Shelby Filley

Regional Livestock & Forages

Hablo español (I speak Spanish)

Expertise: Beef cattle , Sheep and goats , Swine , Pasture and forages

Locations: Benton County , Douglas County , Josephine County , Condado de Lane , Linn County , Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center

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Let me know if you would like to receive educational and informational content to help keep you updated. You can send me an email and ask to be added to my Regional Livestock & Forages E-newsletter and you can Friend me (actually my Avatar, Orst LnF) on Facebook. See https://www.facebook.com/orst.lnf.

Content by Shelby Filley

Foxtail control in pastures and hayground

Foxtail is a problematic grass in pastures and hayground, and infestations need immediate attention. Small infestations of foxtail should be spot treated, while larger infestations require whole pasture renovation. This informational ...

Shelby Filley | Jul 2022 | Article

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

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

Tracking weeds is first step in controlling them

When winter approaches, it’s time to check your weed control plans. Noxious weeds are best controlled if you track them carefully. Weed mapping and weed calendaring are two activities important to tracking weeds so that you can properly control them. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Shelby Filley | Nov 2021 | Article

How to meet the mineral needs of livestock in mixed pastures

Minerals are critically important for the health and well-being of livestock. Cattle, sheep and goats are frequently pastured together, but sheep can be harmed by copper, which cattle and goats need. Options to get animals the ...

Shelby Filley | Sep 2021 | 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

Examples of swine and carcass grades (slides) (in English)

This presentation shows examples of slaughter swine and carcasses to go along with the official USDA descriptions from their websites on Slaughter Swine and Carcass Grades.

Shelby Filley | Mar 2021 | Presentation

Hay Feeding Value and Protein Supplementation - David Bohnert and Shelby Filley (in English)

In this video, Dr. Bohnert and Dr. Filley discuss hay evaluation for beef cattle feeding as well as protein supplementation strategies. Other resources from presentation: Slides Oregon Forage Library Beef Nutrition Workbook Forage Evaluation OSU Cowculator Software OSU Cowculator Instructions

David Bohnert, Shelby Filley | Jan 2021 | Video

Economic value of sheep footrot vaccination

Vaccinating your flock against footrot can yield benefits due to increased lamb weight gain. Learn how to assess the financial benefit of footrot control.

Shelby Filley | Dec 2020 | 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

Biological control of weeds

Biological control agents—insects, fungi or grazing animals—can help you control weeds on your property. It's important to choose the right biocontrol agent for the target weed. Learn the basics of biocontrol and find helpful resources in this article.

Shelby Filley | Sep 2020 | Article

How to measure pasture productivity and capacity

The monthly grazing capacity of a pasture can be stated as animal unit months, AUM for short. It is calculated by estimating the amount of forage an animal eats each day — 2.5% to 3% of its body weight — times 30 days.

Shelby Filley | Jul 2020 | Article

Feeder Cattle Grades, Carcass Grades, & Meat Palatability (in English)

Overview of feeder cattle and carcass grades. The presentation previously used with the USDA Carcass Beef Grades and Standards.

Shelby Filley | Jun 2020 | Educational document

Take home beef (in English)

This is a brochure from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture: "Not all of the cow makes it to the table. On average, a 1,000 pound steer will only weigh approximately 61% of it’s live weight once it makes it to the rail."

Shelby Filley, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, & Forestry | Jun 2020 | Online resource

Oregon Pork Producers (in English)

This is the website of the Oregon Pork Producers. Their mission statement is "The Oregon Pork Producers strives to serve all producers regardless of size or production practices, by promoting producer and consumer education, research, animal well-being, marketing, and environmental responsibility."

Shelby Filley | Jun 2020 | Online resource

USDA Carcass Beef Grades and Standards (in English)

The amount of beef from a carcass is termed "yield" and is the pounds of closely trimmed retail cuts you get. Of course you want to get a large percentage of meat from your animal. This website contains the legal definitions that can help you understand what goes into this measurement.

Shelby Filley, USDA | Jun 2020 | Online resource

Temple Grandin Website (in English)

Information on animal handling, transportation, humane slaughter and more.

