OSU Mid-Valley Small Farms Program

OSU Mid-Valley Small Farms Program We provide education and resources to small farmers in the Mid-Willamette Valley of Oregon. Value-added product development is often integrated with production.

The Mid-Valley Small Farms Program serves commercial small farm entrepreneurs as well as non-commercial small acreage landowners. Our focus embraces both organic/biological and conventional farming systems and emphasizes these areas:

Small Fruit and Berries:
Addressing the needs of small fruit and berry farmers, both organic and conventional. Providing guidance, advice and resources based on OSU research from the statewide berry program, to promote the success of small producers in the Mid-Willamette Valley. Latino/Spanish Language or Spanish Speaking Farmers:
Bridging the gap for this historically underserved community of farmers in the Mid-Willamette Valley and the State. Providing culturally appropriate classes, workshops, and resources in Spanish for beginner and experienced Latino farmers to be successful in their agricultural ventures. Certifications:
Addressing and assisting the specific marketing needs of transitional and certified farmers. Providing guidance and training to growers in their efforts to obtain organic or food safety certifications to comply with regulations and better market their agricultural products. Organic and Sustainable Agriculture:
Addressing soil, pest, and crop production issues for organic and sustainable agriculture systems. Soil and water conservation, IPM, and enhancing biodiversity are emphasized. Small Acreage:
Addressing land management and soil and water quality for non-commercial small acreages. Commercial Small Farms:
Addressing high value horticulture, livestock and poultry, and alternative crop production emphasizing organic and pasture based systems and specialty and niche production.

09/29/2026

Willamette Valley Vole Summit on Thursday October 22, 2026 in Albany at the Linn County Expo Center from 8:15am–12pm.

Willamette Vole Management group, the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences and Extension Service at Oregon State University, and the USGS Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, in collaboration with the Oregon Grass Seed Commissions, are hosting a Vole Summit in Albany at the Linn County Expo Center from 8:15am–12pm, with registration beginning at 8:00am.

The objectives of the meeting are to:
1. Update the community on research conducted in the last year to inform vole management solutions, and
2. Solicit grower and producer priorities to inform next steps.

We are keen to learn from each of you from your experiences over the last few years. It is critical that we have participation from growers, industry, commodity groups, registrants, scientists, regulatory agencies and state leaders. Please make plans to attend, have your voice heard, and be a part of the continuing development of solutions to this significant issue affecting agriculture production and livelihoods in Oregon.

REGISTER AT: https://beav.es/YXD
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 10/15/2026

09/29/2026

💧 What’s happening beneath our feet?

Join us for our next First Friday virtual presentation, Groundwater in Marion County, Oregon, featuring Travis Brown, hydrogeologist with the Oregon Water Resources Department.

Groundwater is an important resource throughout Marion County, but what do we know about the water beneath the surface?

Travis will provide an overview of Marion County’s groundwater resources, including the different types of aquifers found across the county, how groundwater is managed, general water level trends, and areas of concern.

📅 First Friday
🕛 12–1 PM
💻 Free virtual presentation

Join us to learn more about the groundwater resources beneath Marion County and the factors that shape this important resource.

Register at: www.MarionSWCD.net/Event/First-Friday-Groundwater-in-Marion-County-Oregon/

09/21/2026

Due Date for proposals Oct. 15th. Flyer links to a fillable form, also included here: https://beav.es/RFP_2027

Register now! Good for the Soil, Good for Business Thursday November 12th 8:00amRegister here: tinyurl.com/Good-for-the-...
09/18/2026

Register now! Good for the Soil, Good for Business
Thursday November 12th 8:00am

Register here: tinyurl.com/Good-for-the-Soil

FREE Dairy Cattle Grazing Field Day!Saturday October 3rd 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. at the OSU Dairy CenterJoin us for a field...
09/14/2026

FREE Dairy Cattle Grazing Field Day!
Saturday October 3rd 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. at the OSU Dairy Center

Join us for a field day to see the cows grazing the different pasture plots. Hear about the progress of our research project investigating the effects of grazing pasture mixes with a high concentration of phytocompounds. All with an interest in grazing livestock are encouraged to attend.

Learn more and register here: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/events/dairy-cattle-grazing-field-day

Train the Trainer Cohort for Facilitating Ecological Stress and Grief Gatherings for Farmers and Ranchers :Wednesday Sep...
09/10/2026

Train the Trainer Cohort for Facilitating Ecological Stress and Grief Gatherings for Farmers and Ranchers :Wednesday September 16, 23, 30th 9:30am-11:30am

From wildfire and floods to shifting growing seasons and rising costs, producers are not only facing financial and operational challenges—they’re also carrying immense grief, anxiety, and uncertainty.

This unique cohort-based training is designed for individuals who want to support producers by facilitating gatherings that provide space for education, processing ecological-related stress and grief, creating connection, and building resilience. Whether you are an agricultural advisor, extension professional, mental health provider, rural community leader, or producer yourself, this training will prepare you to lead supportive, culturally sensitive, and grounded conversations that honor the emotional toll of ecological changes and extreme weather on land-based livelihoods.

Register here: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/events/rooted-resilience-series-train-trainer-cohort-facilitating-ecological-stress-grief

Don't forget! September 14th Organic Vegetable Field DayJoin us for an afternoon in the field learning about:The Tomato ...
09/07/2026

Don't forget! September 14th Organic Vegetable Field Day

Join us for an afternoon in the field learning about:

The Tomato Organic Management & Improvement Project (TOMI)
Managing Symphylans with Rotations and Biopesticides
Dry beans, cover crops, and other project updates
Stay for food prepared by Dream Deli PDX, as well as tastings of tomato, pepper, potato (and more)!

Register here: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/events/organic-vegetable-field-day

Do you have water treatment, or thinking about adding some - check out what types of treatment might match your wells qu...
09/04/2026

Do you have water treatment, or thinking about adding some - check out what types of treatment might match your wells quality issues or meets your water quality goals. No well is the same!

Learn steps to protect the health of your family, neighbors and animals, your property investment, and the safety of groundwater resources.

September 12th at 12pm
Register here: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn/events/home-water-treatment-options-domestic-wells

Registration for the webinar is required to receive the zoom link the day before. Webinar registration closes 24 hours before the class, if you try to register after that time you will need to choose another class offering.

Register here: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn/events/home-water-treatment-options-domestic-wells

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Salem, OR
97301

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