The average age of agricultural producers in the United States continues to rise — increasing from 56.3 years in 2012 to 57.5 years, according to the most recent data. As older producers retire, there is a growing need for a new generation to grow food, fuel and fiber. However, opportunities for hands-on, on-the-farm experience are increasingly difficult to access — especially for Indigenous youths.
In response, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians partnered with the Oregon State University Extension Service Small Farms Program to offer a 10-month agricultural education program for at-risk Tribal youths and behavioral health clients. The program takes place once a month at the Tuú Yap’a Xumá Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal Garden in Canyonville. Tuú Yap’a Xumá means “Good People Food” in Takelma, the ancestral language of the Cow Creek Umpqua.
This program provides Indigenous youths with rare, hands-on agricultural experience rooted in both traditional and modern practices.
The program’s goal is to give participants access to agricultural education and to help them build skills that can lead to future career opportunities. It emphasizes climate-smart, adaptive farming strategies and provides alternative pathways to success in the agriculture industry.
Beginning in January, the youths engage in each stage of perennial crop production. They start the year by learning how to identify and prune multiple varieties of fruit trees — even when the trees are dormant and without leaves. After receiving instruction, they take the lead in pruning.
Throughout the year, the youths participate in crop scouting by counting insects, identifying plant diseases and thinning fruit. They explore key farming concepts such as agricultural thresholds and soil tilth — the physical condition of soil as it relates to plant growth. Participants also maintain camas and iris beds and prune elderberry trees. Hands-on landscape improvement includes low-till farming, hand-weeding and integrated pest management.
They also plant strawberries, start pumpkin seeds and later harvest the pumpkins they’ve grown. Fertilization, planting, irrigation and tool use are part of the process, and the youths gain experience operating farming implements and managing irrigation systems.
By the end of the 2023 season, participants had learned to grow a crop from start to finish. They were empowered to make management decisions and lead various farm activities after receiving instruction and support.
In 2024, the program is set to expand — offering space for more participants and new classes. Additions include planting culturally significant crops, creating a “make your own garden” project and visiting other Tribal gardens.
This program provides Indigenous youths with rare, hands-on agricultural experience rooted in both traditional and modern practices. By building practical skills, leadership confidence and cultural connection, it empowers participants to envision future careers in agriculture and strengthens Tribal capacity for sustainable food systems.
The youths learn from Logan Bennett, OSU Extension Small Farms coordinator in Douglas County; Dustin Looney, Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal citizen and natural resources technician; and Whitney Yeust, prevention coordinator with the Tribe. They also work with Cow Creek Umpqua citizens Talon Gipson, peer support specialist, and Jesse Spain, behavioral health supervisor, on agricultural topics.