Pasture and soil testing/information - Ask Extension
Hello, I was recently made aware of your services and was wondering if it’s possible to have somebody come out to my small hobby farm and teach me a...
Knowledgebase
Pasture and soil testing/information #874428
Asked June 24, 2024, 12:33 PM EDT
Hello, I was recently made aware of your services and was wondering if it’s possible to have somebody come out to my small hobby farm and teach me about pasture and soil Testing/Nutrition? I have a small 5 acre hobby farm with sheep and am still learning since I started from zero background knowledge in farming. I am also located in Monroe/Benton Co. Thank you!
Benton County Oregon
Expert Response
Greetings,
Thank you for reaching out, it is a joy to virtually connect with you. You can think of me as your Small Farms resource librarian (of sorts). While site visits are sometimes a step that we take, we ask that people access our online resources first, and then follow up with specific questions. Our team works in a three county region, so we do as much as we can with one on one phone consultation and catering resources to the step you are taking at the time. Here are our resources to get you started. Please reach back out with follow up questions after reviewing.
1. I highly recommend that you start with our free online pasture management course. It will lay a strong foundation for your land management: Introduction to Pasture and Grazing Management course
2. Here is our library of pasture resources which includes a fertility management piece: https://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/smallfarms/pastures-hay
3. Here are details on soil testing:
Soil testing is an important management practice on all farms, whether growing vegetables for fresh market or pasture for livestock. It’s nearly impossible to determine what a soil needs to be productive, without a soil analysis. There are many types of soil analyses available depending on what information you are seeking. The most commonly requested analysis is for nutrient content, though you may wish to know what organisms are working in your soil, if there are pesticide residues or determine the particle size analysis.
A Guide to Collecting Soil Samples for Farms and Gardens - This publication is a simple guide on “how to take a soil sample”. Remember, the results of the soil test will only be as good as the soil sample taken. Be thorough, collecting a representative sample of the complete area to be tested. Check with the local Extension Service office to see if there is a soil probe available for loan.
A List of Analytical Labs Serving Oregon - This list of labs is updated every few years. Before choosing a lab, call for current prices and procedures for mailing the sample. Labs will often have packages of several analyses for a lower cost than individual tests.
Soil Test Interpretation Guide - Soil tests results may look a little foreign! This guide will help sort out the key points. For further information about specific soil results, contact the local Extension Service office or a private consultant.
4. We would like to connect you to our outreach channels so you can stay informed of our on farm events, workshops, and farmer networking opportunities. Please see below and let me know what you would like me to add you to:
Our regional Small Farms Program (Linn, Lane, Benton Counties) has a variety of ways for you to connect with us, receive information, and to connect with the small farm community in your area. Whether you want to keep up to date on educational and funding opportunities or connect with other land stewards and farmers in your area, we have options. Ways to connect and how to sign up include:
Monthly E-newsletter: We compile resources and share updates once a month through an emailed newsletter. This monthly communication includes upcoming workshops, funding opportunities, new resources, and a classifieds section. We share OSU Extension programs as well as those of partner organizations.
Regional Email Listserv:
For Linn, Benton, and Lane Counties. Receive timely emailed communications regarding workshops, jobs, funding opportunities and more. This is a two way communication option, you can also email the listserv yourself to ask a question, sell farm equipment, post a job opportunity, or organize over a particular topic. Listserv is monitored to assure safety and relevance.
Willamette Women’s Farm Network (WWFN): The WWFN Mission Statement is: Sharing. Learning. Growing Together. We are a community of women from the Willamette Valley of Oregon that are actively engaged in farm and ranch activities. We join together to further our knowledge of farm and ranch related issues both in the market place and in agricultural practices. We are working together to enhance our economic self-sufficiency through shared experience, resources, and visions of how our farm work will impact ourselves and our community. We provide each member a safe, supportive environment and opportunity to learn safety and lawful practices regarding farming/ranching that promotes responsibility, profitability and conservation of the land. WWFN has a directory, email listserv for communications, and a Facebook page. Listserv is monitored to assure safety and relevance.
