Melissa Fery

Small Farms

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

541-730-3538
[email protected]

Expertise: Agritourism , Pasture and forages

Programs: OSU Small Farms , Southern Willamette Valley Small Farms

Locations: Benton County , Lane County , Linn County

Content by Melissa Fery

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 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 | Jun 2022 | Video

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 Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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 | Extension Catalog publication 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 | Dec 2020 | Extension Catalog publication 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)

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

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

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...

Maud Powell, Melissa Fery | Mar 2020 | Extension Catalog publication 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.

Pami Monnette, Melissa Fery, Audrey Comerford | Feb 2020 | 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 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 | Dec 2019 | Extension Catalog publication 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 ...

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

Small farm dream class series helps prospective farmers make realistic choice

Significant outcome was the participant’s determination to pursue, or not, a farm business.

Amy Garrett, Melissa Fery | Aug 2019 | Impact story

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 Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Land Stewardship

Melissa Fery, OSU Extension (slide presentation)

Melissa Fery | Dec 2018 | Presentation

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

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 ...

Melissa Matthewson, Melissa Fery, Maud Powell | Feb 2013 | Extension Catalog publication 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 ...

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

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 | Dec 2009 | 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 | Mar 2009 | Article 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 | 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 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 | Nov 2007 | Extension Catalog publication 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 2007 | 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 2007 | Article

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

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

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