Since the Spring of 2020, our InFARMations have gone virtual! The bright side of hosting these events online is we can reach all corners of the state.  So please stay tuned for our  2022 Winter Advocacy Series!

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2020 Bend Topics:

Tuesday, January 28th at Deschutes Brewery Bend Pub (1044 NW Bond St. Bend, OR 97703)
Doors open at 6:00pm; Event from 6:30-8:30pm

Topic: How and Why to Buy Local Meat

Buying local meat can be a daunting task. Who do you buy from? Does it matter if the meat was ”pasture raised”? What does buying “half a cow” mean? We’re tackling these questions and more as we dive into the why and how to purchase local meat with local producers, butchers, and consumers. Join us for a panel discussion, Q&A, and a ”meat and greet” with local producers. InFARMation sessions are educational events that brings eaters and farmers together to talk about the most pressing issues facing Oregon’s family farms and sustainable local food systems.
This event is free. Food and Drink available for purchase.
Presented by Friends of Family Farmers and OSU Extension Small Farms Program.
Our Panelists for the evening:
Katia Steckly, Double F Ranch, Antelope – Farmer/Rancher Katia hails from Double F Ranch in North Central Oregon. For the last ten years she has operated a pastured-based Meat CSA that aims to simplify the process of connecting with your farmer and getting local meats to the family dinner table. Katia’s passion lies in helping customers bridge the knowledge gap about exactly what happens between field to freezer: what to expect, the questions to ask and the things to know so that customers can buy local with confidence.
Scott Duggan, OSU Extension, Redmond – Scott is an OSU Extension Agent who focuses on livestock production and management. His expertise includes proper pasture management and forage production in order to bring healthy animals to market. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Scott has a wealth of knowledge to answer your livestock related questions.
Bob and Lori Mehan, Cinder Butte Meat Company, Redmond and Prineville – Bob and Lori have been the owners of Central Oregon’s Cinder Butte Meat Co. for the past 7 years. They offer custom meat cutting, a mobile kill service, smokehouse, retail shop and more! They have built the business around excellent customer service for the farmers, ranchers and customers they work with and will be talking with us about what it means to work directly with your butcher to process local meat.

Previous InFARMation events in 2019:

Central Oregon InFARMation – October 1st, 2019 :

Tuesday, October 1st at Deschutes Brewery Bend Pub (1044 NW Bond St. Bend, OR 97703)
Doors open at 6:00pm; Event from 6:30-8:30pm

Topic: Water and Agriculture in the High Desert

Amidst a growing population and Climate Change, will there be enough water to go around? How can we balance the needs of wildlife, recreation, farming and more? As our most precious resource, it is essential that we all work together to deliver and use water efficiently in Central Oregon. Come learn about the strategies being employed to restore the Deschutes River and ensure that fish, farms, and families can thrive.  Join us for a panel discussion, Q&A, and a meet and greet with local experts. InFARMation & Beer sessions are educational events that brings eaters and farmers together to talk about the most pressing issues facing Oregon’s family farms and sustainable local food systems.

This event is in collaboration with Coalition for the Deschutes. This is a free event, food and drinks will be available for purchase.

WHO: Our panelists for the evening are…

  • Gail Snyder, Coalition for the Deschutes: Gail is the Executive Director and will be talking with us about the Coalition’s Shared Vision for the Deschutes. The Shared Vision is a Coalition led initiative to bring river advocacy organizations, local irrigation districts, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals together in support of: A healthy, restored Deschutes River; thriving farms and sustainable agriculture; and robust and vibrant communities.
  • Lisa Windom, North Unit Irrigation District: Lisa is the Special Projects and Water Operations Coordinator for NUID and will be sharing with us about the history of irrigation districts within the Deschutes Basin. She will help explain how irrigation districts work to get water to farmers, how farmers are using that water, and how we can work together to move towards water conservation and sustainable water management.
  • Sarahlee Lawrence, Rainshadow Organics: Sarahlee began farming in 2010 on her family’s land west of Terrebonne. Now she and her husband Ashanti grow vegetables, grains and hemp as well as raise beef, pork, and poultry on pasture for a full diet farm. Sarahlee will be sharing with us about her approach to irrigation, what it’s like to farm in the Three Sisters Irrigation District, and how hemp fits into the picture on a diverse farm.
  • Bridget Moran, US Fish and Wildlife: Bridget is the Field Supervisor for the Bend Office and will be sharing with us about the Habitat Conservation Plan, wildlife needs in the Deschutes basin and how we can provide sufficient, reliable water for residents and farmers while conserving fish, wildlife, and water resources.

March 6th at Dump City Dumplings

Land, Soil, Water, and Farmers: The Future of Sustainable Agriculture in Central Oregon

What does it mean to be farming in the midst of climate change? Can agriculture be a part of the solution? What is your role in building a sustainable food system in Oregon? We will tackle questions like these and more at our upcoming InFARMation (& Beer!) Join us for a fun and informative night where you will hear from a panel of local producers and experts in sustainable agriculture as they address land access, soil health, agritourism, and more. We will also be presenting on ways that you can be involved in our work on behalf of family farmers and how you can help shape your local food systems.