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FARMER AND RANCHER NEWSLETTER
December 2021

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

One week left to apply for an On-Farm Efficiency Grant!

Don't miss your chance to receive up to $4,000 in grant funds through the On-Farm Efficiency Grant program. Producers may apply for up to $4,000 in grant funds and are required to contribute at least 50% in matching funds. Priority points will be given to applicants who are BIPOC+, LGBTQIA2S+, beginning farmers/ranchers (fewer than 10 years of experience), living with a disability, U.S. Veterans, and current HDFFA partners. All farmers/ranchers operational during 2021, growing/raising products sold primarily in Central Oregon, and located in Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are welcome to apply.

Applicants may apply for projects in three categories:

Permanent Fixtures
Equipment Purchases
Professional Development and Technical Assistance

Applications are due no later than December 20th, 2021.

Apply Today!

This project is supported by the Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Program grant [grant no. 2020-70017-32426] and the Community Food Projects grant [grant no. 2021-33800-35848] from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

HDFFA HAPPENINGS

Advocating on behalf of Central Oregon farmers and ranchers

HDFFA has been diving into policy and advocacy this year and we want to update you on a few of the issues we've been tackling.

Meat Processing Infrastructure
Water Use and Irrigation
County Land Use and Permitting
Disaster Relief

Learn more about we've done in each of these topics by visiting our NEW Policy Page here!

TIPS & TRICKS

Are you interested in mentoring aspiring farmers at your farm or ranch? Apply to be an RFC host farm!

Rogue Farm Corps’ Internship and Apprenticeship programs are designed to train the next generation of farmers and ranchers through a structured educational framework that includes on-farm training, classes, farm tours, discussion groups, and networking. Host farmers partner with Rogue Farm Corps and serve as primary mentors for program participants on their farm/ranch.

Find more information here and apply by December 17th, 2021.

GRANTS, EVENTS & INFO

Funding Opportunities

Oregon State Weed Board Grant Program: 12/15
FACT's 2021 Fund-a-Farmer Grant: 1/20/22
Grass Fed Small & Very Small Producer Program: Ongoing
Livestock Forage Disaster Program and Emergency Livestock Assistance Program: Contact County FSA agent to apply
Feed Transportation Costs Now Covered for Drought-Impacted Ranchers
USDA Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program: Deadline 1/7/22
OWEB Small Grants: Deadlines differ by county

Events and Learning Opportunities:

OrCAN Lay of the Land Report Webinar: 12/15
Webinar on Eco-Friendly Food Packaging: 12/17
NCAT Latino Farmer Conference: 1/12/22
Farming on the Urban Edge Virtual Conference: 1/14/22 and more dates
Rogue Farm Corps Changing Hands Workshops:
- Leasing for Land Owners and Land Seekers: 1/5-1/19
- Land Justice and Creative Land Access Strategies: 1/26-2/9
- Resources for Military Veterans: 2/16-2/23
Central Oregon Farm Fair & Tradeshow: 2/2/22-2/3/22
Oregon Farm Link Navigate Program: Rolling basis
Deschutes County SWCD Pasture Exchange Program: Ongoing
Deschutes County SWCD Manure Exchange Program : Ongoing

Don't forget to check out HDFFA's Resources page!

Looking for more technical assistance?

Oregon State University Extension Service has a number of agricultural specialists available to help you on a variety of problems and needs. Please reach out to Central Oregon Small Farms or your local extension office (Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs) to be connected with an agent. They also have a newsletter and you can sign up here!

FARMER AND RANCHER NEWSLETTER December 2021