A healthy pasture is a vital resource for a livestock operation, and it requires year-round attention. One of the most critical periods is the fall when decisions dictate how much forage will be produced for the season.
Although grain crops bring in less revenue than vegetables or fruit, they can become an important part of a farming enterprise. Grains are less labor-intensive and can be grown when fields need a rest.
Poisonous plants are a major cause of economic loss to the livestock industry. Two poisonous plants common to Oregon are poison hemlock and Western water hemlock. Ingestion of either by humans or livestock typically results in death.
Q: My so-called lawn needs help — it consists of clumps of grass with bare spots between. My small yard is completely fenced with a large apple tree shading much of it, so the grass gets at most 3 to 4 hours of sun ...
The philosophy for this online source is to provide the home gardener with OSU publications, research, and news items that are related to the home orchard and garden.
Steve Renquist |
May 2015 |
Collection
Photo Credit: Yuval Helfman - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)
Q: My backyard got invaded by gophers (or someone who enjoys making holes). I'm worrying that I might injure myself in the holes. I have tried setting traps, but have been unsuccessful. I heard some snakes can kill gophers, but I'm also aware not to release invasive creatures. What do you recommend?