In western Oregon, ranchers have formed three private, fee-based producer study groups that meet monthly to take pasture walks, discuss forage and nutrition technologies, and share experiences and ideas. These groups are the UVFSG (“Umpqua Valley Forage Study Group” in southwest Oregon), FANG (“Forage and Nutrition Group” from two counties along the south coast), and WVGANG (“Willamette Valley Grazing And Nutrition Group” from five counties in the Willamette Valley). These groups are self-financed and have been in existence independently for 12, 7, and 5 years, respectively, for a total of more than 240 meetings. Annual dues are approximately $200 per operation. Each group hires a facilitator to conduct meetings and administer background tasks. Each group consists of 13-26 member operations which include private ranches, seed companies, feed stores, and government agencies. Members raise beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, meat goats, and horses, and pursue a varied array of marketing goals, including commercial, purebred, direct, grass-fed, and organic. Membership prerequisite includes a basic knowledge of forages and grazing. Meetings generally last three hours in the evening and are held on member ranches or other suitable sites. Meetings are not open to the public. Extension agents are invited as courtesy guests. Nearly all meetings include a pasture walk followed by in-depth discussion on a technical focus topic. Guest speakers sometimes participate, either in person or by conference call. Meetings focus on issues important to the host operation and on integrating technologies with emphasis on whole-ranch profitability. These groups effectively function as advanced, ongoing in-service courses which help members evaluate options and facilitate technology transfer. Paid membership provides these groups with financial sustainability in the face of declining public funds for production agriculture, without dependence on grants or public financing.