Agricultural Advisory Committee

The Agricultural Advisory Committee is made up of farmers and ranchers who advise the HDFFA Board and staff on the direction and effectiveness of our Agricultural Support programs. Their input helps guide HDFFA initiatives and specific projects – such as educational events, workshops, and grant objectives – to ensure they meet the needs and interests of the Central Oregon farming and ranching community.

About the Committee

The Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) was established in May 2019 with the mission of collaborating with Central Oregon farmers and ranchers to continually strengthen HDFFA’s Agricultural Support programming. The Committee is composed of farmers and ranchers from Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties, as well as Warm Springs, representing both beginning and experienced producers.

As a member of the AAC, you have the opportunity to directly shape our community by sharing your input and feedback on HDFFA’s programs and offerings. Your advice and experience are invaluable, and we couldn’t do this work without you!

Member Qualifications and Expectations

Qualifications: 

• You are a farmer/rancher in Warm Springs, Deschutes, Jefferson, or Crook counties.
• You are interested in advancing HDFFA’s mission to support a healthy and thriving food and farm network in Central Oregon by sharing feedback on our Agriculture Support programs.
• You are able to commit approximately 8 hours over the 12-month term period for email communications and meeting participation. 
• You are able to attend at least three of the four bi-monthly Zoom meetings (October, December, February, and April). Meeting dates and times will be set based on committee votes through a Doodle poll.

What you can expect: 

• Respect for your time and expertise.  We deeply value the knowledge you bring and will make sure meetings are purposeful and efficient.
• A welcoming space to share your voice. Your perspective matters, and we want to hear it.
• Opportunities to shape programs. From workshops to grant priorities, your feedback directly influences how HDFFA supports farmers and ranchers.
• Clear communication. We’ll keep you updated on HDFFA projects, progress, and how your input is making an impact.
• Collaboration, not extra work. We’ll do the heavy lifting; your role is to guide us with your insights and experience.
• Gratitude and recognition. We are truly thankful for your service and will make sure your contributions are celebrated and acknowledged!
• A $250 stipend upon completion of the term. 

If you are interested in joining HDFFA’s Agricultural Advisory Committee, please email:

 James Faughnan, Small Farms Coordinator – james@hdffa.org

Christine Boyle, Agricultural Support & Food Access Coordinator – christine@hdffa.org

2024-25 Members

Andrea Smith, HDFFA Agricultural Support Manager – Committee Chair
Charles Luce, HDFFA Board Liaison
Gordon Jones, Oregon State University Extension

Past members

Aaron Stubbs, Fibonacci Farm
Ashley Thompson, Sungrounded Farm
Frank Maricle, Well Rooted Farms
Tracy Wilson, OSU Extension
James Radnich, Cultivate Farms
Gia Matzinger -Deschutes Canyon Garlic
Onda Hall-Hueners – Bluestone Natural Farms
Audrey Tehan – Seed to Table

Brian Lepore – Golden Eagle Organics
Danae Miller – Vaquero Valley Ranch
Cate Havstad Casad – Casad Family Farms
Jim Crocker – Crown C Farms
Jenna Pike – Splitting Aces Livestock
Michael Hueners – Bluestone Natural Farms
Victoria Tranca – Cascade Mountain Pastures
Clare Sullivan – Oregon State University Extension Service