Business management

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

Value-Added Food Product Development

The OSU Department of Food Science & Technology contributes to the Oregon food industry through its Value-Added Processing Extension Program for new food products marketed to customer needs and perceptions.

Yanyun Zhao | Project

Oregon’s Cottage Food Exemption

Get answers to answers frequently asked questions about Oregon's Cottage Food Exemption for home bakers, chefs and local food producers.

Jared Hibbard-Swanson, Joy Waite-Cusic | Mar 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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

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Growing Farms: Successful Whole Farm Management Planning Book: Think It! Write It!

This planning book enhances the success of new farmers by helping workshop participants think through biological, physical, financial, and family aspects of farm business.

Get started

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

Farming resources

AgBiz Logic helps reduce risk in long-term farm planning

Farmers weigh many factors in conducting business: weather, pests, diseases, markets, labor issues and financing. AgBiz Logic, a free online tool, allows farmers to analyze and manage risks before making a decision.

Clark Seavert | Dec 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Adding Agritourism to Your Farm in Oregon

Agritourism can help improve your farm's name recognition and expand your customer base. Learn what you need to know before you take the leap.

Melissa Fery, Audrey Comerford | May 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Starting a vineyard

This article provides the important steps that need consideration in developing a vineyard business in Oregon.

Patricia A. Skinkis | Mar 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.

Jan 2024 | Online resource

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."

Apr 2018 | Online resource

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.

Mar 2024 | Online resource

From Vision to Reality: Creating a Land Steward Property Management Plan

One of the most effective tools for caring for your property is a management plan. Using the Land Steward series and our template, you can create a plan that will help you achieve your stewardship goals.

Learn more

Photo: Rachel Werling (Cropped from original)

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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Business marketing

Estate and succession planning

Finance, budgeting and taxes

Rural economic development

Agritourism

AI, technology and community development

Upcoming Events

May 28

Fire on the horizon: planning for post-fire recovery before wildfire strikes

8:30 am - 2:30 pm Beavercreek, OR

Jun 2

Thinking of Leasing Out Your Farmland?

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Jefferson, OR

Jun 5

Pigs Can Fly Ranch - Farm Tour

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Lebanon, OR

Jun 11

Spencer Shadow Ranch Tour

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Eugene, OR

Meet Our Experts

Tim Delbridge

Assistant Professor

Sarah Masoni

Product Development Manager

Belisario Nigenda Pérez

YEA CN Program Manager

Rebecca Thistlethwaite

NMPAN Director

Contact for meat sales, science, & processing questions.

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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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