Buying a small farm requires doing a lot of homework. Is the site suitable for a particular use, and what about water rights, soil quality, easements, zoning and tax status? Here's a look at 10 things to consider.
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.
Whole farm systems are a departure from American industrial agriculture. Whole farming takes into consideration a farming pattern that is based on diversity — biological, economical and social. Here's a guide.
Maud Powell, Nick Andrews, Melissa Matthewson, Shelley Elkovich, Gwendolyn Ellen, Tim Franklin, Don Tipping |
Jul 2016 |
ArticlePeer reviewed (Gray level)
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
Photo taken by Dustin Johnson (Cropped from original)
A critical but often overlooked step in the development of a comprehensive grazing management plan is a well-defined monitoring program for evaluating progress toward management objectives.
Because of our typically wet springs in western Oregon, the average hay crop usually ends up being of low quality. However, when forage in the field is young and tender it is of high quality. As the forage matures, it ...
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.
By selecting the right forages and using efficient management practices with limited irrigation or drought conditions, producers can achieve reasonable forage production with reduced input costs. This publication from the University of Nebraska highlights irrigation and crop options, water-use efficiency of different forages, and more.
Jerry D. Volesky and Aaron L. Berger |
Apr 2010 |
Online resource
Photo: Univ. of CA Cooperative Extension (Cropped from original)
Inadequate water intake by beef cattle can limit growth and production, which can translate to narrower profit margins for producers. That's why it's important to understand water nutrition and quality for beef cattle.