Business management

Latest Resources

Adding U-pick or U-cut options to your farm

Considering adding a U-pick or cut to your business? This guide provides useful considerations and tips for a successful operation, including infrastructure, risk management, marketing and more.

Audrey Comerford, Melissa Fery | May 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

PNW community supported agriculture

CSA is a partnership of mutual commitment between a farm and a community of supporters which provides a direct link between the production and consumption of food. Supporters cover a farm's yearly operating budget by purchasing a share of the season's harvest.

Apr 2018 | Online resource

Beginning Farmers Guide

Farm Aid

Mar 2018 | Online resource

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How much can I charge for my farm products?

By Teagan Moran Heidi Noordijk Maud Powell and Larry Lev

Determining the “right” pricing for your products can be challenging for new and experienced farmers and ranchers. Several variables — including cost of production, competition, customer makeup and season — affect pricing. This publication outlines some key considerations that should affect what you charge.

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Photo Credit: Rawpixel.com - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Farming Resources

Frequently asked questions about using custom-exempt slaughter and processing facilities in Oregon

Some producers choose to sell live animals, and the new owners can have the animals processed at a “custom-exempt,” state-licensed facility. Learn the rules to qualify for this cost-effective exemption.

Rebecca Thistlethwaite | Jan 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

What Can I Do with My Small Farm? Selecting an Enterprise for Small Acreages

Covers the many factors involved in making decisions related to the use of small-farm property. Discusses the small farm as a hobby, an agricultural tax deferral, and a family income. Explains how to match crop...

Amy Garrett, Chip Bubl, Garry Stephenson, Maud Powell, Lauren Gwin, Melissa Fery, Heather Stoven | Jun 2021 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Unoccupied aerial systems: A guide for finding the right system for your Oregon farm

Learn how to choose and operate unoccupied aerial systems (drones) for your Oregon farm. This guide covers setting goals, selecting equipment and meeting legal requirements.

Kristine Buckland, Ann Rasmussen, Lloyd Nackley | Oct 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

More Farm Management Resources

North American Farm Direct Marketing Association: North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association is a membership association dedicated to nurturing the farm direct marketing industry.
Oregon Farmers' Markets Association: The mission of OFMA is "To sustain and promote Oregon farmers’ markets while building community support and economic stability for Oregon’s family farms, small food producers, processors and artisans."
National Agricultural Statistics Service: Detailed information on crops and returns for each state by commodity with some historical data. This site does not contain detailed information on some specialty crops.

Beekeeping Resources

Honey Bee Colony Maintenance Expenses: Supplemental Feed, Requeening and Medication

Success in pollination, honey production and other aspects of a beekeeping business depends on honey bee health. Strong, thriving colonies require many inputs from the beekeeper, including feed (carbohydrates and protein), medications and new queens when necessary.

Ellen Topitzhofer, Carolyn Breece, Dan Wyns, Ramesh Sagili | May 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Operational Equipment Expenses for a Commercial Beekeeping Operation in the Pacific Northwest

When developing a business plan for a commercial beekeeping operation, a beekeeper must plan for honey production. Even if other income sources, such as pollination or nucleus/package/queen sales, are expected to be ...

Ellen Topitzhofer, Carolyn Breece, Dan Wyns, Ramesh Sagili | May 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Beekeeping Equipment Expenses: Woodenware and Other Components

Woodenware for a typical honey bee colony includes vertically stackable boxes with removable frames, a bottom board, lid and a queen excluder. The most common design is Langstroth equipment. Langstroth colony ...

Ellen Topitzhofer, Carolyn Breece, Dan Wyns, Ramesh Sagili | May 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Revenue Sources for a Commercial Beekeeping Operation in the Pacific Northwest

Pollination services and honey production are the primary revenue sources for a beekeeping business based in the Pacific Northwest. Those starting a beekeeping operation should focus on two to three revenue sources ...

Ellen Topitzhofer, Carolyn Breece, Dan Wyns, Ramesh Sagili | May 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Latest News

OSU Extension Small Farms Program among nation’s best

The program works toward improving small-farm horticultural production and small-scale livestock, poultry and forage production.

Nathan Stacey, Lauren Gwin | Feb 2025 | Impact story

Incarcerated students use OSU Extension materials to plan a farm

Twenty inmates at the prison in Salem took the class, which met once a week over four months.

Chris Branam | Aug 2, 2024 | News story

Networks foster support and learning as women in agriculture surge

Since 2007, growing out of the success of Willamette Women's Farm Network, two additional OSU Extension Women Farm Networks formed in the north Willamette Valley and in Southern Oregon.

Teagan Moran | Apr 2022 | Impact story

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Tim Delbridge

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Consult with me for questions on website content, video and data assistance. I may also help with a myriad of other tech support questions for the ECTU and Web Communications team. For website requests you may submit a ticket at beav.es/extension-support for technical mysupport.oregonstate.edu/esp select "I need something" and choose Extension IT.

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Contact for meat sales, science, & processing questions.

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Laws for u-pick and farm stands?

Q: I have a lavender farm in Clackamas county and I am wanting to open up to u-pick for the summer. We are zoned Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) I have not been able to get a clear understanding from the county on whether ...

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