,” 1888 – 1988
● OWA (Oregon Women for Agriculture) President – 1992 – 1994
● AAW National Small Crops Chair – 1993 -1997
● Oregon School Board Assoc. – Leadership Oregon 1995
● Chairman 1995 AAW Nat. Convention 1995
● Ciba-Geigy Corporation, Leadership ‘95 Conference – Greensboro, NC.
● AAW National – Leaven Award 1997
● Yamhill County Planning Commission Board, 2001- 2022
● In addition: Honorary Chapter Farmer, Corvallis FFA, 1960 (women could not be official members until 1969)