Crop Alerts

Volunteer potato control recommendations for 2020

Potato    All Locations

volunteer potatoes

Posted on: June 10, 2020 by Jerry Neufeld

The pdf below contains "Volunteer potato control recommendations for 2020." This information is provided by Dr. Pamela J.S. Hutchinson, Potato Cropping Systems Weed Scientist, University of Idaho Aberdeen R&E Center.

» Volunteer_potato_control_recommendations_for_2020_HUTCHINSON_June_02_2016.pdf

Stripe rust (or Yellow Rust) in Wheat - Western Idaho

All Crops    All Locations

Stripe rust on wheat

Posted on: June 5, 2020 by Juliet Marshall

Stripe rust has found its way to western Idaho, reported from at least two locations (with accompanying picture), one location was on UI Magic CL+. (Thanks Oliver Neher!) The growth stage of winter wheat in that area is past the window of fungicide application, and is currently in grain fill. Spring wheat is still vulnerable and susceptible varieties should be scouted for the appearance of stripe rust.

In the Magic Valley and into eastern Idaho, winter wheat is heading and susceptible varieties are still vulnerable to significant yield loss associated with stripe rust infection. Stripe rust reaction of last year’s varieties in the Extension Variety Trials is reported in the 2019 Small Grains Report available online at https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/cereals/scseidaho. (The data is included here as attachments.). Also keep an eye out for stripe rust on barley. No barley stripe rust has been reported so far this year.

Please note that while some wheat varieties were reported as resistant in 2019, race changes were reported in California by Dr. Mark Lundy (UC Davis pathologist) in this year’s crop; therefore scouting of all varieties is recommended this season. Please report observations so we can keep track of the in-season spread.

The weather forecast for this and especially next week is very conducive to stripe rust spread and infection. Fungicide application recommendations developed through NCERA-184 pathologists, coordinated by Dr. Erick De Wolfe Kansas State University, is also attached.

» https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/cereals/scseidaho

» NCERA184 Wheat Fungicide table for 2020

» Winter Wheat Reaction to Stripe rust in 2019

New edition of Potato Production Systems

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: June 5, 2020 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Mike Thornton, Professor of Plant Sciences, University of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Center is reporting that a new edition of Potato Production Systems was published recently by Springer Publishing. The comprehensive book includes contributions by 39 authors, 22 of whom are current or emeritus U of I faculty. The book, originally published by UI Extension in 2003, functions as a textbook for CALS Potato Science course and as a reference for potato industry professionals. You can find more information about the book on the Springer website by clicking on the link below.

» https://www.springer.com/us/book/9783030391560

EPA Releases Temporary Guidance on Respiratory Protection for Agricultural Pesticide Handlers During COVID-19

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 3, 2020 by Christy Tanner

The temporary guidance outlines approaches to address the unavailability of required respiratory protection and respiratory fit testing that should first be exhausted before considering any alternative options. Options include:
• Use alternative NIOSH-approved respirators offering equivalent or greater respiratory protection than those required on the pesticide label;
• Hire commercial applicator services with enough respirators and respiratory protection capabilities;
• Opt to use agricultural pesticide products that do not require respirators; or
• Delay pesticide applications until another compliant option is available.
If the above options are exhausted, EPA’s guidance provides additional options with strict terms, conditions, and exhaustion requirements to minimize potential incremental risks to workers:
• Reuse and extended use of disposable N95 filter facepiece respirator;
• Use of “expired” respirators;
• Use of respirators certified in certain other countries or jurisdictions meeting protective conditions outlined; or
• Delay the annual respirator “fit test.”
This is a temporary policy. EPA will assess the continued need for and scope of this temporary guidance on a regular basis. To read the guidance in full and to learn more about EPA’s Worker Protection Standard, visit this webpage: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/statement-regarding-respiratory-protection-shortages-and-reduced-availability-respirator

» https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/statement-regarding-respiratory-protection-shortages-and-reduced-availability-respirator

COVID-19 Guidance for Ag Employers and Workers

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 2, 2020 by Stuart Reitz

The CDC and US Department of Labor have released guidance to protect agricultural workers on farms and other work sites. Please take time to review the recommendations to maintain a safe work environment and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in your communities.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-agricultural-workers.html

» https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-agricultural-workers.html

Ag Talk Tuesday - June 2

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 1, 2020 by Juliet Marshall

Greetings!
This Tuesday (June 2) brings another Ag Talk Tuesday session of the season. These online interactive sessions occur every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the growing season (May through August) from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM MT and provide an opportunity for UofI and the ag industry to share and exchange information about current season crop issues. Featured topics are also presented.

