Melissa Fery

Small Farms

Contact for small farm, soil and pasture management and agricultural tourism questions from Lane, Linn and Benton Counties

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541-730-3538

[email protected]

Expertise: Agritourism , Pasture and forages , Soil

Programs: OSU Small Farms , Southern Willamette Valley Small Farms

Locations: Benton County , Condado de Lane , Linn County

Content
Publications
Awards

Content by Melissa Fery

Producing and selling raw apple cider under the Oregon farm direct marketing law: A guide for agricultural producers

This guide helps agricultural producers understand how to produce, label and sell raw apple cider safely under Oregon law. It covers essential practices for harvesting, processing and preserving cider to maintain food safety.

Kelly Streit, Melissa Fery | Aug 2024 | Extension Catalog publication

Revitalizing your pastures: A primer for overseeding pastures in Western Oregon

Many farmers are interested in overseeding rather than fully renovating their pastures to revitalize a flagging pasture. This article goes over best practices and considerations for overseeding pastures in Western Oregon.

Melissa Fery, Shayan Motazedi Ghajar, Evie Smith | Aug 2024 | Article

Oregon agriculture by the numbers, part 5: agritourism

Explore what the 2022 Census of Agriculture tells us about the agritourism and recreational services provided by Oregon’s farms.

Daniel Bigelow, Audrey Comerford, Melissa Fery | Aug 2024 | Article

What is this weed that has overtaken my pasture?

P: This weed has overtaken my horse pasture in large amounts this year. I’m trying to identify it and I’ve come up with two possibilities but I’m not sure which one it is. Possibly hedge mustard or creeping yellowcress? ...

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Managing Hypochaeris Radicata may prevent Stringhalt Disease in horses

A debilitating condition in horses called stringhalt may be associated with Hypochaeris radicata, also known as false dandelion, flatweed, common catsear or summer dandelion. This invasive species is common in pastures throughout Oregon.

Melissa Fery | Jun 2024 | Article

Why do I need water rights for irrigation?

Many landowners don't know that they need a legal water right to use surface water and groundwater for irrigation. Oregon’s water resources are publicly owned, and in great demand. Even though the water runs through your ...

Melissa Fery | Jun 2024 | Article

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 | Extension Catalog publication

Living on the Land supports small-acreage landowners in the south Willamette Valley

OSU Extension collaborates with Oregon’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts and watershed councils to develop the series to best address natural resources concerns in the local area.

Melissa Fery | Apr 2024 | Impact story

New OSU study values annual economic impact of Willamette Valley agritourism at nearly $1 billion

Agritourism can take the form of farm-direct sales, education, entertainment, outdoor recreation and hospitality.

Chris Branam | Mar 21, 2024 | News story

Horse Owner's Guide to Buying Hay

Horse owners must know how to evaluate and buy good-quality hay. Learn about the horse's digestive system, nutrient requirements and hay evaluation methods.

Gordon B. Jones, Scott Duggan, Melissa Fery, David Hannaway | Mar 2024 | Extension Catalog publication

Executive Summary: An Initial Economic Impact Estimate of Agritourism in Oregon’s Willamette Valley

In agritourism, producers combine farming with some aspects of tourism. Get the key takeaways from a new report on agritourism in the Willamette Valley.

Bruce Sorte, Melissa Fery, Audrey Comerford | Feb 2024 | Extension Catalog publication

An Initial Economic Impact Estimate of Agritourism in Oregon's Willamette Valley

This study quantifies the economic effects of agritourism on Willamette Valley farms and communities. In surveys, farmers reported earning about 50% of their revenue from agritourism.

Bruce Sorte, Melissa Fery, Audrey Comerford | Feb 2024 | Extension Catalog publication

Understanding Sugar and Nonstructural Carbohydrates in Equine Pasture and Hay

High concentrations of nonstructural carbohydrates in forages can cause health problems for some horses and other domesticated equines like ponies, donkeys, and mules. Learn about the role, levels and management options of NSC in forage plants for limiting NSC intake in horses.

