Exploring Innovative Farming Practices at the OSU Small Farms Conference

By Dair Dorman

(Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians)

Native Plant Nursery Coordinator

Photo of Lora and Dair eating an ice cream cone at the OSU Small Farms Conference

On February 15th, I had the opportunity to attend the OSU Small Farms Conference at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR, alongside my coworkers, Lora-Lynn and Jennifer. This annual event brings together farmers, agricultural professionals, and advocates to discuss sustainable farming practices, share knowledge, and network with others in the field.

Each of us attended different sessions to maximize our learning of Western Agriculture Science so we can balance it with our TEK principles and practices. I participated in the session on "Strategies for Dry Farming and Minimal Irrigation in Less Ideal Soils and Climates." We are research partners with the Dry Farm Institute so we are already practicing some of these strategies, but this session provided more insights into farming methods that reduce water dependence, an increasingly critical topic given changing climate conditions. The presenters discussed soil management techniques that improve moisture retention, such as deep mulching, cover cropping, and no-till practices which we already use. They also highlighted the importance of selecting drought-resistant crop varieties and implementing efficient planting strategies, like wider spacing to encourage deep root growth. Learning about these methods was helpful as we seek to apply more sustainable approaches to our work with drought-resistant Native plant species. We’re excited to apply what we learned and continue exploring ways we can enhance our TEK agricultural practices and align with our partners into the future!

Attending the OSU Small Farms Conference was a valuable experience, equipping us with new knowledge and connections to bring back to our work. Beyond the educational sessions, it provided opportunities to connect with other farmers, organizations, and businesses dedicated to supporting small-scale agriculture. The networking hour at the end of the event allowed us to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations with like-minded individuals and groups. It was inspiring to see so many passionate people working toward innovative solutions in sustainable farming.