{"id":130,"date":"2018-12-11T20:12:33","date_gmt":"2018-12-11T20:12:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/smallfarmsconference\/?page_id=130"},"modified":"2026-02-12T00:17:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T00:17:00","slug":"session-two","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/smallfarmsconference\/session-two\/","title":{"rendered":"Session Two: 11:35am – 12:30pm\/1:00pm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Explore Collaborative Farming Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaker: Madeline Tucker, Oregon Farm Corps<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2013looking 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exploring Selling Farm Direct, Producer-Processed, Value-Added Products in Oregon and an Introduction to Licensed Processing <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Oregon Farm Direct Marketing Law (OFDML) enables small farmers to produce and sell certain low-risk, value-added products\u2014such as fruit spreads, pickled, and lacto-fermented fruits and vegetables\u2014directly 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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Distress to Resilience: Finding Purpose and Connection through Climate Change <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaker: Maud Powell, Oregon State University Small Farms Program<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Organic Right for Your Farm?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speakers: Brigid Meints, OSU Organic Agriculture Program; Pryor Garnett, Garnetts Red Prairie Farm; Jordan Condo; David Wills-Ehlers, Zephyr Farm.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is This Tool Right for Me? Exploring Soil Moisture Tension Sensors Through Farmer Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speakers: Rachel Cross, Acania Farm; Zeph Mullins, Tel-tvm\u2019; Evie Smith, Oregon State University Extension Service Small Farms Program<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ve 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\u2019s 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:
\u25cf An overview of soil moisture tension sensors and what they measure
\u25cf On-farm use cases of different sites and uses
\u25cf Integration, impact, and workflow adjustments
\u25cf Challenges, surprises, and what they wish they\u2019d known
\u25cf Forward-looking advice: who should consider using this tool and under what conditions
\u25cf Audience Q&A
This session is especially relevant for producers actively managing irrigation, navigating drought stress, or exploring site suitability for dry farming.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Know your Numbers: Creating & Using Basic Farm Financials <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speakers: Andrea Krahmer, Oregon Agricultural Trust; Leah Rodgers, Indigo Gardens<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014and 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simple Steps for Better Cover Crop Success<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speakers: Nathan Stacey, Oregon State University Extension Small Farm Program; Nick Andrews, Oregon State University Organic Agriculture Program; Aaron Nichols, Stoneboat Farm; Rebecca Sweet, Buzz Cover Crop Seeds<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small Farms & Food Systems at the Oregon Legislature <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speakers: Amy Wong, Oregon Organic Coalition; Alice Morrison, Friends of Family Farmers; Megan Kemple, Oregon Climate & Agriculture Network; Jim Johnson, 1000 Friends of Oregon; Adriana Cvitkovic, Oregon Food Bank; Bea Johnson, Sunbow Produce; Andrew Collins-Anderson, OCFSN, facilitator<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soil Microbial Habitat <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaker: Shannon Cappellazzi, OSU Organic Ag Program, Soil Health Extension Specialist<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlocking Agritourism Success: What Customers Want and How to Market It <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speakers: Audrey Comerford and Melissa Fery, OSU Extension Agricultural Tourism Program<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do visitors really want from on-farm experiences\u2014and how can you reach them effectively? In this session, we\u2019ll 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\u2019ll 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\u2019re 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pricing Info For 202<\/strong>6<\/h3>\n\n\n\n