Melissa Fery

Small Farms Professor of Practice

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

541-730-3538
[email protected]

Expertise: Agritourism , Pasture and forages , Soil

Programs: OSU Small Farms , Southern Willamette Valley Small Farms

Locations: Benton County , Lane County , Linn County

Content by Melissa Fery

Free OSU Extension webinars help rural land buyers avoid surprises

By making this information freely available and accessible, the program enabled both buyers and Realtors to make more informed, confident decisions.

Melissa Fery | May 2025 | Impact story

Adding U-pick or U-cut options to your farm

Considering adding a U-pick or cut to your business? This guide provides useful considerations and tips for a successful operation, including infrastructure, risk management, marketing and more.

Audrey Comerford, Melissa Fery | May 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

What is this weed that has overtaken my pasture?

Q: 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? ...

A: 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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Free OSU Extension course helps livestock producers improve pasture and grazing management

New on-demand training guides farmers through the fundamentals of building healthier, more productive pastures.

Chris Branam | May 16, 2024 | News story

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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Living on the Land helps small-acreage landowners steward their land and protect natural resources

OSU Extension empowers rural Oregonians to care for their land, protect water quality and build more resilient landscapes.

Melissa Fery | Apr 2024 | Impact story

Agritourism’s annual impact in the Willamette Valley nears $1 billion

OSU Extension and the College of Agricultural Sciences quantify how farm visits and on-farm sales support growers, jobs and communities.

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 and nutrient requirements.

Gordon B. Jones, Scott Duggan, Melissa Fery, David Hannaway | Mar 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Turn livestock manure into rich compost for your garden

Turn barnyard byproducts into garden gold with safe composting.

Kym Pokorny | Mar 9, 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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Avian Influenza in Oregon (Recorded)

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

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 Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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...

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, David Chaney, Maud Powell, Garry Stephenson | Feb 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Oregonians learn homesteading at Rural Living Day

The 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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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 | Mar 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog 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 ...

Gene Pirelli, Dale W. Weber, Scott Duggan, Melissa Fery, Nathan Parker | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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 | 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, Steve Fransen, Dan M. Sullivan, Melissa Fery, Tom Thomson | Jan 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Creating farmer networks: A toolkit for promoting vibrant farm communities

This guide and toolkit can help farmers and other agricultural professionals to start and sustain farmer networks. Learn to establish, promote and manage the network using helpful worksheets.

Melissa Fery, Maud Powell, Melissa Matthewson | Aug 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Pasture renovation tips for western Oregon

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 | Mar 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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 | Feb 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Managing small-acreage horse farms in Central and Eastern Oregon

Learn best practices for managing horses, pastures and manure on small-acreage farms in Eastern and Central Oregon, promoting environmental stewardship and operational efficiency.

Garry Stephenson, David Hannaway, Mylen Bohle, Linda Brewer, Ellen Hammond, Cory Parsons, Peter Schreder, Melissa Fery, Scott Duggan, Gordon B. Jones | Aug 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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