Oregon Legislature debates extending overtime pay to farmworkers

An irrigation system in an agricultural field off of 76th Avenue Northeast. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)

Much of the work at Blue Heron Farm happens in bursts. 

Willy Dinsdale, co-owner of the farm located just outside Salem, described how on days when the spring rains let up, crews will venture into the fields to plant Christmas trees. 

A 150 horsepower tractor pulls a tree transplanter that will insert the seedlings into the soil, he said. Three…