Building a Farm from the Ground Up

Thinking about starting a farm or ranch? Already farming and want to refine your systems? Curious what it actually takes to build a viable agricultural life?

Join us for a 90-minute, in-depth educational tour of Hazelton Farms, a working livestock operation in Kings Valley, led by two young ranchers with different but complementary paths into agriculture.

You’ll gain perspective from:

• Nick Hazelton – A fourth-generation farmer and rancher and board Secretary of the Luckiamute Watershed Council, with deep-rooted expertise in livestock husbandry, ecosystem stewardship, and sustainable land management. Nick also brings extensive knowledge of foraging systems, nature–livestock interactions, and cooperative business and labor models.
• Christopher Bateman – A first-generation farmer and rancher and graduate of Oregon State University in Agricultural Sciences, with extensive experience in regenerative production systems, agroecology, and international farming models. Christopher also offers insight into university partnerships and government resources available to beginning farmers.

This is not a surface-level tour. It’s a candid, participant-driven exploration of modern farming and ranching from soil biology to sales strategy.

These tours are tailored to participant interests, and topics covered could include but are not limited to:

• Raising yaks and small ruminants in Western Oregon
• Rotational grazing & pasture planning
• Animal handling & infrastructure realities
• Soil health and nutrient cycling

• Permaculture & silviculture integration
• Hügelkultur mounds
• Korean Natural Farming principles
• Fukuoka’s “do-nothing” philosophy
• Biodynamic considerations
• Agroecology in practice

• Farmers markets & direct-to-consumer sales
• Pricing meat & value-added products
• Agritourism diversification
• Building local community
• Work/life balance & burnout prevention

• Extension and university partnerships
• Government programs for beginning farmers
• Cooperative models
• Land access strategies for first-generation farmers

Also check out other Sports events in Philomath, Health & Wellness events in Philomath, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Philomath.