In the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Smith Bros Farms has been a staple in the agricultural community for seven generations. Seth and his brother Spence, seventh-generation grass seed farmers, have been continuing a family tradition since 1845. Their farm produces millions of pounds of grass seed each year, which ends up on golf courses, football fields, and even in backyards across the country. It’s not just their passion for farming that has sustained them through the years, but also a long-standing partnership with Papé that has supported their evolving needs and growth.
A Farming Legacy Built on Family and Innovation
For Smith Bros, farming isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life passed down from generation to generation. Seth, a seventh-generation farmer, works alongside his brother and family to ensure the operation remains viable for future generations. "We don't work 8 to 5,” Seth says, “but we get to do it with our families, and that's a lot of the fun. Everyone pitches in."
The Willamette Valley's unique climate, with wet winters and hot, dry summers, creates perfect conditions for grass seed farming. However, with that ideal climate comes the need for a wide variety of equipment—from tractors to sprayers and combines. During their busy harvest season, there’s no room for error, and equipment uptime is essential. This is where Papé comes in.
The Equipment that Keeps Smith Bros Moving
Smith Bros has grown alongside Papé for decades, starting back in the Allis-Chalmers dealership days. From those early beginnings, the relationship between Smith Bros and Papé has deepened, expanding into every facet of their operations. As Seth recalls, “When I was five, we bought a Cat loader, and as Papé transitioned to John Deere, we’ve continued to grow with them.”
Today, Smith Bros runs a full fleet of John Deere equipment—from combines and swathers to sprayers and loaders—all crucial for keeping their fields productive and their business running smoothly. But their equipment needs don’t stop there. In their processing facility, they rely on Hyster forklifts to handle materials efficiently, and when it comes to transportation, their Kenworth trucks ensure transport to their warehouses and deliveries stay on schedule.
Unmatched Service to Support Every Season
With equipment spanning multiple industries and seasons, Smith Bros depends on reliable support to keep everything running. "One of the biggest pieces for us is having our equipment up and ready," Seth explains. Whether it’s a tractor in the field or a loader in the processing plant, minimizing downtime is crucial during their short harvest window.
Papé has been more than just an equipment dealer for Smith Bros. Our relationship goes beyond sales, extending into maintenance, parts, and problem-solving. "We have a very close relationship with our guys at Papé," Seth says. "I can talk to my territory manager, and he gets me in touch with whoever I need from another aspect of Papé."
It’s this full-service approach that gives Smith Bros confidence in their operations. Whether it’s accessing parts, getting equipment repaired quickly, or finding a solution to an unexpected problem, we have been there every step of the way.
Looking Forward: A Partnership for the Future
As Smith Bros Farms looks to the future, they’re not just thinking about this season—they’re planning for generations to come. "We’re trying to create a viable operation so that generations to come have a spot to be, and it's something that they want to do," Seth shares. Having a partner who understands the unique demands of their farm and supports them across agriculture, material handling, and transportation, is crucial for their long-term success. “Our partnership with Papé has helped us minimize downtime, maximize efficiency, and, most importantly, ensure that we can continue to operate as a family for years to come,” Seth says. “At the end of the day, it’s about more than dollars and cents. It’s about finding long-term solutions that keep us going.”
To learn more about Smith Bros' story and see how Papé supports their operation, watch the full video on our YouTube channel below!