Gordon B. Jones, Shayan Motazedi Ghajar, Scott Duggan, Melissa Fery | Nov 2023 | Extension Catalog publication

OSU Extension responds to avian flu with coordinated outreach

Oregon State University Extension Service quickly recognized the importance of alerting the public about the outbreak.

Dana Sanchez, LeAnn Locher, Melissa Fery, Candi Bothum | Jun 2023 | Impact story

Turn manure into compost for your garden

Animal manure is rich in nutrients that make it a great organic fertilizer for your garden.

Kym Pokorny | Apr 19, 2023 | News story

A Guide to Collecting Soil Samples for Farms and Gardens

Laboratory soil tests help you develop your soil and increase crop production by providing information on available nutrient content. Soil testing helps you select the correct kind and amount of fertilizer and ...

Melissa Fery, Jeff Choate, Elizabeth Murphy | Nov 2022 | Extension Catalog publication

Oregon Farm Direct Marketing: Guidelines for Selling Eggs

People who produce and sell eggs directly to consumers must follow specific labeling and handling requirements to qualify for the farm-direct licensing exemption. Learn about the requirements and best practices for providing high-quality eggs to your customers.

Sara Runkel, Heidi Noordijk, Melissa Fery, Rebecca Landis, Sarah Schwab | Jun 2022 | Extension Catalog publication

Avian Influenza in Oregon (Recorded) (in English)

In a recent webinar, Dr. Ryan Scholz, Oregon Department of Agriculture’s state veterinarian, provided details about the avian influenza, health concerns for people and other animals, prevention/biosecurity and the quarantines.

Melissa Fery | May 2022 | Video

Online Course: Developing a successful agritourism business in Oregon (in English)

If you've considered agricultural tourism as an option for your farm business, then this is the class for you. Over the course of this program, you will build an understanding of the multiple elements involved in setting up and managing a successful agritourism enterprise. These topics include types of agricultural tourism enterprises and how agritourism can become a part of your whole farm business. You will learn about managing risk, understanding legal requirements, marketing your agricultural tourism business, and customer service and hospitality.

Melissa Fery, Audrey Comerford | Apr 2022 | Online resource

Can I plant a cover crop in late December?

P: I have a 5 acre farm just outside of Veneta. I would like to plant a cover crop to combat weed/grass growth for next season. My rows are still bare soil, with short grass growing between. Is it possible to plant a ...

R: View answer | View all featured questions

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 | Extension Catalog publication

Introduction to Pasture and Grazing Management in Western Oregon

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.

Melissa Fery, David Hannaway, David Chaney, Maud Powell, Garry Stephenson | Dec 2020 | Extension Catalog publication

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

Adding agritourism: Developing your plan and working with your county

Agritourism is a type of farm-direct marketing. It allows you to increase income by giving visitors direct sales of products, education, entertainment, lodging and recreational activities. First and most important: You must have a ...

Melissa Fery, Pami Monnette, Audrey Comerford | Jun 2024 | Article

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

Is starting a farm stand right for you?

Discover if starting a farm stand is right for you. Learn about land-use permits, marketing plans and road signs. Plus, find out why a web presence is key to attracting customers!

Maud Powell, Melissa Fery | Mar 2024 | Extension Catalog publication

Adding agritourism: How to cultivate neighbor and farmer relations to avoid conflict

Agritourism promotes public support for agriculture. But it can also bring traffic and crowds to rural areas. That's why agritourism operators need to cultivate good neighbor relations to avoid conflicts.

Melissa Fery, Audrey Comerford | Mar 2024 | Article

Adding agritourism: How to create successful tours for your farm or ranch

Hosting tours on your farm or ranch can provide additional income and help tell an important story about Oregon agriculture, rural communities and local food production. Here's a guide to getting started.

