Published in Fall 2023
By: OSU Small Farms Program
Joining organizations and networks of other farmers is a great way to be in regular contact with folks who share your values and have experience and interest related to topics that are important to you. The Small Farms Extension team has put together a list of networks and organizations that may be of interest to small farmers in Oregon- happy connecting!
• Agritourism Network- Agricultural tourism (agritourism) is when you invite the public to visit your farm or ranch to sell agricultural products and promote the sales of products. The goal of this network is to create a space for information sharing about agritourism amongst producers, a safe place to ask questions, and a way to join together to discuss issues. If you are a farmer or rancher and would like to join, please go to https://beav.es/59V.
• Dry Farming Collaborative- The DFC is a group of farmers, extension educators, plant breeders, and agricultural professionals partnering to increase knowledge and awareness of dry farming management practices with a hands-on participatory approach. Join the Dry Farming Collaborative Facebook Group
• Klamath Basin Food Producers Network- Connect with other farmers through the Facebook Group or listserv. The Facebook group is intended for food producers and others looking to grow food to distribute or sell in the Klamath Basin and Eastern Oregon areas. This is a great way to connect with local producers to discuss opportunities, challenges, crops, and other informational conversations. The listserv enables participants to learn about tools, resources, and events of particular interest to the Klamath Basin and those with similar growing conditions. This is a great communication tool for questions, feedback, sharing of information and collaborating. To join listserv, email a request to: [email protected]
• League of Women Farmers- This is a group of female-identified farmers and ranchers in Jackson and Josephine county who meet quarterly for farm tours, workshops, and retreats. To sign up for the email list, contact Maud Powell at maud. [email protected].
• Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network - NMPAN is a university Extension-based community of practice of people and organizations helping small meat processors thrive by growing our shared wealth of information and innovation. Learn more and sign up for NMPAN.
• Oregon Farm to School & School Garden Network - The OFSSGN provides resources, technical assistance and networking opportunities to support members of Oregon’s Farm to School and school garden community in their work to incorporate healthy, local food into school meals and implement food-, farm-, and garden-based education. We also advocate for state and federal policies that support farm to school success. Find a regional hub coordinator to connect with Michelle Markesteyn, OSU Farm to School Specialist michelle. [email protected]
• The Oregon Pasture Network- OPN is https://oregonpasturenetwork.org/ is a network of independent farmers & ranchers who are committed to expanding pasture based agriculture across Oregon.Learn more about joining at https://oregonpasturenetwork.org/join/
• Pacific Northwest Cut Flower Growers- This is a group for commercial cut flower growers in the PNW. Connect with them through their facebook group, which is used as a platform for learning, collaboration and community: Pacific Northwest Cut Flower Growers Facebook Group
• PNW Mushroom Farmers Network- This is a group of small scale mushroom farmers throughout the Pacific Northwest with a focus on Oregon producers with a mission to provide support, information and share resources to uplift one another. Reach out to Em Jones ([email protected]) to be added to the network
• Small Ruminants Group- The Small Ruminants Group is a group of goat and sheep producers who are interested in sharing information, knowledge, and skills with each other. They correspond primarily through an email listserv hosted by OSU Extension Service Small Farms program and have a directory, in the form of a shared google spreadsheet; if you’re interested in joining, reach out to Genie Harden ([email protected]).
• Southern Oregon Seed Growers Association- SOSGA is a nonprofit association of Southern Oregon seed growers, and interested farmers and home gardeners providing education and pinning maps when necessary. Use the contact form at https://sosga.wordpress.com/join-pin/ to join.
• Statewide Military Veteran Farmers Network- This is a network for military veterans who are farming in Oregon. Network members can participate in farm tours and other learning and networking activities. If you’re interested in joining, reach out to Teagan Moran- [email protected].
• Willamette Women’s Farmer Network - This is a group of female-identified farmers and ranchers in Linn, Lane, and Benton counties who connect via an email ListServ as well as through farm tours, workshops, etc. To sign up, contact Teagan Moran at [email protected]
• Your Local Farm Bureau Chapter- Oregon Farm Bureau is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. Learn about becoming a member of your local Farm Bureau Chapter.
• Your Local Small Farms Extension Listserv - Many Small Farms Extension Agents run an email group for small farmers in their service areas. We share timely resources with farmers on these email list, and farmers can share resources and information with other farmers on the list. Reach out to your local Small Farms Extension Agent to learn how to get added to the small farms listserv for your area.
• Western Cover Crops Council- This group of farmers and other agricultural professionals working in the western U.S. promotes the successful adoption and integration of cover cropping into Western U.S. agricultural systems. Become a member here, and join discussions with other cover croppers in the Pacific Northwest by contacting the PNW Chairperson ([email protected]).