Personal Connections: What Women in Sustainable Agriculture Value in Their Professional Development

We designed a national sustainable agriculture conference for women farmers and agricultural professionals to provide a supportive environment in which participants felt comfortable to learn, share, contribute, question, network, and make connections affecting their personal and professional lives. Through postconference and later retrospective evaluations, we identified key concepts that Extension professionals and others hosting agricultural events may consider when engaging women participants. Women in sustainable agriculture may prioritize choosing a conference, and are more likely to participate fully, when it is women focused. Women appreciate hands-on experiences and learning from experts and peers but value most the opportunity to connect with other women in similar circumstances

Creating farmer networks : a toolkit for promoting vibrant farm communities

Published February 2013. Reviewed February 2017. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalogA 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)

A guide to collecting soil samples for farms and gardens

Laboratory soil tests help you develop and maintain more productive soil and increase crop production by providing information on the available nutrient content of your soil. Soil testing helps you select the correct kind and amount of fertilizer and liming material. Recommendations are based on the results of fertilizer experiments, soil surveys, and results obtained by farmers. This publication gives concise discussions on why, when, and where to collect your soil sample, and straightforward instructions for how to take the soil sample and choose a lab to perform the analysis.Revised June 2002. Revised September 2013. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalo

Managing small-acreage horse farms in central and eastern Oregon

Some good goals for a well-managed, small-acreage horse farm are: • A productive pasture with plenty of grass and few weeds • Less dust during the dry season and less mud during the wet season • Healthy horses free of problems associated with dust, manure, mud, and toxic plants • Manure managed as an important resource on the farm or recycled off the farm • Good stewardship of your property and the water that flows through, across, and below it • Satisfied owners who are able to conveniently care for their animals without dreading the chorePublished November 2007. Reviewed December 2013. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalo