Amanda Staehely is a born-and-raised Oregonian and lifelong member of the state’s agricultural community. She grew up in Canby working at her family’s nursery, Simnitt Nursery, where she learned the values of hard work and farming from her parents and grandparents. Amanda attended Canby High School, graduating as valedictorian of her class.

After high school, Amanda pursued a professional career as a ballet dancer with Oregon Ballet Theatre, performing for four years. During that time, she also launched and operated her own Pilates and training studio before eventually returning full-time to agriculture.

Amanda and her husband, Wayne, a fellow Canby native from a dairy farming family, built and expanded their business, Columbia Nursery. In 2013, they moved the operation to their current location west of Molalla, where they continue to grow the nursery while raising their three children.

Amanda has become a leading advocate for Oregon agriculture. She served in multiple leadership roles with the Oregon Association of Nurseries, including as President of the statewide organization representing more than 700 members in Oregon’s $1.2 billion nursery industry—the state’s largest agricultural commodity.

She has worked closely with state and federal leaders to advocate for farmers and small businesses, speaking with state legislators, the Governor’s office, and federal officials in Washington, D.C., including the USDA and members of Congress on issues such as the Farm Bill and the future of American agriculture.

Amanda currently serves on the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Rules Advisory Committee and is a member of the 2026 HRI Leadership Academy. In 2025, she represented Oregon agriculture on a gubernatorial trade mission to South Korea and Japan.

Outside of her work in agriculture, Amanda teaches and directs ballet for young students at a local dance studio.

Amanda and Wayne live near Molalla with their three children: Luke, Emma, and Grant.