Pasture and Forages

Featured Resources

The Western Oregon and Washington Pasture Calendar

This publication describes—by climatic zone—perennial pasture plant growth and how management actions can affect growth, both positively and negatively. Optimal management of forages by season is the basis for the Pasture Calendar.

Gene Pirelli | Dec 2017 | OSU Extension Catalog

Nutrient Management for Pastures: Western Oregon and Western Washington

Describes nutrient management practices for pastures to produce forage as a main feed source for western Oregon and Washington livestock.

Amber Moore, Gene Pirelli, Shelby Filley, Dan Sullivan, Melissa Fery | Jan 2019 | OSU Extension Catalog

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 | Nov 2016 | OSU Extension Catalog

Poisonous Plants Commonly Found in Pastures

Pastures often contain weeds that are potentially dangerous to livestock. The toxic compounds in plants are usually a defense mechanism against predation and have a distinct, unpleasant odor or a bitter taste and are not ...

Mylen Bohle, David Hannaway, Andy Hulting, Karin Neff | Apr 2018 | Collection

Latest Resources

Extension helps get hay to those in need after September wildfires

Nearly 500 tons of hay were distributed throughout the affected areas during the month of October when need was imperative for feeding hungry animals.

Jenifer Cruickshank | Mar 2021 | Impact story

Match Clover

This section of the OSU Forage Information System lists many clovers for use in pastures, hay crops, and set aside areas for pollinators. It list the clover along with growing conditions and attributes. Clovers are legumes so they fix atmospheric nitrogen using rhizobia bacteria living in nodules found on the roots. The soil pH must be at least 5.5, but some prefer a higher pH of 6 - 6.5. The rhizobia will not fix N if the soil pH is too low. When clover leaves dye or are digested and eliminated by livestock, they release their N to the soils where grasses can take it up and utilize it for their growth. Additionally, the high protein content of clovers is a source of high quality nutrients that persist late into the grazing season for animals to utilize.

David Hannaway | Feb 2021 | Online resource

Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Program Clearinghouse

Funded by the USDA Farm & Ranch Stress Assistance Network grant, the WRASAP is composed of lead agencies representing 13 states. We want to make sure that you, your family & people you work with have access to the resources needed, when they are needed.

Jan 2021 | Online resource

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News

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

Tensions lessening between rangeland fire groups and government agencies

A study led by Oregon State University finds that tensions between Rangeland Fire Protection Associations and government agencies have lessened– rapidly in Idaho and gradually in Oregon.

Chris Branam | Oct 24, 2019 | News story

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Serkan Ates

Assistant Professor

Mylen Bohle

Extension Agronomist

David Hannaway

Forage Specialist

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Do I have poison hemlock in my pasture?

Q: I found these plants growing in my horse pastures. I plan on spraying unless someone can tell me that they are definitely not hemlock.

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