Growing Farms

Heads up! This course may be archived and/or unavailable.

Growing Farms: Successful Whole Farm Management provides farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to develop and manage a successful farm business. This course is intended for people who are considering starting a farm business, those within their first five years of farming and others who may be considering major changes to their farm business.

This innovative course is offered in two distinct formats each year. We offer the program in a 100% online format and in an expert-led on-site/online hybrid format at sites across Oregon.

The online Growing Farms course is comprised of a series of six online modules covering a variety of topics related to farm management (see Program Components).

The course was developed by OSU Small Farms Program faculty and other farm management experts, and is presented in an interactive and graphically rich format. Modules include more than four hours of video created specifically for the Growing Farms course, and feature six Oregon farmers who share their experience and insights about farming (see Meet the Farmers).

Although the course draws on examples from Oregon's robust farming communities, it's innovative examples, models and insights are highly relevant to farmers nationwide.

The combined online/on-site course option includes the six online modules PLUS three face-to-face classes and one full day field trip. Classroom times at all sites 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

You sign up for a particular location (currently all in Oregon) and meet with other students in an instructor-facilitated learning experience. The schedule for the in-person sessions varies for each location. In most cases, there will be three evening classes (2-3 hours each), plus a Saturday farm tour.

Turn your dream of owning and operating a small farm or ranch into a reality.

Growing Farms is created and funded by:

 OSU Extension Service

OSU Small Farms Program

Oregon Tilth

USDA-NIFA Beginning Farmer & Rancher Development Program

Complete this course and earn a digital badge to share your new credential and accomplishment via Facebook, LinkedIn and more.