A LETTER FROM OAT’S PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
2025 began with uncertainty. We braced for inflation, prepared to apply for federal grants that never opened, and mourned the rescission of two federal grants totaling $28 million.
But thanks to the generosity of our funders and our austerity measures, we ended the year in a positive financial position. The work doesn’t stop, and OAT’s impact continues to grow.
Land: We’ve protected 6 farms and ranches, totaling 33,700 acres, and we expect to more than double those figures in 2026.
Education: We trained 1,301 people on succession and business planning at 52 events across the state - exceeding our goal by 73%.
Advising: We provided in-depth advisory services for 40 farms and ranches on planning for financial viability and succession to family members or non-family members.
As development pressures in Oregon mount, helping producers keep their land For Ag. Forever. is one of the most impactful strategies for not only safeguarding our food production, but also our environment for future generations. We welcome you to join us in this work.
Jocelyn Bridson,
Board President
Nellie McAdams,
Executive Director
2025 Highlights
2025 Accomplishments
OAT’S NEW GRANTS MANAGER
M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust awarded a grant to support our development department and the creation of a new Grants Manager position!
This kind of funding is rare. Most foundations fund programs and services, rather than the behind-the-scenes work that keeps an organization running efficiently. Thanks to this support, we can focus on building lasting relationships with donors, pursuing new funding opportunities, and ensuring that every program we offer is sustainable and impactful.
Accreditation
Over the past two years, we engaged in a rigorous process to ensure we are operating at the highest possible standards. In 2025, we were awarded with accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, the national accrediting body for land trusts!
Land Trust Accreditation certifies that OAT is upholding our values of fiscal responsibility, ethical conduct, good governance, and lasting stewardship.
We join a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to excellence and maintaining the public’s trust in their work.
