A family tradition continues to grow
Coleman Agriculture is proudly stewarded by R.T. Coleman’s grandsons, the sixth generation of Colemans born in St. Paul, Oregon: Ben and his wife Jen, alongside cousin Tom and his wife Melissa.
The seventh generation of Coleman ancestors have also joined the ranks. Tom and Melissa’s son, Max, leads our Safety Committee and works closely with our brewery partners. His cousin Jacob, son of Ben and Jen, leads our vineyard project. Each generation brings new energy while honoring old values.
More than 175 years later, the Colemans still have their boots firmly planted in the same Willamette Valley soil. While the tools have changed, our purpose has not. Care for the land. Work together. Leave it better than we found it.
Ben, Jen, Melissa and Tom Coleman
Coleman Family History
In the spring of 1847, 26-year-old James Coleman, his wife Frances, and their infant daughter Anna left Iowa and set their sights west. Like so many families traveling the Oregon Trail, they carried little more than hope, grit, and a belief that hard work could build a better future.
The Colemans made it to the western edge of the Oregon Territory and became one of the first families to settle near the St. Paul Mission. It wasn’t long before the plow met the soil. What began as survival quickly became stewardship, a commitment to care for the land and provide for the generations to come.
In 1862, James purchased acerage just south of St. Paul. For the next 30 years, he farmed and raised 11 children. By the fourth generation, Robert (R.T.) and Martha Coleman were the latest family members farming in St. Paul. They were active hop growers while raising eight children of their own. The house they resided in still stands on Mahony Road, across from the Homeplace Farm. It is a quiet reminder that this story is not just told. It is lived.
Their sons, Bill, John and Bobby carried the work forward. In 1975, Bill & John began managing the Mount Angel Farm for the Benedictine monks of Mt. Angel Abbey, deepening a legacy rooted not just in farming but in partnership and trust.
After graduating from Oregon State University, it was the next generation’s turn to dig in on the farm: Bill’s son Ben and John’s son Tom learned everything about the business. by working alongside their fathers.
R.T. Coleman on the floor of the hop kiln at Homeplace Farm
Our Vision
To lead agriculture through innovative thinking and modern practices while enriching partnerships and maintaining family farm values.
Our Mission
Deeply rooted in our farming heritage, we cultivate
the future for the prosperity of those we serve.
Our Values
Communication - Integrity - Collaboration
Respect - Trust - Growth - Belonging
Work Hard, Play Hard - Celebrate Success