Publication

The main goal of a cow-calf operation is to produce one calf per cow per year. Sound reproductive management of the cowherd, using proven methods, is required to accomplish this goal in a manner that is economically efficient and sustains the natural resources of the ranch. A cow that fails to produce a calf for even one year can
represent a net loss to the ranch.

By Shelby Filley, Reinaldo Cooke

Publication

Rangeland, pastures and hay fields throughout Oregon often contain poisonous plants that are potentially dangerous to cattle and other livestock.

By Andy Hulting, Karin Neff

Publication

With few exceptions, the goal of most range improvements is to increase returns from the landscape by increasing forage quantity, quality, or animal production. Exceptions might be efforts to reduce wildfire risks, improve wildlife habitat, or increase watershed yields through woody plant control.

By David Ganskopp

Publication

Our hope is to make you better acquainted with the important functions of riparian areas on your ranch, give you some ideas on how to manage them effectively, and provide a framework for developing grazing management that incorporates these areas into your overall cattle operation.

By Dustin Johnson,

Publication

A productive alfalfa crop removes significant quantities of macronutrients and small amounts of micronutrients from the soil (Table 1). A complete fertilizer program is essential to ensure a highly productive, long-lived stand.

By David Hannaway, Mylen Bohle, Daniel Miles, Yitian Lin, Brianna Randow

Publication

Improved pasture and proper grazing management allows producers a way to keep production costs to a minimum by efficiently producing high quality forage. When properly managed, grazed forage is higher in feed value than hay or silage because harvesting is frequent and there are little or no harvest or storage losses.

By Amy Peters

Publication

If livestock producers in Oregon wish to sell meat, they must have their livestock slaughtered and processed at a USDA-inspected facility. Some producers have chosen to sell live animals, which the customers, as the new owners, can then have processed at a “custom-exempt,” state licensed facility. For example, Farmer Smith sells one live steer to four people, each of whom gets a one-fourth share of the meat from that steer. This brochure explains, to both farmers and customers, the federal and state rules relevant to this practice. The frequently-asked question format was chosen to give straightforward and accurate answers to the most common questions.

By Lauren Gwin,

Publication

Diseased animals require treatment, which is a cost to producers. Additionally, diseased animals do not perform at their maximum ability, adding to the cost of production due to low returns. Early detection of disease usually allows better outcomes when treatment is promptly implemented. Therefore, it is important to recognize disease early, know how to treat affected animals, and how to prevent disease in the rest of the herd.

By Aurora Villarroel, DVM, MPVM, PhD, DACVPM, CVA, CVTP