<p>As a farm kid raised in Nebraska during the Great Depression, Hal Schudel always felt a strong bond to the land. But in those lean dust-bowl years, he never imagined the path his life would take to the wet green hills of Oregon, and a crop that brings happiness to millions of families during the Christmas holidays. <br>After his World War II experience as a B-24 bomber pilot, Hal came to Oregon State for a doctorate in agronomy. He launched a successful first business, Oregon Turf and Chemical Company, but struggled to make ends meet during the winter. Teaching at OSU helped fill the gap for several years, until he lit on the idea that Christmas trees might provide a good winter occupation. Together with Oregon State Extension forester Paul Goodmonson, Hal pioneered a new business based on pruning and growing trees in rows like a crop. It took eight years to harvest the first trees, but the full look of the pruned Christmas tree was an immediate success. The industry boomed, especially in Oregon, which became the top Christmas tree-producing state in the country. Holiday Tree Farms, now operated by Hal s three sons, ships more than a million trees every year. <br>As his sons took a growing role in the business, Hal and his wife, Lois, followed another dream, to raise horses and prime Angus cattle at Holiday Ranch in Blodgett and Central Oregon. Hal retired at the age of 90, and finding himself at loose ends, decided to write about his remarkable journey. His story is shaped by a dedication to hard work, strong values, and a drive to live life to the fullest.</p>

From the Great Plains to the Great Northwest: My 90-Year Journey

Hal Schudel

Jackson Creek Pr

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Hal Schudel. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Hal Schudel

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Hal Schudel. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

From the Great Plains to the Great Northwest: My 90-Year Journey