The Diamond Pioneer Agricultural Achievement Registry recognizes individuals whose lifelong contributions have shaped Oregon’s agricultural landscape, strengthened communities, and advanced the mission of Oregon State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences. Established in 1983 during the College’s 75th anniversary, this distinguished honor celebrates those who have dedicated their lives to agriculture, natural resources, and the well-being of our state.
This year, we are proud to recognize two outstanding members of Oregon Women for Agriculture who have been named to the Registry: Carol Marx and Carol Leuthold.
2026 Diamond Pioneer Agricultural Achievement Registry honorees. Oregon Women for Agriculture members Carol Marx and Carol Leuthold are pictured in the front row, second and third from the left. Photo credit: Marci B Photography
Carol Marx
Carol Marx receiving her award from Jackie Thorsness, Chief Operating Officer. Photo credit: Marci B Photography
Carol (Wiens) Marx was a freshman at Oregon State University in 1968 when she met a blue-eyed farm boy named Merle Marx. They married the following September and spent 2 years in Germany, courtesy of the US Army. Returning to the family farm in 1972, Carol embraced life on the land-raising their children and running the household-while volunteering in their three children’s classrooms, serving as a Cub Scout leader, Odyssey of the Mind coach, and a 4-H leader for 15 years.
In 1984, Merle and Carol founded Willamette Valley Seed Farms, Inc., where she dedicated the next 39 years to bookkeeping, payroll, and compliance. She joined Polk County Women for Agriculture in 1989, serving as chapter President and now Secretary; she also served as Oregon Women for Agriculture President (1994-95) and on OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences Art About Agriculture selection committee (1993-94). Nationally, Carol was American Agri Women (AAW) Secretary (1997-98) and President (2004-05), received the AAW Leaven Award (1997), and the AAW Outstanding Agricultural Mentor Award (2024). She has represented AAW at the National Endangered Species Reform Coalition and in 1997 at the National Consultations on Food Security in Tacoma and Washington, D.C.
A faithful community servant, Carol has been Treasurer of Oak Grove Community Church for 26 years and supports Vacation Bible School and morning services. Now that her son, Keith, and daughter-in-law, Tiffany, are overseeing the farm, she’s stepped away from the bookkeeping, yet, true to form, continues to volunteer.
Carol Leuthold
Carol Leuthold receiving her award from Shawn Donkin, Associate Dean of Research. Photo credit: Marci B Photography
Her childhood in Beaver and Blaine was spent exploring forests and fields, shaping her early dream of becoming a farm wife. That dream flourished when, as a teenager, she met Dan at OSU’s 4-H Summer School, beginning a partnership now more than sixty years strong. Together, they have built a family of 45 and continued the legacy of Dan’s Swiss immigrant grandparents on their six-generation dairy farm.
Guided by teachers who fostered her love of learning, service, and homemaking, Carol wove those values into her life’s work. Since 1970, she has served as bookkeeper for the family dairy and for the Hunt Water District, while also running small businesses such as the Strawberry Lady and Berry Patch Girls. Her years at the farmers market and in the travel industry reflect her gift for building community wherever she goes.
Beyond her professional contributions, Carol has been a steadfast leader in organizations such as the Farm Bureau and the Tillamook Working Lands and Waters Cooperative. Her recent induction, alongside Dan, into the Oregon Farm Bureau Hall of Fame affirms her enduring impact. Carol exemplifies integrity, perseverance, and service. Her living legacy strengthens Oregon agriculture and inspires generations to come.
Photos and bios used with permission from Oregon State University.