Pasture, hay and forage crops cover a large share of Oregon’s agricultural landscape. In 2024, growers harvested more than 1 million acres of hay and grazed more than 250,000 acres of irrigated pastureland.
Even so, forage crops are often undervalued. Because much of the forage grown in Oregon is fed directly to livestock on farms and ranches, it does not always move through commodity markets that make its value more visible.
This symposium helped Oregon producers make better use of pasture and forage resources that support livestock operations across the state.
That has contributed to fewer research and education investments in pasture and forage systems, even though many Oregon farms manage pastureland and rely on it for livestock production.
A 2022 Oregon State University needs assessment found that producers wanted more information on drought resilience, grazing practices and forage species and varieties adapted to local conditions.
Producers also asked for in-person learning opportunities where they could gain practical information, connect with peers and build stronger relationships with Oregon State University Extension Service.
In response, Oregon State University Extension Service partnered with the Oregon Forage and Grassland Council to organize a two-day Resilient Pasture and Forage Symposium.
The event was designed to be broader and more comprehensive than previous pasture and forage programs in the Pacific Northwest. Organizers brought in speakers from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and New Zealand.
The symposium included three program tracks focused on soils, plants and animals, along with a farm tour, research posters and commercial sponsors.
Organizers also made relationship-building a priority. They intentionally created time and space for attendees to learn from one another, build networks and discuss the personal side of resilience during unpredictable conditions.
To broaden access, organizers provided nearly $1,000 in scholarships to anyone who requested help and offered reduced registration rates for students and young farmers. Fourteen attendees used those reduced-rate options.
Farmers gain practical knowledge, peer support
More than 135 people from Oregon and five other states attended the symposium. In a follow-up survey, 95% of respondents rated the event excellent or very good, and 94% said they learned something useful for their farm or work.
Attendees reported gaining practical knowledge about protecting pasture root growth, using deep-rooted plants such as plantain, chicory and alfalfa, and improving grazing management.
Many also said the event addressed the human side of resilience. Participants valued hearing from others facing similar setbacks and challenges, which helped reduce isolation and build confidence.
The symposium also helped strengthen ties among producers, researchers, industry representatives and Extension. Organizers plan to build on that momentum by hosting another Resilient Pasture and Forage Symposium in fall 2027.
The event was designed to welcome a wide audience, with presenters from multiple states, a mix of academic, industry and producer backgrounds, and a balance of perspectives across agricultural scales.
Public value
This symposium helped Oregon producers make better use of pasture and forage resources that support livestock operations across the state.
By connecting farmers and ranchers with research-based information on drought resilience, grazing and adapted forage species, OSU Extension helped participants improve on-farm decision-making and strengthen long-term productivity.
The event also built relationships and peer support that can help producers navigate economic stress, weather extremes and other ongoing challenges.
