Pasture Exchange

The Pasture Exchange Program is here to create meaningful connections between those who have land and those who need it. For farmers, this presents an opportunity to earn additional income while leasing their land to those seeking a space to cultivate. On the flip side, renters can embark on their agricultural ventures without the weighty commitment of land ownership. It's a win-win situation that brings together individuals with a shared passion for nurturing the land.

The Pasture Exchange Program stands ready as a valuable resource in times of crisis. Natural disasters, such as wildfires and droughts, can strike unexpectedly, leaving livestock and farms vulnerable. This program is designed to serve as an emergency preparedness measure, connecting individuals in need with available resources. By tapping into a network of contacts within the community, livestock can be relocated swiftly and securely, safeguarding their well-being in the face of adversity.

Manure Exchange 

Waste not, want not. The Manure Exchange Program is geared towards addressing the age-old challenge of excess manure on farms and ranches. Instead of discarding this valuable resource, the program acts as a conduit, reallocating excess manure to gardens and lands in need of soil enrichment. The benefits are many: manure is rich in nitrogen, a key component of commercial fertilizers, making it a potent natural alternative. Additonally, it serves as a potent activator for compost, contributing to the creation of nutrient-rich soil amendments.

This program boasts a network of providers spread across Deschutes County. For those in need of manure or wanting to contribute to this sustainable cycle, direct connections can be established through the DSWCD website. An additional avenue for engagement can be found within the Manure Exchange Program Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/202051871991259.

Urban Agriculture

 Deschutes Soil & Water Conservation District is committed to increasing urban accessibility to sustainable food production and community engagement. We strive to enhance and support urban gardening initiatives, fostering a sense of connection between individuals and the earth while reaping the rewards of locally grown produce.

One of our primary goals is to promote the establishment of school gardens within our city. By engaging young minds in the hands-on process of cultivating crops, generations will have essential agricultural knowledge and nurture a lifelong appreciation for the environment. Additionally, we support urban composting efforts, redirecting organic waste back into the soil as nutrient-rich compost, enriching our gardens and minimizing waste.

Recognizing the importance of local economies, our program also seeks to bridge the gap between farmers and nearby markets. Through strategic partnerships and networking opportunities, we create pathways for urban growers to share their bounty with their communities, fostering a sustainable cycle of production and consumption. In doing so, we contribute to increased food access equity, ensuring that fresh, locally produced food reaches even the most underserved neighborhoods.

Our dedication to collaboration extends to resource exchange with community organizations. By sharing tools, knowledge, and expertise, we create a vibrant network that strengthens the collective effort towards regenerative agriculture. This, in turn, bolsters our ability to achieve broader environmental goals, fostering resilience and sustainability in our urban landscapes.

We strive to embody the spirit of nurturing not only the soil but also the bonds that tie our community together. Through enhancing gardening practices, fostering school gardens, supporting composting endeavors, facilitating market connections, and promoting equitable food access, we strive to create a greener, healthier, and more interconnected urban environment for all.