Resources

Beginning Farmers
Crops
Livestock
Pastures
Soil
Marketing

Beginning Farmers

An introduction to whole farm systems design

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 | Article

Beginning Farms Programs

Programs for Beginning Farmers.

Mar 2018 | Collection

What can I do with my Small Farm?

List of things you can do with a small farm.

Mar 2018 | Collection

Crops

Dogs sniff out destructive voles to help farmers with control

Because of vole activity in the Willamette Valley from 2018-2021, crops disappeared, pastures were ruined and young blueberries and orchard trees girdled.

Kym Pokorny | Jan 19, 2023 | News story

Biodiversity and Pest Management Resources for Small Farms

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” (B Franklin, 1706-1790). Pest prevention is a central component of integrated pest management and organic pest management strategies. Crop rotation and crop planning (i.e. ...

Apr 2018 | Collection

Berry Crop and Grape Resources for Small Farms

Resources describing the production tactics it takes to produce healthy berries and grapes.

Apr 2018 | Collection

Vegetable Crop Resources for Small Farms

This collection provides useful information about vegetable production in both residential gardens and large scale farms.

Apr 2018 | Collection

Livestock

Additional Livestock Resources for Small Farms

This collection provides information about additional livestock resources available for small farm livestock producers.

Apr 2018 | Collection

Other Livestock Species Resources for Small Farms

This collection provides information about production animals found on small farms like honeybees, bison, and ducks.

Apr 2018 | Collection

Poultry Resources for Small Farms

This collection was designed to provide information for the poultry producer/owner.

Apr 2018 | Collection

Goat Resources for Small Farms

An informational collection providing links and pages for the goat producer.

Apr 2018 | Collection

Horse Resources for Small Farms

This page is designed for the horse owner. Topics in this collection include: Management, breeds, reproduction, foaling, nutrition, health, and other equine resources.

Apr 2018 | Collection

Sheep Resources for Small Farms

This page provides information for the sheep producer. Some of the topics available are production, breeds, reproduction, lambing, nutrition, health, and other sheep resources.

Apr 2018 | Collection

Swine Resources for Small Farms

This page provides information for the hog producer. Some topics that are included are: production, breeds, reproduction, farrowing, nutrition, health, manure management, and other swine resources.

Apr 2018 | Collection

Dairy Resources for Small Farms

This page provides information on the dairy animal and contains topics like: production, manure and nutrient management, nutrition, health, and other dairy resources.

Apr 2018 | Collection

Beef Cattle Resources for Small Farms

This page provides information for the beef producer. Some topics you'll find here are production, breeds, reproduction, calving, nutrition, health, and other resources.

Apr 2018 | Collection

Pastures

Pasture Fertility

This podcast episode is part of the Living on the Land series. It provides concise information on the basics of pasture and livestock management, including use of sound conservation practices. Particularly for the region east of...

Brian Tuck, Shilah Olson, Ellen Hammond | Dec 2010 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Pasture Management

Brian Tuck, Shilah Olson, Ellen Hammond | Dec 2010 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Spring Pasture Essentials, Part 3

This podcast is part of the Living on the Land series. It provides concise information on essential management practices for maintaining a high-quality, productive pasture and healthy livestock. Primarily directed to eastern Oregon ...

Brian Tuck, Susan Kerr, Shilah Olson, Ellen Hammond | Mar 2013 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Spring Pasture Essentials, Part 2

Brian Tuck, Susan Kerr, Shilah Olson, Ellen Hammond | Mar 2013 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Spring Pasture Essentials, Part 1

Brian Tuck, Susan Kerr, Shilah Olson, Ellen Hammond | Mar 2013 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Who's Coming to Dinner?

This video examines the eating habits of cows, sheep, horses, and goats, and explores how forage selection, pugging, trampling, and fencing contribute to a pasture's health and sustainability.

David Hannaway | Sep 2011 | Video Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Spring Pasture To-Do’s

If you haven't done so already, it’s time for spring management of your pasture. That means soil testing, fertilizing, and weed management.

Evie Smith | Apr 2023 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Living on the Land - Spring Pasture Safety Check

Conducting a thorough and careful inspection of your pasture in the spring can help assure a healthy pasture and healthy livestock. Read or download this publication: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/ec/ec1634_toc.pdf Find all of...

