Explore Collaborative Farming Models
Speaker: Madeline Tucker, Oregon Farm Corps
For as long as humans have been farming, we have done so in community. It only makes sense that in our increasingly isolated culture, farmers are looking for more ways to intentionally collaborate with their peers–looking to co-purchase land, starting multi-farm CSAs, forming worker cooperatives, and more. During this session, we will explore different models of collaborative farming, share what resources exist to support collaboration, and participate in an activity to identify what kinds of collaboration may assist in specific farming challenges.
Exploring Selling Farm Direct, Producer-Processed, Value-Added Products in Oregon and an Introduction to Licensed Processing
Speakers: Kelly Streit, On Nutrition Streit; Maren Long, Food Innovation Center; Hannah Kullberg, PNW Packaged Food & Beverage Group; Sydney DeLuna, OCFSN/Oregon Food Hub Network
The Oregon Farm Direct Marketing Law (OFDML) enables small farmers to produce and sell certain low-risk, value-added products—such as fruit spreads, pickled, and lacto-fermented fruits and vegetables—directly to consumers, using produce they have grown themselves, without having to obtain a processing license. This workshop will explain the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) guidance outlined in the law and demonstrate how it applies to value-added products. This workshop will also introduce licensed processing and licensed processing resources. A roundtable discussion follows the workshop
From Distress to Resilience: Finding Purpose and Connection through Climate Change
Speaker: Maud Powell, Oregon State University Small Farms Program
Many people are suffering from emotional consequences associated with anticipated or actual environmental changes and reacting with despair, grief, or uncertainty. Farmers, ranchers, and food producers have uniquely intimate relationships to places and landscapes, and as a result, are especially vulnerable to climate-related losses and grief. This session will offer an introduction to the notion of climate grief or eco-distress. Participants will be encouraged to explore their climate emotions and then strategize how to make their farms more resilient in the face of greater uncertainty and risk.
Is Organic Right for Your Farm?
Speaker: Brigid Meints, OSU Organic Agriculture Program, others TBD.
If you’ve ever thought about transitioning to organic certification or wondered what that process entails and if it’s the right choice for your farm- this is the session for you! Organic Extension Specialists and farmer panelists will go over the advantages and disadvantages of certification, what transitioning farmers/ranchers need to consider, and tips and tricks for recordkeeping.
Is This Tool Right for Me? Exploring Soil Moisture Tension Sensors Through Farmer Experience
Speakers: Rachel Cross, Acania Farm; Zeph Mullins, Tel-tvm’; Evie Smith, Oregon State University Extension Service Small Farms Program
Soil moisture tension sensors are gaining traction as a decision-support tool for irrigation scheduling, soil and plant health – but are they a good fit for your farm right now? This panel session brings together farmers and a researcher who’ve actively used these sensors in various ways to share their insights, challenges, and lessons learned. Whether you’re curious about how the technology works, wondering how it fits into diverse farm workflows, or deciding if it’s worth the investment, this panel is designed to introduce the tool and help you evaluate the tool in the context of your own operation. Explore:
● An overview of soil moisture tension sensors and what they measure
● On-farm use cases of different sites and uses
● Integration, impact, and workflow adjustments
● Challenges, surprises, and what they wish they’d known
● Forward-looking advice: who should consider using this tool and under what conditions
● Audience Q&A
This session is especially relevant for producers actively managing irrigation, navigating drought stress, or exploring site suitability for dry farming.
Know your Numbers: Creating & Using Basic Farm Financials
Speakers: Andrea Krahmer, Oregon Agricultural Trust; Leah Rodgers, Indigo Gardens
Discover how basic farm financials can guide smart decisions and support your farm goals. Through a step-by-step case study, you’ll learn to create a simple balance sheet and cash flow budget—and leave with practical tools to strengthen your farm business. This workshop is ideal for new or smaller operators, producers looking to refresh their financial skills, and farms considering changes where clearer financial understanding can support better planning and discussion.
Simple Steps for Better Cover Crop Success
Speakers: Nathan Stacey, Oregon State University Extension Small Farm Program; Nick Andrews, Oregon State University Organic Agriculture Program; Aaron Nichols, Farmer
While the benefits of cover crops are widely touted, many conversations lack the practical guidance and the real-world experience that farmers need to confidently evaluate and adopt this practice. To help, the Western Cover Crops Council (WCCC) has developed a cover crop selection tool designed to simplify this decision-making process. In this session, WCCC representatives from Oregon State University will demonstrate features of the new species selector and then discuss practical management methods with a panel of experienced farmers.
Small Farms & Food Systems at the Oregon Legislature
Speakers: Amy Wong, Oregon Organic Coalition; Alice Morrison, Friends of Family Farmers; Megan Kemple, Oregon Climate & Agriculture Network; Jim Johnson, 1000 Friends of Oregon; Oregon Food Bank representative TBD; Andrew Collins-Anderson, OCFSN, facilitator
The Oregon Legislature’s “short” session, Feb. 2 – March 8, will include legislation and budget issues that matter to farmers and community food systems. Our panel of farm and food systems advocacy organizations will get you up to speed.
Soil Microbial Habitat
Speaker: Shannon Cappellazzi, OSU Organic Ag Program, Soil Health Extension Specialist
We will discuss the soil as habitat with a focus on the functions of the microbial community. Soil is the most diverse habitat in the world!!! There are billions of organisms underfoot, but are they working for you? What does anyone need from a habitat? How do they build their own habitat? What can we do to support soil organisms so they can do work for us? Within the context of habitat, we will talk about aggregation, biofilms, communication signals, disease suppression, nutrient availability, and water dynamics.
Unlocking Agritourism Success: What Customers Want and How to Market It
Speakers: Audrey Comerford and Melissa Fery, OSU Extension Agricultural Tourism Program
What do visitors really want from on-farm experiences—and how can you reach them effectively? In this session, we’ll dive into key findings from our 2025 customer survey on agritourism operations. Learn what drives customer decisions and explore the marketing strategies that work best, based on real data.
We’ll break down practical tools and tactics to help you attract and retain visitors, including:
– Google Business Profile: Why it matters and how to optimize it
– Email Newsletters: Building relationships that keep customers coming back
– Websites: Why having one is essential for credibility and visibility
– Social Media: Tips for engaging content that resonates with your audience
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this session will give you actionable insights to grow your agritourism business and meet customer expectations.
Pricing Info For 2026
- Registration $85 per person until Feb. 3rd
- After Feb. 3rd $100 per person
- At the door registration may NOT be available due to venue capacity.
