by Dean Ruhl, Oklahoma State University

Beginning farmers and ranchers face a plethora of problems early on. Burnout and failure rates run high. Financial stability challenges often hit within the first five years of operation. Cash flow and financial recordkeeping can become overbearing.

These are issues Josh Campbell, Oklahoma State University Extension specialist, hopes to address with new producers in the profession. For almost two years, Campbell has been constructing and leading OSU’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher program, designed to strategically and intentionally assist those new to farming.

“OSU has always supported beginner farmers,” Campbell says. “But this is taking it a step further.”

With support from CoBank, and additional partnerships with the USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Campbell launched the program in January 2024. Approaching its second anniversary, Campbell says the program is constantly evolving.

“The goal of our program is to increase the number of beginning farmers and ranchers in the state of Oklahoma and to see them be sustainable and successful in their operations,” Campbell says.

The USDA defines a beginning farmer as someone with less than 10 years of experience in the profession. Age isn’t a factor, Campbell says.

OSU’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher program takes it a step further. Young farmers (individuals 35 years or younger) and small farms (producing less than $250,000 in yearly gross sales or operating on less than 400 acres) can also receive help from the program.

Tangible results

Todd Thomas, who operates R+R Cattle Co. in Jones, has been working with Campbell since before the program launched. After taking over his family’s farm, Thomas wanted to pivot the business model from selling to stockyards and instead sell directly to consumers. He attended some OSU Extension programs to help him prepare for this transition.

“Going to those courses made me feel like there was an opportunity to get involved and be successful,” Thomas says.

The biggest help, says Thomas, was OSU assisting him in applying for and receiving a grant from the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA).

The possibilities of what OSU’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher program can handle are extensive. From innovating family farms to scaling ag businesses or expanding existing properties, Campbell can provide resources to help. The program offers immediate assistance through fact sheets, webinars and online courses and resources.