Building Cranberry Bogs with Peters Family Trucking

[MikePhua]

From Logging to Land Clearing in Coastal Oregon
Peters Family Trucking, based in Oregon, has carved out a niche in the specialized world of cranberry bog construction. The company’s work begins with clearing timberland—removing trees, selling logs, and burning stumps and debris. This process transforms forested terrain into agricultural ground suitable for cranberry cultivation. The equipment lineup includes a Caterpillar D6D dozer, a John Deere 490E excavator, and a John Deere 762 paddle-wheel scraper, each chosen for its ability to handle sandy and peaty soils common in the region.
Terminology:

• Paddle-Wheel Scraper: A self-loading earthmoving machine that uses rotating paddles to scoop and transport soil.
  
• Duff Layer: The organic surface layer of decomposed leaves and plant material that must be removed before grading.
  

The D6D, a low-ground-pressure crawler dozer, is particularly well-suited for pushing peat and leveling sandy terrain. With only 2,100 hours on the undercarriage, the machine remains in excellent condition, having previously seen minimal use over a 15-year span.
Cranberry Bogs and Their Unique Construction Requirements
Cranberry bogs are engineered fields designed to support the growth of Vaccinium macrocarpon, the North American cranberry. Contrary to popular belief, these fields are not permanently flooded. Water is introduced only during harvest to float the berries for collection. The rest of the year, the bogs remain dry and carefully graded.
Construction steps:

• Strip the duff layer and stockpile peat
  
• Grade the subsoil to a uniform elevation
  
• Redistribute peat evenly across the field
  
• Apply 6 inches of sand over the peat
  
• Install drainage and irrigation systems
  

Terminology:

• Peat: A spongy, organic soil layer formed from decomposed vegetation, ideal for cranberry root systems.
  
• Sand Cap: A layer of coarse sand applied to improve drainage and support vine anchoring.
  

In Oregon, the soil profile often includes both sandy and peaty layers, requiring careful excavation and redistribution. The paddle-wheel scraper is used once winter moisture recedes, allowing for efficient soil movement without bogging down.
Market Conditions and Regional Differences
Cranberry farming varies significantly between regions. In Wisconsin, the market has been volatile due to overproduction and regulatory shifts. Oregon, however, has maintained a more stable and lucrative cranberry market, with berries fetching $70–$80 per barrel compared to Wisconsin’s $30–$40.
Yield comparison:

• Wisconsin: 150–200 barrels per acre
  
• Oregon: Similar yield, but higher concentration value
  
• Oregon berries yield 18% more concentrate per barrel
  

Terminology:

• Barrel: A unit of cranberry measurement equal to 100 pounds.
  
• Concentrate Yield: The amount of juice or extract obtained from a given quantity of fruit.
  

This difference in concentrate yield has made Oregon berries more attractive to processors, including Ocean Spray and independent juice producers. However, the startup cost remains high, with vines taking three years to mature and requiring significant upfront investment.
Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
Building cranberry bogs involves navigating environmental regulations, especially concerning wetlands and water diversion. While bogs are dry most of the year, their proximity to streams and floodplains can trigger oversight from state and federal agencies.
Key concerns:

• Wetland classification and permitting
  
• Water rights and diversion limits
  
• Soil erosion and sediment control
  
• Wildlife habitat disruption
  

Terminology:

• Wetland Delineation: A formal assessment to determine if land qualifies as a protected wetland.
  
• Water Diversion Permit: Legal authorization to redirect water from natural sources for agricultural use.
  

In one case, a grower faced penalties for diverting stream water into a bog without proper permits. Peters Family Trucking emphasizes compliance and works closely with landowners to ensure legal and environmental standards are met.
Undercarriage Assessment and Equipment Longevity
Assessing the condition of a dozer’s undercarriage is essential for budgeting and performance. While hours provide a rough estimate, wear percentages are more accurate. These are calculated by measuring components like track links, rollers, and sprockets against factory specifications.
Assessment tips:

• Measure link height and compare to new spec
  
• Inspect roller diameter and bushing wear
  
• Check sprocket tooth sharpness and spacing
  
• Use dealer services for professional evaluation
  

Terminology:

• Undercarriage Percentage: A metric indicating how much usable life remains in tracked components.
  
• Link Height: The vertical measurement of track links, which decreases with wear.
  

Dealers often offer free undercarriage inspections, though their recommendations may be sales-driven. Independent measurements and service records provide a more objective view.
Personal Reflections and Future Plans
The owner of Peters Family Trucking has deep roots in the cranberry industry but now focuses on excavation and trucking. At 39 years old, he manages projects solo, balancing physical labor with strategic planning. While he no longer farms cranberries, he remains passionate about building bogs and hopes to one day own a small hobby farm with 10–12 acres.
Aspirations:

• Build a low-maintenance farm with minimal labor
  
• Continue expanding excavation services
  
• Maintain a fleet of reliable, well-kept equipment
  
• Support local growers with custom bog construction
  

Terminology:

• Hobby Farm: A small-scale agricultural operation maintained for personal enjoyment rather than commercial profit.
  
• Excavation Services: Earthmoving operations including grading, trenching, and land clearing.
  

The company’s blend of agricultural heritage and mechanical expertise positions it uniquely in Oregon’s coastal economy, where cranberry farming and land development intersect.
Conclusion
Peters Family Trucking exemplifies the intersection of tradition, machinery, and regional agriculture. From clearing timber to sculpting peat and sand into productive cranberry bogs, the company’s work reflects both technical skill and deep local knowledge. As Oregon’s cranberry market continues to thrive, the demand for experienced bog builders remains strong. In this niche, success isn’t just about horsepower—it’s about understanding the land, respecting its rhythms, and shaping it with care.