Shelby Filley | May 2020 | Online resource

Small scale meat farming: growing, finishing, processing

This collection contains publications and information on selecting, purchasing, and preparing a meat animal for home slaughter. It includes resources for beef, goat meat, lamb, pork, poultry, and rabbit.

Juliana Ranches, Nathan Parker, Shelby Filley | May 2020 | Collection

Algae Blooms in ponds, rivers, and lakes (in English)

Oregon Health Authority website has information on Blue-Green Algae, including Current Cyanobacteria Advisories. They note, "Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out!"

Shelby Filley | May 2020 | Online resource

How to identify forage plants in your pasture or hayfield

Knowing exactly what's growing in a pasture or a hayfield is one of the first steps in proper management. Take advantage of resources online or through an Extension office to get help identifying forage plants.

Shelby Filley | May 2020 | Article

Aquatic Weeds (in English)

This document is a copy of my slides for a presentation on Aquatic Weed Control. Initial slides describe the main types of aquatic weeds by growing style. The reason this is done is that the control methods are based on weed type. Examples of each these main types are provided. Control methods and ways to measure pond area (shoreline or water) are provided. Specific aquatic herbicide recommendations are not provided here. Please see the PNW Weed Control Handbook, Aquatic Weed section for specific herbicides and more on controlling aquatic weeds.

Shelby Filley | May 2020 | Educational document

Good livestock management starts with good records

You can't manage what you don't measure is an old adage that rings true with livestock. Good record keeping provides a way to measure progress and is at the foundation of good livestock management.

Shelby Filley | Apr 2020 | Article

Science information for the kids (and you) (in English)

Here is a link to scientific information on animals from the American Society of Animal Sciences (ASAS), the predominant organization for professionals in the animal industry. This collection of programs has been reviewed by and is being promoted by ASAS. It is a solid source of information on animal production. Please enjoy this collection knowing scientists closely related to animal production recommend it.

Shelby Filley | Apr 2020 | Online resource

Dealing with pesky flies on cattle

Fly control is of major importance to cattle producers. This article can help you make decisions about which products would fit your program, how to avoid causing insecticide resistance in flies, and ways to clean up your ...

Shelby Filley | Apr 2020 | Article

How to create mud-free livestock areas

Managing mud and manure in livestock areas does not have to be a dirty job. Paying attention to drainage and hardening heavily trafficked areas can keep the mud at bay. Here's a step-by-step guide.

Shelby Filley, Sara Runkel, Melissa Fery | Mar 2020 | Article

Mud and Manure Management presentation (in English)

This is a file of the presentation slides from an OSU Mud and Manure Management class. We covered the following topics: Benefits of Manure and Mud Management, Different practices and possibilities, and Resources for assistance.

Shelby Filley, Melissa Fery | Mar 2020 | Presentation

Selenium Fertilization of Pastures for Improved Forage Selenium Content (in English)

Mineral mixes commonly contain inorganic forms of Se that are poorly absorbed and utilized by ruminants compared with organic forms of Se. Another way to supply Se to livestock is through pasture plants. The enrichment of livestock feed crops with Se has been studied for many years in several countries. When inorganic Se is applied as fertilizer, plants convert it to the organic form, selenomethionine. This is absorbed by the animal and incorporated into tissues at a greater efficiency than inorganic forms.

Shelby Filley, Cassie Bouska, Gene Pirelli, Amy Peters, James Oldfield | Feb 2020 | Publication

Cow-Bull Product History Record (in English)

Health records, product history use sheets for market cows and bulls.

Shelby Filley | Feb 2020 | Publication

Cow-calf Product History Record (in English)

Health Record sheets for cow-calf segment.

Shelby Filley | Feb 2020 | Publication

Stocker Product History Record (in English)

Health Record sheets for stocker cattle segment.

Shelby Filley | Feb 2020 | Educational document

Cattle Treatment History (in English)

Health Record sheets for cattle.

Shelby Filley | Feb 2020 | Educational document

When should we stop grazing our pasture?

P: We have had a horse grazing on our approx. 6 acre field which is normally cut for mixed grass hay. The horse has been on the field since we had it cut and baled into hay this past summer. In general, when is the ...

