Are you new to farming or ranching, thinking about becoming a producer or serve this audience in your work? You’re invited to Oregon USDA’s Beginning Farmer Ranchers: In The Know virtual events 2023 and 2024.

Oregon’s Beginning Farmer Rancher (BFR) Team and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) small farm, organic and urban specialists are offering opportunities to learn more about USDA programs and how they can benefit those new to farming or ranching.

Join us online for this informational virtual event series on the third Tuesday of October, January, April, and July.

• Tuesday, October 17, from noon to 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 16, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Upcoming dates and times TBD

The purpose of the In The Know events is to connect beginning farmers with relevant USDA resources. The USDA BFR program offers a variety of farm loan, risk management, disaster assistance and conservation programs to support farmers, including beginning farmers and ranchers. Additionally, a number of these programs have provisions specifically for beginning farmers, including targeted funding for loans and conservation programs, as well as waivers and exemptions.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Oregon provides voluntary technical and financial assistance to private landowners to conserve and protect their natural resources. Wallace Jennings and Stephanie Payne will present on NRCS programs and opportunities relevant to beginning and urban farmers. Contact Oregon NRCS at: Wallace.Jennings@usda.gov and Stephanie.Payne@usda.gov.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) serves all farmers, ranchers and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs for Americans. Derek Johnson is the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Outreach Coordinator and has been a Farm Loan Officer out of Malheur County for the past 5 years. Derek will be presenting on farm records, their importance, and have a brief overview of the farm loan programs FSA offers. Contact Oregon FSA at: Derek.Johnson@usda.gov.

The Risk Management Agency (RMA) Spokane Regional Office serves the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, through effective, market-based risk management tools to strengthen the economic stability of agricultural producers and rural communities. RMA is committed to increasing the availability and effectiveness of Federal crop insurance as a risk management tool. Contact Oregon RMA at: anastasia.griffin@usda.gov.

Rural Development (RD) in Oregon helps support prosperity for rural Oregonians by investing in modern infrastructure, helping eligible rural Oregonians obtain affordable housing, and being a partner to help build or improve essential community facilities such as hospitals, libraries, and schools. RD boosts economic development by funding technical assistance for small business owners and entrepreneurs, helping them design business plans, find new markets, and promote their goods and services. RD also supports energy programs that finance renewable systems for agriculture and industry. Contact Oregon RD at: Mandie.Cole@usda.gov and Serena.Vigg@usda.gov.

Join us Tuesday, October 17, from 12 - 2 p.m. PST

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