Hi Roger,

Here are a few resources to get you started:

Soil testing labs:

https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em8677

Soil amendments:

https://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/calculator

https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw508

https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw646

https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw533

https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec1657

General pasture management:

https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw699

https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw614

https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9303

Weed management:

http://pnwhandbooks.org/weed/pasture-rangeland/small-pastures/general-weed-management-information

For information about the barley seeds and controlling the thistle, I have a few questions for you. What type of thistle do you have? can you give more detail about your questions about the barley? Are you looking for barley seed to plant and grow as a hay crop? It might be easier to chat over the phone. Feel free to give me a call at<personal data hidden> and we can talk more about your situation and some management ideas.

- Christy

Linn County Extension

That does look like Canada thistle to me. It is difficult to control because it stores energy in its extensive root system, so it takes several years to control. Here are some resources that might help:

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_018027.pdf

https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/natural-resources/canada-thistle-3-108/

https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weeds/canada-thistle

My schedule is fairly open tomorrow, so any time works for a call. I will just give you a call back if I miss you.

Christy

Hi Roger,

It was nice to talk with you. Teagan Moran (<personal data hidden>) is the contact for the Small Farms program, and she can help you reach out to their regional email listserv.

Christy