OSU’s beginning farmer and rancher program connects new producers with experience

OSU's beginning farmer and rancher program connects new producers with experience

Friday, October 24, 2025

Media Contact: Dean Ruhl | Communications & Media Relations Specialist | 405-744-9152 | [email protected]

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 1-5 years of operation. Cash flow and financial record-keeping can become overbearing.

These are issues Josh Campbell, Oklahoma State University Extension program specialist for beginning farmers and ranchers, 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 said. "But this is taking it a step further."

With support from CoBank, and additional partnerships with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Campbell launched the program in January 2024. As he approaches the second anniversary, Campbell said 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 said.

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

Todd Thomas, who operates R+R Cattle Co. in Jones, has been working with Campbell since before the program even 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 said.

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

The possibilities of what OSU's Beginning Farmer and Rancher program can handle are extensive. From innovating family farms to scaling agriculture 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.

"For some people, all they really need is to be connected to the right resource," Campbell said. "Other people need more coaching and ongoing support, and we give that."

Prospective producers fill out an online assessment form on the OSU Extension website and explain their biggest challenges. Campbell then connects with the producers, helping them on a range of issues such as creating a business plan and connecting to resources.

Campbell emphasizes working with local county Extension offices for assistance.

"I'm going to be your case manager of sorts, but I'm going to connect you with other people who can do the heavy lifting in the specific needs area you have," Campbell said.

In 2026, Campbell will launch an apprenticeship pilot program, supported by the USDA-NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. Individuals interested can apply here.

The 8-month, work-based experiential learning program is scheduled to run from March through October, with participants working 500 hours on an established farm, connecting with other beginner farmers and ranchers.

Applications open this fall and are limited to approximately 15 participants annually. The program cannot guarantee applicants will be accepted into the apprenticeship program, but it will work to match applicants with established farms for a work-based learning experience. Participants will also receive free access to OSU Extension self-paced online courses, including the market gardening and food safety courses. The program is also scheduled to run in 2027.

The state of Oklahoma has 2% more beginning farmers and ranchers than the national average. As the program continues expanding, Campbell hopes to continue building a pipeline of interest in agriculture and help newcomers to agriculture avoid critical mistakes.

"Everybody's story is unique to themselves," Campbell said. "But there are certain challenges and risks that apply to everybody, and we can help people mitigate common risks to increase their success."