Brian Tuck, Susan Kerr, Shilah Olson, Ellen Hammond | Mar 2013 | Video Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Pasture and Grazing Management Resources for Small Farms

Forage production is of primary importance to Oregon's livestock enterprises and agriculture economy. Pastures are kept in good condition by controlling weeds, fertilizing and most importantly, managing livestock. Implementing pasture ...

Apr 2017 | Collection

Hay Production Resources for Small Farms

Harvested hay is a valuable product and necessary for supplemental feeding throughout Oregon. Learn about making hay, managing fields, testing, and storing hay.

Mar 2018 | Collection

Pasture Nutrient Management Resources for Small Farms

This collection of links and publications are compiled information about managing nutrient levels in your pasture. This includes soil testing and assessment, application of fertilizers and minerals, and nutrient cycling in a forage pasture.

May 2017 | Collection

Mud and Manure Management Resources for Small Farms

Publications and documents demonstrating the art of Mud and Manure Management for the pastures and forage crop. These contain useful information that are important when managing and producing livestock on pasture.

Jul 2018 | Collection

Pasture Irrigation and Fencing Resources for Small Farms

Publications and articles informing the public about how to properly irrigate and fence in forage pastures.

Mar 2018 | Collection

The Western Oregon and Washington Pasture Calendar

This publication describes—by climatic zone—perennial pasture plant growth and how management actions can affect growth, both positively and negatively. Optimal management of forages by season is the basis for the Pasture Calendar.

Steve Fransen, Gene Pirelli, Marty Chaney, Larry Brewer (retired), Scott Robbins | Dec 2017 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Endophyte Toxins in Grass and Other Feed Sources: Risks to Livestock

Many varieties of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass are infected with a fungal endophyte. Endophytes produce bioactive compounds that, while beneficial to the host plants, can be toxic to livestock that consume ...

Gene Pirelli, Nicole Anderson, A. Morrie Craig, Carolyn A. Young | Nov 2016 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Nutrient Management Guide for Dryland and Irrigated Alfalfa in the Inland Northwest

This full-color illustrated guide for optimizing alfalfa production according to the growing conditions common throughout Idaho and east of the Cascades in Oregon and Washington provides specific recommendations for all critical nutrients.

Richard T. Koenig, Donald A. Horneck, Tom Platt, Phil Petersen, Robert G. Stevens, Steve Fransen, Bradford D. Brown | Apr 2009 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Pasture and Grazing Management in the Northwest

The comprehensive resource for anyone who manages livestock on pastures in the Northwest, this book offers pasture managers information and tools to enable their pastures and their livestock to reach their maximum ...

Glenn E. Shewmaker, Mylen Bohle | Jan 2010 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Armyworms in Grass Pastures and Corn in Western Oregon

Discusses identification, life cycle, monitoring, action thresholds, biological control, organic controls, and chemical controls. Includes color photos for identification.

Amy Peters, Glenn Fisher | Nov 2006 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Teff: A New Warm-Season Annual Grass for Oregon

Describes characteristics and growing requirements of teff (Eragrostis tef [Zucc.], Poaceae) as a hay and forage crop in Oregon. Discusses hay quality and use; yields and varieties; and how to plant, fertilize, irrigate, cultivate, and harvest teff.

Steve Norberg, Richard Roseberg, Brian Charlton, Clinton Shock | Mar 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Manure Application Rates for Forage Production

This publication provides estimates of crop removal of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for forage crops grown on dairies in western Oregon. It also provides guidance on liquid manure application rates to meet crop nitrogen requirements.

Troy Downing, Dan M. Sullivan | Nov 2020 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Managing Dairy Grazing for More Milk and Profit

This publication covers how pasture grows, understanding grazing systems, and forage quality. It also covers advanced tools for managing high-intensity grazing systems, such as the feed wedge (also called pasture wedge or grazing wedge).

Troy Downing, David Hannaway, Brianna Randow, Pete Berry, Xiumei Yang | Nov 2018 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Living on the Land: Spring Pasture Essentials

This publication is part of the Living on the Land series. It provides concise information on essential management practices for maintaining a high-quality, productive pasture and healthy livestock. Primarily directed ...

