OFRA History

OFRA began in 2003 when four limited resource, socially disadvantaged agricultural community groups, with support and funding from Heifer International, joined together in order to purchase agricultural supplies in bulk. That plan proved unworkable very quickly; instead, educational trainings became the focus of the organization. Quarterly meetings were held, each with an educational topic with either an invited speaker or discussion within the group. Various members enrolled in and completed Annie’s project training on risk management, Oklahoma State’s Master Cattleman’s Program, Langston University’s Master Goat Producer’s Program, all in preparation to help new members and anyone else interested in this type of training. In 2011 OFRA became grant partners with the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture to provide mentoring and training through a Beginning Farmer/Rancher program. These yearlong classes were held over a three-year period and were conducted on site at the Kerr Center and other training facilities.