Pasture and forages

Latest Resources

For the Love of Farming

This series is all about connecting listeners to small scale farmers and ranchers. We come together to talk about their why, how they came to be where they are, challenges, joys, and how they keep going. We are grateful ...

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Can one cow contaminate my well water?

Q: We have 1 mini Hereford on an acre that is downhill from our well. During the rainy months, I am worried that the rain will dissolve the cow manure and affect our water. Is that accurate? Or is that only a concern ...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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Introduction to Pasture and Grazing Management in Western Oregon

By Melissa Fery David B. Hannaway David Chaney Maud Powell and Garry Stephenson

Farmers and ranchers new to pasture management in the Pacific Northwest can learn the basics of establishing and maintaining a productive pasture for their livestock.

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Photo Credit: Bob - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Featured Resources

How to stimulate early pasture growth and cut livestock feed cost

In parts of Oregon, pasture forage for grazing livestock is lacking early in the growing season. That forces livestock producers to rely on costly harvested forages for supplemental feed. There is another option. Research has ...

Shelby Filley, Gene Pirelli | Jan 2022 | Article

How to give your livestock the nutrients they need

The practice of matching the nutrient content of feeds with the nutrient requirements of your livestock is very important, especially if you are using feeds that you are not familiar with. Balancing rations can help keep feed ...

Shelby Filley | Nov 2021 | Article

Understanding Your Forage Test Results

Assists livestock producers in using forage analysis as a management tool to improve livestock nutrition. Explains the information commonly found in most laboratory forage reports: feed, protein, carbohydrates, fat, energy, ash, minerals, pH, nitrates, RFV, and RFQ.

Sergio Arispe, Shelby Filley | Oct 2020 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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Invertebrate Pest Management for Pacific Northwest Pastures

By Amy J. Dreves Navneet Kaur Mylen Bohle David B. Hannaway Glenn Fisher and Silvia I. Rondon

A well-managed pasture has several ecological and economic benefits. However, several species of arthropods (insects, mites and garden symphylans), and gastropods (slugs) inhabit pastures of the Pacific Northwest of the United States and can diminish those benefits.

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Photo Credit: Bob - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Drought resources

Alfalfa irrigation during drought

Alfalfa grown for forage in the arid Northwest requires 1.8-acre feet to 3.2-acre feet of water per year, depending on length of the growing season. This drought advisory publication recommends steps producers can take when water availability is reduced.

Thomas Ley | Apr 2022 | Online resource

Managing irrigated pastures and haylands in drought

Drought (a period of limited or no water during the growing season) reduces forage production for grazing and haymaking. Prolonged drought forces livestock and hay producers to need special strategies. This document provides information about maintaining healthy perennial pastures and hayfields, reducing livestock loss due to diet, and how to improve recovery of pastures after the drought ends.

Steve Fransen, Justen Smith, and Sarah Smith | Apr 2022 | Online resource

How to manage the production and use of hay in a drought

Drought conditions have drastically reduced hay yields in the last year or two. With dry conditions forecast to continue, livestock producers need to rethink strategies for conserving forage.

Shelby Filley | Feb 2022 | Article

When drought is in the forecast, start planning for livestock feed needs

When drought is in the forecast for Oregon and other states, it's time for cattle operations to start making plans to ensure they have enough feed for their herds. In times of drought, the availability of pasture and hay ...

Shelby Filley | Jun 2021 | Article

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OSU Livestock & Forages E-Newsletter

Seasonal articles, announcements on educational programs and important news & notices for western Oregon producers of beef cattle, sheep and goats, plus forages to support this livestock.

This newsletter comes only in electronic form for special delivery of added material. It is written by OSU Extension faculty to bring you agricultural production information, important news and notices, and announcements on upcoming programs.

Learn more

Photo Credit: Bob - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

News

Online course extends reach of OSU Extension Land Steward Program

In 2021, the Land Steward Program expanded to 18 counties led by five regional OSU Extension instructors.

Kym Pokorny | Feb 4, 2022 | News story

OSU Extension offers new resource for pasture and grazing management

Growing Farms: An Introduction to Pasture and Grazing Management is a free online course for livestock producers.

Chris Branam | May 18, 2020 | News story

Oregonians learn homesteading at Rural Living Day

Annual event included classes ranging from composting to water rights and well-water management, and small engine maintenance to wildlife management.

Chris Branam | May 7, 2020 | News story

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Upcoming Events

Sep 29

Military Veteran Farm Tour: Sunwave Farms

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Oct 2

Small Farm Social 2023

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Salem, OR

Meet Our Experts

Shayan Motazedi Ghajar

Assistant Professor (Practice), Extension Organic Pasture and Forages

I focus on organic, transitioning, and low-input sustainable pasture and forage management for producers in Oregon.

Shelby Filley

Regional Livestock & Forages

Guojie Wang

(Former)

Ian McGregor

Assistant Professor, Livestock & Irrigation, Open Campus Coordinator, Klamath County

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Can one cow contaminate my well water?

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