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Improving calf performance by extending the grazing season with warm-season grasses and brassica forages

This research project set out to determine whether grazing cow-calf pairs on warm season grasses and brassica pastures would extend the grazing season and positively affect calf weaning weights and other characteristics.

Shelby Filley, Janice Hunter | Dec 2019 | Article

OSU Beef Nutrition Workbook (in English)

A comprehensive workbook covering many aspects of beef cattle nutrition. Includes worksheets for users to apply the concepts to their own operations. Chapter titles are: 1. Animal Nutrient Requirements 2. Forage Value 3. Evaluating Feeds 4. Minerals and Vitamins 5. Ration Balancing 6. Supplements and Supplementation Strategies 7. Body Condition 8. Heifer Nutrition and Development

David Bohnert, Shelby Filley, Gene Pirelli, Peter Schreder | Oct 2019 | Online resource

Strategies for managing pastures during dry conditions

Cool-season perennial and annual forages often struggle during the heat of summer. Fortunately, there are some strategies to consider — including planting drought-tolerant forages, warm-season grasses and annual legumes.

Shelby Filley | Aug 2019 | Article

How to assess if your livestock are getting the minerals they need

Mineral nutrition is critically important to livestock. Yet it is often overlooked, done incorrectly or in need of improvement. Here's how to assess if your animals are getting the minerals they need.

Shelby Filley | Aug 2019 | Article

Mineral Requirements of Sheep and Goats

This document lists the mineral requirements of sheep. Two subgroups of minerals, macro and micro, are listed. Maximum tolerable amounts of the microminerals are included. Use these requirements along with the Mineral Assessment worksheets to balance rations.

Shelby Filley | Aug 2019 | Article

Forages - hay and pasture collection

This collection has information on soil testing and ferilizing, renovation. forage management , hay, irrigation, feeding values, forage types, forage anti-quality factors, leasing pastures and more.

Shelby Filley | Aug 2019 | Collection

Beef Cattle Collection

A list of topics and resources for beef cattle producers

Shelby Filley | Aug 2019 | Collection

How to navigate poor marketing conditions for lambs

Selling lambs during a down market can be a challenge. If you decide to hold your lambs until the market improves, here are some strategies for feeding and maintaining their health.

Shelby Filley | Aug 2019 | Article

Services - Producer Organizations

Here are some handy links to organizations important to raising livestock and forages and their products.

Shelby Filley | Aug 2019 | Collection

Keeping livestock healthy starts with the basics

Maintaining a healthy environment for raising livestock is essential. Keep pens and barns clean, provide fresh water and good food, and work with a veterinarian to provide preventative measures to keep animals healthy.

Shelby Filley | Aug 2019 | Article

Benefits of belonging to an agriculture organization

For farmers and ranchers, belonging to agricultural and ranching associations promotes common interests and fosters connections that are extremely important to the business or pleasure of farming and ranching.

Shelby Filley | Aug 2019 | Article

Purchasing hay for the coming year

Make sure you have enough good-quality hay stored for your livestock. Check the nutrition levels of your hay to match the nutritional needs of your animals.

Shelby Filley | Jul 2019 | Article

A guide to raising calves for home harvest

Raising and finishing calves for home harvest can be rewarding, but there are several things to consider so that the process is efficient and the meat is excellent. Here's a guide for success.

Shelby Filley | Apr 2019 | Article

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 2019 | Extension Catalog publication

How much should my animals graze?

P: I have a small dairy goat farm, and at the moment have 5 adult does plus 2 donkeys. This year we have had just enough precipitation to start the grass growing again but the ground is still firm. However, I'm sure my ...

R: View answer | View all featured questions

Forage Nitrate and Prussic Acid Screening Tests (in English)

Nitrates and Prussic Acid are substances that can accumulate in certain forages and cause poisonings in livestock. Example nitrate accumulators include pigweed, Johnsongrass, and Sorghums. Example prussic acid plants include Sorghums and Johnsongrass. This presentation reviews the toxins, animal response, and testing options.

Shelby Filley | Sep 2018 | Presentation

Setting pasture rental rates

Rental rates for pasturing cattle and sheep vary depending on animal size or weight, the condition of the pasture, work done by each party and lease length.

Shelby Filley | Aug 2018 | Article

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