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Business management

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OSU Extension equips small-business owners, landowners and agricultural producers with actionable guidance on infrastructure, risk management, labor and operational planning. Through online resources, articles and events, we translate research into practical tools that support resilient and profitable enterprises.

Latest Resources

The cost of regulatory compliance in the Oregon tree fruit industry

Government regulations are often an overlooked cost of doing business for farmers. Here's a detailed look at how much state and federal regulations cost per acre for four Oregon fruit growers.

Tim Delbridge, Ashley Thompson, Mike McCullough | Nov 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

USDA cash rent estimates for Oregon: 2025 update

Some agricultural producers rent the land they farm. This report examines rental rates in Oregon counties.

Daniel Bigelow | Oct 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Episode 62: Exploring Forest Biotechnology

Join Scott Leavengood and guest-host Teagan McElliot as they delve into the topic of BioEngineering, and how it could be applied beneficially to healthy forests and timber products.

Scott Leavengood, Carrie Cantrell, Steve Strauss | Jun 2025 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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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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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.

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

Women Farmer Networks build connection, confidence and careers

These networks provide a supportive space for women and nonbinary farmers to share knowledge, learn hands-on skills and build relationships.

Teagan Moran | Jan 2025 | Impact story

Incarcerated learners build farm plans with OSU Extension materials

Inmates at the Oregon State Correctional Institution developed farm business plans using OSU Extension’s “Whole Farm Management” guide.

Chris Branam | Aug 1, 2024 | News story

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Upcoming Events

Feb 14

Tree Planting Field Workshop

9:00 am - 2:00 pm Oregon City, OR
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Meet Our Experts

Tim Delbridge
Assistant Professor
Kathleen Lillis
Kathleen Lillis
Information Technology Consultant-2

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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Maria Martin
Administrative Office Manager
Belisario Nigenda Pérez
YEA CN Program Manager
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Labeling requirements under Oregon’s 1,000 bird exemption?

Q: What do I have to put on the label when selling processed chicken from my small farm in Oregon?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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