Brian Tuck, Susan Kerr, Shilah Olson, Ellen Hammond | Mar 2013 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Living on the Land: Pasture and Livestock Essentials

This publication is part of the Living on the Land series. It provides concise information on the basics of pasture and livestock management, including use of sound conservation practices. Particularly for the ...

Brian Tuck, Shilah Olson, Ellen Hammond | Dec 2010 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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)

Soils

Soil Nutrient Management Resources for Small Farms

Nutrient Management, Managing nutrients, whether it is synthetic fertilizer or manure and other organic fertilizers requires planning. Determining which type of fertilizer to apply, the application rate and timing are key factors in ...

Apr 2018 | Collection

Agricultural Composting Resources for Small Farms

This content collection covers various composting resources such as: introductory composting information, environmental considerations, using composted organic wastes on farms, composting at livestock operations, regulatory information for ...

Apr 2018 | Collection

Fertilizing with Manure and Other Organic Amendments

Are you thinking about using manure to fertilize your farm but want more information? Properly managed manure applications recycle nutrients to crops, improve soil quality, and protect water quality. From deciding ...

Andy I. Bary, Craig G. Cogger, Dan M. Sullivan | Mar 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Nutrient Management Guide for Dryland and Irrigated Alfalfa in the Inland Northwest

Richard T. Koenig, Donald A. Horneck, Tom Platt, Phil Petersen, Robert G. Stevens, Steve Fransen, Bradford D. Brown | Apr 2009 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

The Phosphorus Dilemma

Explains water-quality issues related to excess phosphorus in surface waters. Provides specific ways for homeowners, commercial property managers, irrigated row crop growers, dryland farmers, ranchers, and confined animal ...

Chelsey L. Iida, Clinton Shock | Oct 2007 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Acidifying Soil for Crop Production West of the Cascade Mountains (Western Oregon and Washington)

Explains the relationship between high soil pH and nutrient deficiencies in blueberries, rhododendrons, azaleas, and other ornamental crops. Color photos illustrate symptoms of pH-induced nutrient deficiency. Presents ...

Donald A. Horneck, John M. Hart, Robert G. Stevens, Steven Petrie, James Altland | Feb 2004 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Irrigation Monitoring Using Soil Water Tension

This publication discusses the use of granular matrix sensors (GMS) for monitoring soil moisture content. It explains how to install GMS and use the recorded data for irrigation scheduling.

Clinton Shock, Feng-Xin Wang, Rebecca Flock, Erik Feibert, Cedric A. Shock, Andre Pereira | Jul 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Manure Application Rates for Forage Production

Troy Downing, Dan M. Sullivan | Nov 2020 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Analytical Laboratories Serving Oregon

This guide can be useful for commercial growers, gardeners, and homeowners who wish to use soil, plant, and water analyses to help them make decisions about the use of soil amendments and other management ...

Shannon Andrews, Darrin Walenta, Clare Sullivan, Leticia Henderson (Varelas), Linda Brewer | Jun 2017 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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)

Marketing

Community Supported Agriculture Resources for Small Farms

Community Supported Agriculture is a method of marketing produce in which members subscribe to a farm on a weekly, monthly or annual basis and in return receive a box of fresh produce throughout the growing season. This ...

Apr 2018 | Collection

Farmers' Market Resources for Small Farms

A page dedicated to information about Oregon's Farmers' Markets. This includes: research publications, rules, regulations and general information for local farmers' markets as well.

Apr 2018 | Collection

Farm-direct Marketing: Food Safety and Product Quality

This is the new, eighth publication in the Farm-direct Marketing set. Includes information on aspects of keeping your products fresh and safe, such as proper cooling, handling, and storage, chilling and freezing, ...

Christy Anderson Brekken | May 2016 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Farm-direct Marketing: Merchandising and Pricing Strategies

This revision discusses the strategies direct marketers use to make sales. It includes making a merchandising plan, display and packaging, customer service, pricing strategies and techniques, and promotional techniques for your farm-direct enterprise.

Larry Lev | May 2020 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Resources

Beginning Farmers

Crops

Livestock

Pastures

Soils

Marketing

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