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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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...
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 CatalogPeer reviewed (Orange level)
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 ...
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
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
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 ...
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.
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.
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 CatalogPeer reviewed (Orange level)
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 CatalogPeer reviewed (Orange level)
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. ...
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
Photo provided by Melissa Fery (Cropped from original)
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
Photo provided by Mark Luterra (Cropped from original)
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.
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 ...
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 ...
Livestock need lands to graze and feed on, especially during the spring. It is important to properly manage your pasture based on weather, soil health and current pasture conditions. Learn more tips for western Oregon ranchers tackling pasture renovation.
Melissa Fery |
Dec 2009 |
Article
Photo provided by Toni Pennington, Center for Lakes and Reservoirs, Portland State University (Cropped from original)
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
Photo provided by Nick Andrews (Cropped from original)
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 ...
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...
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.
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.
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 CatalogPeer reviewed (Orange level)
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, ...
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.
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.
