Extension Service Site Publications

• (2024) Livestock disease traceability programs Livestock diseases are best dealt with at the preventive stage. This collection includes links to proactive programs for several livestock species and specific diseases that are available to help with tracing diseases and preventing their spread, as well as continuity of business during an outbreak.
• (2024) Inland Pacific Northwest Pasture Calendar Learn the opportunities and challenges of sustainably raising forages in a diverse environment.
• (2024) Dormant-season grazing research project reduces fine fuels in Malheur County Since 2018, a total of 6,500 tons of fine fuels have been removed during off-season grazing, removing biomass that would otherwise burn in a rangeland wildfire in the 23,000 acres of public lands in Malheur County.
• (2022) Land Management Planning Addresses Ecological Threats Wildfire and Invasive annual grasses and encroaching juniper can threaten the ecosystem and viability of rangeland-based agricultural operations. OSU Extension created an innovative, online land management planning course to equip rangeland-based agricultural producers with the knowledge and skills to develop land management plans that preemptively address ecological threats. As more people enroll, we can further land management plans so all Oregonians can enjoy healthy and diverse landscapes that support secure domestic food systems.
• (2021) Beef Quality Assurance program ensures quality meat and improves profits BQA certification is implemented by Oregon State University Extension Service, which promotes BQA-approved best management practices.
• (2021) Understanding EPDs for Selecting Bulls - Sergio Arispe and Morgan Johnsrud
• (2016) How to sample a lot of hay Sampling hay is important to obtain an accurate forage test, which is necessary if you intent to sell, purchase, or feed hay. This video will highlight how to properly obtain a representative sample of hay from a single lot. The technique described here will demonstrate how to secure a proper sample with a sharp, well-designed coring device in a random manner, which can contribute to the economic viability of beef operations.
• (2016) What is good water quality for beef cattle? Water is the most abundant nutrient in beef cattle accounting for approximately 98% of all molecules in the animal (NRC, 2000). Despite this fact, it is also the most overlooked nutrient to the detriment of the performance and health of animals and economic viability of producers. Cattle need an adequate, accessible, and frequent supply of fresh water to facilitate physical and chemical processes of the body (NRC, 2000). For example, water is needed to produce saliva, which helps breakdown and lubricate feed so it can easily pass through the digestive system. Furthermore, it helps lubricate joints, cushion the nervous system, transport sound, and is necessary for vision.
  
  Water is also necessary for chemical processes, the least of which are for metabolism and energy production. From a chemical standpoint, water is necessary for regulating body temperature, as well as for all aspects of growth and reproduction. Therefore, inadequate water intake can limit growth and production, which can translate to narrower profit margins for producers. That is why it is important to understand factors that influence water nutrition and quality for beef cattle.
• (2016) What causes nitrate toxicity in beef cattle? Nitrate toxicity is a non-infectious and potentially lethal condition whereby cattle consume forages, feedstuffs, or water sources with excessive nitrate concentrations. Recognize factors to allow managers to prevent nitrate toxicity before it becomes costly to the cattle operation.
• (2016) Welcome to Oregon's Outback Oregon’s Outback is a Sustainable Rangeland-Based Beef Production Video Library that highlights best management practices for cow-calf producers and agricultural professionals. Three tenants of sustainable beef production include: economically viable, environmentally responsible, socially diligent.
• (2015) Water nutrition and quality for beef cattle 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.
• (2019) Nitrate toxicity in beef cattle Nitrate toxicity can kill cattle so beef producers must know the causes, symptoms and prevention measures. Here's how to recognize when cattle might be subject to feed or water with excessive nitrate concentrations.
• (2019) Feeding beef cattle cull onions Feeding cull onions to beef cattle can be a way to dispose of culls and reduce costs for beef cattle producers. Feeding too many onions, however, can cause potentially fatal poisoning. Learn how to take advantage of this feed option by following safety practices.
• (2019) How do you photo monitor for rangeland health? Dustin Johnson and Sergio Arispe discuss photo monitoring of rangelands and demonstrate a simple step-by-step process for establishing a permanent photo point.
• (2021) OSU Extension helps ranchers follow strict new antibiotic rules A free new Extension publication is a helpful guide to ranchers
• (2018) PNW Insect Management Handbook - Livestock section The Livestock Section of the PNW Insect Management Handbook has information on controlling flies and other pests of Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Horses, Poultry, Sheep and Goats, and Swine.
  
• (2016) Oregon's Outback: A Video Library Oregon’s Outback is a Sustainable Rangeland-Based Beef Production Video Library that highlights best management practices for cow-calf producers and agricultural professionals. The videos in this library fall within the three tenants of sustainable beef production: 1) economically viable; 2) environmentally responsible; and 3) socially diligent.
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• (2016) The Veterinary Feed Directive: Questions and Answers for Oregon Livestock Producers As of January 2017, Oregon livestock producers must comply with a new federal law that fundamentally changes the way feed-grade antibiotics are used in their operations: The Veterinary Feed Directive. This publication answers some basic questions about the new law, including the livestock operator’s or caretaker’s responsibilities and classifications of medications that are affected and not affected by the VFD.
• (2020) Understanding your forage test results Livestock producers use forage analysis as a management tool to improve livestock nutrition. Learn about the information commonly found in most laboratory forage reports: feed, protein, carbohydrates, fat, energy, ash, minerals, pH, nitrates, RFV and RFQ.