Extension Service Site Publications

• (2024) 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.
• (2024) 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.
• (2024) 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.
• (2024) What is this weed that has overtaken my pasture?
• (2024) 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.
• (2024) 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.
• (2024) 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, nutrient requirements and hay evaluation methods.
• (2024) 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.
  
• (2024) 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.
• (2023) 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.
• (2022) 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.
• (2022) 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.
• (2022) 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.
• (2021) Can I plant a cover crop in late December?
• (2020) 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.
• (2020) 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 viable farm business. Then, develop a working relationship with your county’s land use and planning department to learn about permits and licenses you may need. (Note: meeting with the planning department may take a lot longer than you expect!)
• (2020) 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.
• (2020) 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.
• (2020) 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!
• (2019) 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.
• (2009) 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.
• (2009) 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.
• (2009) 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.
• (2009) 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.
• (2024) 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 property, it doesn’t belong to you; it belongs to everyone in Oregon. The same is true for groundwater in aquifers deep in the soil. If you intend to grow irrigated crops, including pastures, you need to obtain a water right if your property doesn’t have one.
• (2007) 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.
• (2008) 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.
• (2007) 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.
• (2007) 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.
• (2013) 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 instruction guide (with information on establishing, promoting and managing a farmer network) and a toolbox (with tips, examples, case studies, and worksheets).
• (2019) 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 traditional system and a pasture or free-range system. You'll also learn about hazelnuts in swine rations and using hovers in a swine operation.
• (2011) 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.
• (2022) 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 liming material. Learn why, when, and where to collect your soil sample, and get straightforward instructions for how to take the soil sample and choose a lab to perform the analysis.
• (2019) 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.
• (2021) 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 choices to the farm's physical resources, such as soil type, irrigation potential, and climate, and how to choose a production technique, select traditional or specialty crops, and market crops. Emphasizes the importance of considering the family's financial resources, credit options, strengths, and goals. Includes lists of additional resources.
  
  Growing Farms Online Course: Learn how to start a successful sustainable small farm.
  Developed by OSU Small Farms Program faculty and other farm management experts, you will learn the essentials of designing and growing your own thriving farm business. And the entire program is available online, so you can complete it on your time, around your schedule. Turn your dream of owning and operating a small farm or ranch into a successful reality with this popular program!
  Enroll now