Melissa Fery

Small Farms

541-730-3538
[email protected]

Expertise: Agritourism

Programs: OSU Small Farms , Southern Willamette Valley Small Farms

Locations: Benton County , Lane County , Linn County

Content by Melissa Fery

Can I plant a cover crop in late December?

Q: 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 ...

A: 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 choices to the...

Amy Garrett, Chip Bubl, Garry Stephenson, Maud Powell, Lauren Gwin, Melissa Fery, Heather Stoven | Jun 2021 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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, Maud Powell, Garry Stephenson | Dec 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Adding Agritourism: Developing Your Plan & 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 | May 2020 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Mud and Manure Management

Managing mud and manure in livestock areas does not have to be a dirty job. There are several remedies for the problem. This fact sheet outlines the processes for dealing with the problem.

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

Mud and Manure Management presentation

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. Check out the article on our website that further explains how to construct a hardened area - Mud and Manure Management Article (https://extension.oregonstate.edu/animals-livestock/beef/mud-manure-management).

Shelby Filley, Melissa Fery | Mar 2020 | Presentation

Is Starting a Farm Stand Right for You?

Learn what's needed to start a farm stand business on your farm, from how to get land-use permits to make sure your farm stand is legal, to the details of the business, like developing a marketing plan and making road ...

Maud Powell, Melissa Fery | Mar 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Adding Agritourism: cultivating neighbor & farmer relations to avoid conflict

So, you are going to embark on the adventure of adding an agritourism component to your farm business. By definition, agritourism involves inviting members of the public onto your farm to experience agriculture, learn about ...

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

Adding agritourism: creating successful tours for your farm or ranch

Hosting tours on your farm or ranch not only provides additional income, but helps tell an important story about Oregon agriculture, rural communities and local food production. Below are key topics to consider when deciding whether or not to add farm tours to your business.

Audrey Comerford, Melissa Fery, Pami Monnette | Jan 2020 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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 traditional system and...

Gene Pirelli, Scott Duggan, Melissa Fery, Nathan Parker | Dec 2019 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Managing Small-Acreage Horse Farms in Western Oregon and Western Washington

Horses, grass, manure, soil and water are all interconnected. How you manage one affects the others. Following these seven steps can make your horse farm safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Learn more about horse grazing...

Melissa Fery, David Hannaway, Garry Stephenson, Linda Brewer, Scott Duggan | Sep 2019 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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 M. Sullivan, Melissa Fery | Jan 2019 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Land Stewardship

Melissa Fery, OSU Extension (slide presentation)

Melissa Fery | Dec 2018 | Presentation

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 liming material. ...

Melissa Fery, Jeff Choate | Oct 2018 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

How to Manage Tansy Ragwort

Tansy ragwort is dangerous to livestock and human, and spring is the best time to battle a pasture infestation of the weed.

Melissa Fery | Jun 2018 | 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 | Apr 2018 | Article

Agritourism Resources Available to Support Oregon Farmers and Ranchers

Agritourism, can be defined as any activity that generates supplemental income for working farms and ranches by connecting their resources and products with visitors. Starting a new endeavor or expanding an existing agritourism ...

Melissa Fery | Oct 2017 | Article

DIY farm tools and equipment

Farmers are an ingenious lot, known for designing their own tools and doing more with less. Now, this crop of farmers-turned-engineers is sharing their "hacks" with a wider audience.

Melissa Fery | Oct 2017 | Article

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 instruction guide ...

Melissa Fery, Maud Powell | Feb 2013 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Growing Farms: Successful Whole Farm Management Planning Book: Think It! Write It!

The Growing Farms: Successful Whole Farm Management workshop series enhances the success of new farmers by helping participants think through biological, physical, financial, and family aspects of farm business. This planning book ...

Dana Martin, Melissa Fery | Oct 2011 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Pasture Renovation in the Fall

Renovating and reseeding a pasture requires time, money, and a little luck. If you begin the planning process this spring, you’ll save yourself from trying to make hasty last minute decisions in the fall. Non-irrigated, Western...

Melissa Fery | Dec 2009 | Article

Out of Control Algae

In the summer time, water temperatures rise and the sun shines bright, helping create ideal conditions for excess algae growth in farm ponds. Aquatic plants, including algae are important to a pond’s ecosystem, but it is easy...

Melissa Fery | Dec 2009 | Article

Function & Selection of Cover Crops

When selecting a cover crop for a particular field, keep the end in mind. How does the crop need to function? Are you in need of a permanent crop like grass to stabilize soil and reduce erosion? Or perhaps you’re ...

Melissa Fery | Dec 2009 | Article

Exploring Leased Land

Land leasing is a common occurrence in agriculture production, for both livestock grazing and growing crops. The extension office regularly gets questions regarding the current rental rate for farm ground. While the financial aspect...

Melissa Fery | Dec 2009 | Article

It's the Time of Year to Buy Hay!

When the rain stops and the sun decides to stay a while, haying equipment will be out in full force. For small-scale livestock producers that need to purchase hay for winter feeding here are some tips to consider.

Melissa Fery | Mar 2008 | 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 Mud

Techniques for reducing mud.

Melissa Fery | Dec 2007 | Presentation

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, Peter Schreder, Melissa Fery | Nov 2007 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

What’s That Moss Doing In My Pasture?

It's that time of year when we notice, in some cases, more moss than grass growing in our pastures. What went wrong? How can the problem be fixed? Most folks want to know what they can do to get rid of the moss, ...

Melissa Fery | Mar 2007 | Article

Managing Summer Weeds in Pastures

This article describes the various weeds found in pastures during the summer months. The article also explains how to keep these weeds at bay and prevent them from coming back the next year.

Melissa Fery | Mar 2007 | Article

Turn manure into compost for your garden

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

Apr 19, 2013 | 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

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

With accommodations, Oregon U-pick farms are opening for business

Farmers that feature on-farm picking are gearing up to welcome visitors, starting at the end of May for strawberries and mid- to late June for blueberries.

May 22, 2020 | News story

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