Statewide Military Veterans Email List: For Military Veterans in Oregon who are exploring the farming path. This two way communication option provides a space to share statewide events and resources relevant to Veterans. You can also email the list serv yourself to ask a question, sell farm equipment, post a job opportunity, or organize over a particular topic.
Thank you for reaching out, it is a joy to virtually connect with you. You can think of me as your Small Farms resource librarian (of sorts). While site visits are sometimes a step that we take, we ask that people access our online resources first, and then follow up with specific questions. Our team works in a three county region, so we do as much as we can with one on one phone consultation and catering resources to the step you are taking at the time. Here are our resources to get you started. Please reach back out with follow up questions after reviewing.
1. I highly recommend that you start with our free online pasture management course. It will lay a strong foundation for your land management: Introduction to Pasture and Grazing Management course
2. Here is our library of pasture resources which includes a fertility management piece: https://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/smallfarms/pastures-hay
3. Here are details on soil testing:
Soil testing is an important management practice on all farms, whether growing vegetables for fresh market or pasture for livestock. It’s nearly impossible to determine what a soil needs to be productive, without a soil analysis. There are many types of soil analyses available depending on what information you are seeking. The most commonly requested analysis is for nutrient content, though you may wish to know what organisms are working in your soil, if there are pesticide residues or determine the particle size analysis.
A Guide to Collecting Soil Samples for Farms and Gardens - This publication is a simple guide on “how to take a soil sample”. Remember, the results of the soil test will only be as good as the soil sample taken. Be thorough, collecting a representative sample of the complete area to be tested. Check with the local Extension Service office to see if there is a soil probe available for loan.
A List of Analytical Labs Serving Oregon - This list of labs is updated every few years. Before choosing a lab, call for current prices and procedures for mailing the sample. Labs will often have packages of several analyses for a lower cost than individual tests.
Soil Test Interpretation Guide - Soil tests results may look a little foreign! This guide will help sort out the key points. For further information about specific soil results, contact the local Extension Service office or a private consultant.
4. We would like to connect you to our outreach channels so you can stay informed of our on farm events, workshops, and farmer networking opportunities. Please see below and let me know what you would like me to add you to:
Our regional Small Farms Program (Linn, Lane, Benton Counties) has a variety of ways for you to connect with us, receive information, and to connect with the small farm community in your area. Whether you want to keep up to date on educational and funding opportunities or connect with other land stewards and farmers in your area, we have options. Ways to connect and how to sign up include:
Monthly E-newsletter: We compile resources and share updates once a month through an emailed newsletter. This monthly communication includes upcoming workshops, funding opportunities, new resources, and a classifieds section. We share OSU Extension programs as well as those of partner organizations.
Regional Email Listserv:
For Linn, Benton, and Lane Counties. Receive timely emailed communications regarding workshops, jobs, funding opportunities and more. This is a two way communication option, you can also email the listserv yourself to ask a question, sell farm equipment, post a job opportunity, or organize over a particular topic. Listserv is monitored to assure safety and relevance.
Willamette Women’s Farm Network (WWFN): The WWFN Mission Statement is: Sharing. Learning. Growing Together. We are a community of women from the Willamette Valley of Oregon that are actively engaged in farm and ranch activities. We join together to further our knowledge of farm and ranch related issues both in the market place and in agricultural practices. We are working together to enhance our economic self-sufficiency through shared experience, resources, and visions of how our farm work will impact ourselves and our community. We provide each member a safe, supportive environment and opportunity to learn safety and lawful practices regarding farming/ranching that promotes responsibility, profitability and conservation of the land. WWFN has a directory, email listserv for communications, and a Facebook page. Listserv is monitored to assure safety and relevance.
Statewide Military Veterans Email List: For Military Veterans in Oregon who are exploring the farming path. This two way communication option provides a space to share statewide events and resources relevant to Veterans. You can also email the list serv yourself to ask a question, sell farm equipment, post a job opportunity, or organize over a particular topic.
