Three Central Oregon farmers and ranchers have received a financial boost this fall that could help transform how they run their operations. The High Desert Food and Farm Alliance, a local nonprofit focused on strengthening the regional food and agriculture economy, has awarded $2,000 scholarships to three area producers to attend the Ranching for Profit School.
The scholarships represent a meaningful investment in the people who work the land across Jefferson, Crook, and Deschutes counties — a region where agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy and cultural identity, even as ranching families face mounting pressures from drought, rising input costs, and shifting markets.
About Ranching for Profit School
The Ranching for Profit School is a nationally recognized, intensive business training program designed specifically for agricultural producers. The program focuses on helping ranch and farm families build more economically sustainable operations — not just by increasing revenue, but by rethinking how land, labor, and livestock are managed as business assets.
Topics covered in the curriculum include:
- Ranch business planning and financial analysis
- Land and livestock management economics
- Succession planning for family agricultural operations
- Reducing overhead and improving profitability without sacrificing land health
- Building a business structure that supports long-term family goals
Past graduates of the program have credited it with helping them identify inefficiencies, reduce debt, and in some cases, save operations that were on the verge of failure. The school has a strong track record with Western ranching operations, where the economics of open-range cattle production can be especially complex.
Why It Matters for Jefferson County
Agriculture is woven deeply into the fabric of Jefferson County. Cattle ranching, wheat farming, hay production, and specialty crops like mint and horseradish are part of the county's agricultural heritage — but the business side of farming and ranching has grown increasingly complicated in recent decades.
Drought conditions, rising land prices, workforce shortages, and changing commodity markets have all put pressure on local agricultural families. Programs that help producers think more strategically about their operations can make the difference between a family staying on the land for another generation — or not.
About the High Desert Food and Farm Alliance
The High Desert Food and Farm Alliance works to support a thriving regional food economy across Central Oregon. In addition to scholarships, the organization connects producers with markets, supports food access initiatives, and advocates for policies that benefit local agricultural communities.
For more information about the High Desert Food and Farm Alliance and future scholarship opportunities, visit their website or contact the organization directly. Applications for future cohorts are expected to open in early 2027.