Audrey Comerford, Melissa Fery, Pami Monnette | Jan 2020 | Article

Care and Management of New Feeder Pigs

You can keep your pigs healthy and gaining weight by following some key recommendations. In this publication you'll learn about housing, feeding, and health considerations when raising feeder pigs, both for a ...

Gene Pirelli, Dale W. Weber, Scott Duggan, Melissa Fery, Nathan Parker | Jun 2023 | Extension Catalog publication

Managing small-acreage horse farms in Western Oregon and Western Washington

These seven steps can make your horse farm safe, efficient and environmentally friendly. Learn about horse grazing habits, pasture rotation, weed control, manure management and well water protection.

Melissa Fery, David Hannaway, Garry Stephenson, Linda Brewer, Scott Duggan | Jun 2024 | Extension Catalog publication

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, Steve Fransen, Dan M. Sullivan, Melissa Fery, Tom Thomson | Jan 2023 | Extension Catalog publication

Creating Farmer Networks: A Toolkit for Promoting Vibrant Farm Communities

A toolkit for farmers, Extension agents, community organizers, and other agricultural professionals interested in starting and maintaining a successful farmer network. The publication is divided into two sections: an ...

Melissa Matthewson, Melissa Fery, Maud Powell | Feb 2021 | Extension Catalog publication

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.

Dana Martin, Melissa Fery | Jun 2024 | Extension Catalog publication

Pasture renovation tips for western Oregon ranchers

Renovating and reseeding a pasture requires time, money and a little luck. There are many ways to go about it, but if you begin the planning process in the spring, you’ll thank yourself in the fall.

Melissa Fery | Dec 2009 | Article

The function and selection of cover crops

Choosing a cover crop for a particular field involves keeping the purpose in mind. Is it to stabilize soil and reduce erosion? Or to increase organic matter or suppress weeds? Here's how to weigh the options.

Melissa Fery | Mar 2024 | Article

What to consider when leasing ag land

When leasing land for growing crops or grazing livestock, there's more to consider than just the cost. Lease agreements can be as simple as a handshake, but it's best to get legal advice and have conditions in writing.

Melissa Fery | Dec 2009 | Article

The best defense against algae blooms is prevention

Algae blooms are common in farm ponds in the summer when nutrient-rich water meets sunshine and warm temperatures. The first line of defense against algae blooms is prevention. Here's how to halt them before they start.

Melissa Fery | Apr 2024 | Article

Tips for buying hay to last the winter

Buying enough hay to last the winter for a small-scale livestock operation can be challenging. Here are some tips for how to buy the proper amount, get the best quality available and provide the right amount of feed.

Melissa Fery | Apr 2024 | Article

Keep the compost cooking on the farm this winter

Start an active compost pile in winter, and you could have rich compost to add to your vegetable beds by spring. Livestock farmers can combine used bedding and manure to produce a valuable soil amendment — no matter the time of year.

Melissa Fery | Dec 2007 | Article

Managing Small-Acreage Horse Farms in Central and Eastern Oregon

This publication presents a system for managing horses, pastures, and manure that will make your farm safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. It is intended for horse farms from 1 to 10 acres in the high dry regions of eastern and central Oregon.

Garry Stephenson, David Hannaway, Mylen Bohle, Linda Brewer, Ellen Hammond, Cory Parsons, Peter Schreder, Melissa Fery | Dec 2017 | Extension Catalog publication

What’s that moss doing in my pasture?

When moss grows in pastures, it's usually a sign of a deeper problem. Permanently getting rid of moss requires addressing the underlying problem, whether that's the condition of the soil or too much shade.

Melissa Fery | Mar 2024 | Article

Don't wait to make a weed management plan

Pesky weeds often go undetected in pastures until summertime when they’re in full bloom. And by that time, the best that can be done is to limit the spread of seed and then prepare a management strategy for next season.

Melissa Fery | Mar 2024 | Article

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