Goals:

Build a Supportive Learning Community
Foster a cohort-based environment that encourages peer learning, collaboration, and lasting connections among beginning farmers and ranchers.

Develop Core Business Skills
Guide participants through business planning, HR, permitting, and insurance classes to help them refine and grow their operations.

Place-Based Agricultural Education
Deliver monthly workshops tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of farming and ranching in Central Oregon’s high desert climate and local food system.

Facilitate Industry Connections and Market Access
Create opportunities for participants to connect with technical resources and local wholesale outlets.

Strengthen the Viability of Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
Provide essential knowledge and resources that empower farmers and ranchers to build and sustain successful farm businesses in Central Oregon.

Growing Together Cohort 2026-27

HDFFA is committed to supporting a thriving food and farm network in Central Oregon through education and collaboration through targeted programming and support. Our work connects the local food system with in-person and virtual opportunities, while strengthening the viability of farmers and ranchers with networking, marketing, technical, and business support. We’re especially committed to empowering beginning farmers and ranchers with the tools, knowledge, and community they need to grow and maintain successful, sustainable agriculture businesses.

Introducing the Growing Together Cohort

From November to May, HDFFA will host the Growing Together cohort — a learning community for 12-15 beginning (2-10 years experience) farmers and ranchers in Central Oregon who are ready to take the next steps in building their farm businesses.

Each month, participants will dive into key topics through workshops and conversations led by experienced farmers, guest speakers, and industry professionals. Topics will include business planning, farming and ranching in the high desert, understanding permitting and insurance, reaching necessary resources, and more. The program will include complimentary tickets to HDFFA's two Small Farm Summit events, happening in Winter and Spring 2027.

Whether you're just getting started or refining your existing operation, Growing Together is here to support you with the tools, knowledge, and community you need to grow.

  • Growing Together pairs monthly group meetings with one-on-one support from a mentor or HDFFA staff to help farmers and ranchers refine their goals and strengthen their businesses within a collaborative setting.

    Monthly Meetings
    Each 1-2 hour session includes a guest speaker, peer discussion, and time for collaborative work sessions on that month’s topic. Topics will vary but are designed to spark meaningful conversations and practical takeaways.

    In-Person Gatherings
    Expect 4-5 in-person events during the six-month program. 

    Communication
    Participants will receive regular email communication from the Agricultural Support team at HDFFA. Each month, we will engage in a 2-hour workshop focused on that month’s specific topic. 

  • Application timeline is as follows: 

    • End of September: Applications open

    • October 16th: Applications close

    • October 23rd: Calls with HDFFA to confirm interest and ability to attend in full

    • October 30th: Final interviews finished, and notification of selection

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    Cohort timeline is as follows:

    • Wednesday, November 11th: Functional Business Planning  

    • Wednesday, December 9th: Agribusiness Nitty-Gritties (HR, Permitting, Insurance)

    • Wednesday, January 13th: Ag Resource Meet-Up

    • Saturday, January 23rd: Small Farm Summit

    • Wednesday, February 3rd: Creating Soil Fertility On-Farm

    • Spring Date TBD: Small Farm Summit Field Day

    Note: All Cohort meetings are scheduled to be in person. We will provide sufficient notice if we have to move to a remote format. 

  • Expectations:
    Participants are expected to actively engage in the program by attending 75% of monthly cohort meetings and maintaining email communication. Please note the scheduled dates above to see if this program will be a good fit with your schedule.

    Eligibility:
    This program is ideal for farmers and ranchers who are ready to grow, refine, or deepen their skills and strengthen their business within a supportive learning community.

     Applicants should be:

    • Located in Central Oregon (Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson Counties, or the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs), or have their main markets in the region (some exceptions may apply)

    • Be able to travel within Central Oregon for in-person gatherings

    • Own or operate a farm or ranch business with at least one year of experience

    • Be producing food or specialty crops for sale

    • Able to commit 2-3 hours/month for meetings and communication

    • Participants will receive a $400 stipend upon completion of the program

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