UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 30, 2008

BERRY PETROLEUM COMPANY

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

DELAWARE (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) 1-9735 (Commission File Number) 77-0079387 (IRS Employer Identification Number)

1999 BROADWAY, SUITE 3700 - DENVER , CO (Address of Principal Executive Offices) 80202 (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (303) 999-4400

      Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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 Item 5.02(c)  Appointment of Certain Officer; Depature of Principal Officer

On December 30, 2008, Berry Petroleum Company (“Company”) announced the retirement of Mr. Ralph J. Goehring as an Executive Vice President of the Company effective immediately.  As previously reported, Mr. Goehring, upon his retirement as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer in May, 2008, agreed to remain as an Executive Vice President through the end of 2008.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereto duly authorized.

BERRY PETROLEUM COMPANY
By:	/s/ Kenneth A. Olson
	Kenneth A. Olson
	Corporate Secretary

Date: December 30, 2008

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