From a young age, Kit embraced hard work—whether cleaning trucks, picking hops with his grandparents, or picking up nails at construction sites. This work ethic and drive to be financially independent led Kit to start forging his own future. In high school, he joined FFA, raising Newfoundland dogs, winning entrepreneurship awards, and eventually taking out his first loan with his siblings for a Littau Harvester. Summers were then spent custom picking marionberries, blueberries, and boysenberries across the valley and beyond. Kit then added more equipment into the mix and began baling and stacking hay across the county.
At 19, with help from a business partner, Kit purchased the Bayou Golf Course in McMinnville and managed the land maintenance side of the course for eight years while also continuing to help with the family chicken farm, pick berries, and bale hay.
Always looking for ways to diversify and keep ahead of markets and trends, Kit expanded into new ventures. In 2006, he purchased a nursery specializing in apple rootstock, which he has since grown from 300,000 plants annually to more than 4 million in 2025—making Johnston Farms one of the region’s largest suppliers across North America. Along the way, he also launched an equipment rental business to support local agriculture and construction.
In 2016, Kit entered Oregon’s emerging cannabis industry, co-founding a farm that soon became one of the state’s most recognized producers. With a trusted partner managing daily operations, the farm grew steadily and, by 2024, opened a retail store known for its knowledgeable staff, great selection, and strong community reputation.
Through every venture, Kit has credited his success to the immense support from his wife, two daughters, and the dedicated employees who have been with him since the beginning, helping him grow businesses that create jobs and support families throughout Yamhill County.
In 2021, Kit decided it was time to give back more directly. He ran for Yamhill County Commissioner and was elected to serve beginning in January 2023. As Commissioner, he has brought the same work ethic, entrepreneurial mindset, philanthropy, and practical problem-solving to county government that shaped his business career. From expanding community engagement with “Chat with the Chair” to leading county facility improvements, Kit has focused on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and putting people first.
Now, as he seeks a second term, Kit continues to bring his business background, farming roots, and proven leadership to the job of serving all Yamhill County residents.
“I’ve always been wired to work hard. I’ve built businesses while giving 110% to our community. I truly enjoy what I do every day—whether it’s driving truck or tractor, building something, checking in on a park, or sitting in a finance meeting. I love representing the people of Yamhill County, I love where I live, and this will always be my home.” — Kit Johnston