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FARMER AND RANCHER NEWSLETTER
January 2022

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

Sign Up for a FREE Photoshoot with Amanda Photographic!

 
We are partnering with Amanda Photographic to build a pool of professionally shot photos of Central Oregon farms and ranches to help connect the public with where their food comes from. HDFFA farm and ranch partners are able to sign up for a free 60-90 minute photo shoot to have Amanda come to your farm and take photos of your operation. We are looking for a range of photos from baby animals to weeding of crops! HDFFA will use these photos on outreach and promotional materials, and you are encouraged to use the photos as well for your website, social media and other uses. This is a $350 value included free as part of your partnership!

Learn more and sign up for a slot here!

Upcoming Webinar on Crop Insurance Options for Small and Mid-Size Farms


Join HDFFA for a webinar on different crop insurance options for small- and mid-size farms and ranches in Central Oregon. We will be joined by USDA Risk Management Agents giving an overview on the Whole-Farm Revenue Program and the new Micro Farm Policy for diversified producers with revenue under $100,000. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers at the end.
Wednesday, January 26th from 2-3pm
Register Here!

Strategies to Increase Crop Water Use Efficiency During Drought Conditions


Attend an in-person workshop hosted by HDFFA and OSU Extension to learn about understanding your soil, crop water needs, irrigation system, and water quality. This workshop will include hands-on activities that will help farmers learn about water holding capacity, irrigation water output, estimating irrigation needs based on ET and/or Agrimet data, irrigation scheduling, soil moisture monitoring and more.

Presenters include:

  • Maria Zamora Re – OSU Extension Irrigation Specialist
  • Abigail Tomasek – OSU Extension Water Quality Specialist
  • Todd Peplin - Programs Lead, Deschutes SWCD
  • Stephanie Payne - Small Farms and Organic Specialist, USDA
Thursday, February 17th from 9am-12pm
Reserve your spot now!

HDFFA HAPPENINGS

Congratulations to our On-Farm Efficiency Grant Winners!

 
In total, we received 37 completed applications with over $128,000 in grant funds requested. Funded projects ranged from a brood recovery house for ostrich chicks to an innovative bedding solution for sheep!

Thanks to everyone who took the time to apply!
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.

$1.5 million in statewide funds allocated for natural disaster relief to help small-scale Farmers/Ranchers


A statewide team of food and farm advocates working through the Oregon Community Food System Network (OCFSN) secured $1.5 million dollars in state funding to establish a grant fund for small-scale producers located in Oregon impacted by natural disaster in 2021. This funding was passed during a special session on December 13th as part of a larger package worth $100 million.
Thank you to the Central Oregon producers who provided testimony for this effort. You can read more about HDFFA's involvement here.

HDFFA Partner Sign-Ups Now Open!

 
Don't wait! Renew your partnership with the High Desert Food & Farm Alliance today! New benefits this year include free access to our new Value Chain Coordinator and participation in our new Growing Together Mentorship Program!

Early bird discounts end TODAY! Use code EARLYBIRD to get 10% off your partnership renewal.

Learn more and renew here!

TIPS & TRICKS

New Water Banking Program for COID and NUID Patrons


The Deschutes River Conservancy, NUID, and COID recently launched the Deschutes Water Bank to allow farmers with senior water rights in COID to lease irrigation water to junior users in NUID. The program is temporary and flexible.

Learn more and fill out the interest form here!

OSU is Hiring a New Small Farms Extension Agent


OSU Extension Agricultural Services is currently seeking applications for an Assistant Professor of Practice for the Central Oregon region. This position will support the development of sustainable agriculture in Central Oregon and will work broadly across the agriculture spectrum with an emphasis on agricultural plant and soil science focused on small-scale commercial cropping systems and high-value specialty crops.

Learn more and apply here!

GRANTS, EVENTS & INFO

Funding Opportunities

Events and Learning Opportunities:

 

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!
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