New & Small Farms

Are you new to farming or ranching? Do you want to start a farm in Oregon?

While the Oregon Department of Agriculture does not provide direct support or resources to those looking to start a farm or ranch, the following information can point you in the right direction to get the help you need, from land acquisition and financing to education and business development.

Business Development

Think about your operation from the ground up and start planning for your business.

Through the Oregon Secretary of State, Business Xpress outlines everything you need to do to plan, start, and manage your business.

Business Oregon offers additional business development support and resources.

Looking to develop a food or beverage product? Check out ODA’s Food and Beverage Maker’s Roadmap.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is another useful resource to plan and develop your business.

Education and Training

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to deepen your knowledge, take advantage of the educational and training opportunities available to you across the state.

OSU Extension Service is a great place to start when looking for agriculture and natural resources education and training. With experts in all 36 counties, OSU Extension Service is a powerful resource with online and in-person classes, publication libraries, technical support, and more.

OSU’s Small Farms Program offers a host of publications and experts to get the answers and information you need.

Internships, apprenticeships, and incubator programs are another way to gain the experience you need to farm on your own. Such opportunities can be found through Rogue Farm Corps, Zenger Farm, and the East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District Farm Incubator Program, among others.

Be sure to also take advantage of the services and expertise provided through your nearest USDA Service Center.

Loans and Financing

Grants are rarely available to start a farm or business. Therefore, loans are typically your best bet. Before you explore getting a loan, we strongly recommend that you develop a business plan.

Common lending sources:

Non-traditional lending sources:

Land Acquisition, Protection and Conservation

Get help finding agricultural land through OSU Extension.

Reputable land conservation and protection partners include:

Risk Management and Insurance

Mother nature doesn’t always cooperate, and natural disasters do unfortunately happen. Make sure your crops and business are covered by insurance.

If you sustain damage or losses from a weather event or natural disaster, be sure to quickly report it to your insurance provider and provide adequate records and documentation.

Disclaimer of Hyperlinks: The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Oregon Department of Agriculture of the linked websites, or the information, products or services contained therein.