They also conserve our soil and water resources by reducing soil erosion and serving as filters to purify surface and ground waters. Despite this enormous importance and value of forages to Oregon, pastures represent a largely untapped resource for Oregon farmers and ranchers. This publication will provide an introduction to the fundamentals of improved pasture management. Application of these principles will permit coastal Oregon farmers and livestock operators to more effectively utilize pasture resources of the region. The soils and climate of Coastal Oregon make it well suited to growing grass.
Temperatures are mild due to the moderating effect of the Pacific Ocean.
This results in a long, mild growing season without temperature extremes. The average frost-free period in Astoria, for example, is 276 days and the average temperature is 51 F. Rainfall, though abundant, is not evenly distributed throughout the year. Seventy-five percent of the annual rainfall occurs between October and March. Cool soil temperatures during this period restrict grass growth. Profitable pasture-based production systems in Coastal Oregon must account for these seasonal fluctuations in feed production.