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 and Marketing Skills
Guide participants through business planning, crop planning, branding, and marketing strategies 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 potential buyers – culminating in a Buyer & Seller Mixer to build market relationships.

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 2025-26

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 December 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, defining your “why,” crop planning, farming and ranching in the high desert, choosing and accessing sales channels, marketing and branding, and more. The program will wrap up with a Buyer & Seller Mixer to help build valuable connections within the regional food system.

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 (2 hours each):
    Each 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 1-2 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. There will be a 30 minute one-on-one follow up call with either HDFFA staff or a relevant industry expert to support your needs, and address any questions you may have. 

  • Application timeline is as follows:

    • October 9th: Applications open

    • October 23rd: Applications close

    • October 27th: Interviews begin

    • November 10th: Final interviews finished, and notification of selection

    Cohort timeline is as follows:

    • Month 1: Visioning & Functional Business Planning 

    • Month 2: Crop & Grazing Plan Basics: Growing to Meet Your Needs 

    • Month 3: High Desert Farming and Ranching

    • Month 4: Networking & Sales Channels 

    • Month 5: Marketing Your Business

    • Month 6: Buyer/Seller Mixer 

  • Expectations:

    Participants are expected to actively engage in the program by attending 75% of monthly cohort meetings and 1:1 sessions, and maintain email communication. While most work will take place during scheduled meetings, any missed sessions may require a follow-up on the participant’s own time.

    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)

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

    • Produce food or specialty crops for sale

    • Have access to a computer and reliable internet

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

    • Be able to travel within Central Oregon for 1–2 in-person gatherings

    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.