After crop updates, the featured topics are "In-season nutrient management with soil and petiole sampling” with Linda Schott and
"Weed and chemical load on compost vs manure” with Mario E. de Haro-Martí.

You must Register in advance for this meeting:
https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpAkc-uvqTwpZF4DlEg_ZcN8xYE9ezZSkQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

If you have already registered, you will not need to register again.

Attached is a flyer for your use to help spread the word.

A schedule with featured topics is available here: https://webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/ATT.html Check back often as items are added regularly.

Sincerely,
Your Ag Talk Tuesday Organizers:
Kasia Duellman
Pamela J.S. Hutchinson
Juliet Marshall

» https://webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/ATT.html

» Ag Talk Tuesday 2020

Ag Talk Tuesdays - May 19 - Register in Advance to Attend

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 16, 2020 by Kasia Duellman, Juliet Marshall, Pam Hutchinson

Hello All:

Please join UI Extension Specialists, Extension Educators and ag professionals for Ag Talk Tuesdays. These sessions occur every first and third Tuesday, May through August. Listen to a featured presentation, hear crop pest and disease updates for the current season, engage with industry professionals, ask questions, provide your crop updates, or sit back and listen on your phone, tablet or laptop with Zoom.

Register in advance for this meeting (required):
https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpAkc-uvqTwpZF4DlEg_ZcN8xYE9ezZSkQ

Register once to be able to attend all 2020 sessions.

To learn more about Ag Talk Tuesdays and to view a schedule of featured presentations, please check the calendar here (check back often as new topics are added regularly): https://webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/ATT.html

After the sessions, read the Ag Talk Report newsletter - this newsletter provides a summary of Ag Talk Tuesday highlights, plus additional timely information that wasn't covered during the live session. The current issue and past issues can be found here:
https://webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/ATT.html

Please distribute this information far and wide.

Sincerely,
Kasia

--------------------------------------
KASIA M. DUELLMAN, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Extension Seed Potato Specialist

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology
kduellman@uidaho.edu
webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/
208-757-5476 | 701-793-9456 (Cell)
U of I Idaho Falls | 1776 Science Center Drive, Suite 205 | Idaho Falls ID 83402 | United States

Ag Talk Tuesday May 5 - Register in Advance

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 4, 2020 by Juliet Marshall, Kasia Duellman

To: Producers, fieldmen, agronomists, consultants and others in ag
From: Kasia Duellman, University of Idaho Extension Specialist
Re: 2020 UofI Ag Talk Tuesdays

Greetings!

You are invited to attend the 2020 sessions of Ag Talk Tuesday. Ag Talk Tuesdays for 2020 kick off next Tuesday May 5, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. You can attend by Zoom on your computer or you can call in on your phone. More information on what Ag Talk Tuesdays are and an agenda for each session can be found here: https://webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/ATT.html

Check back often as featured topics are added. Registration is required.

Register in advance to attend: https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpAkc-uvqTwpZF4DlEg_ZcN8xYE9ezZSkQ

Once your registration is approved, you will receive instructions on how to join the meeting by Zoom or by your phone.

We hope you can fit these sessions in your busy schedule. The more participation we have, the more interesting and relevant these interactive sessions will be. Listen to Featured Topics, ask questions, provide insight from your own experiences as the season progresses and as issues arise, participate in discussion, or just listen in. A follow up newsletter, The Ag Talk Report, will be released after each session to give more info on topics discussed and those not broached.

Wishing you a productive season!

Sincerely,
Kasia
--------------------------------------
KASIA M. DUELLMAN, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Extension Seed Potato Specialist

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology
kduellman@uidaho.edu
webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/
208-757-5476 | 701-793-9456 (Cell)
U of I Idaho Falls | 1776 Science Center Drive, Suite 205 | Idaho Falls ID 83402 | United States

Malheur County Onion Maggot Control

Onion    Northern Idaho

Onion Maggot

Posted on: April 28, 2020 by Stuart Reitz

Please remember the Malheur County Onion Maggot Control order remains in effect until July 1 mandating the proper disposal or treatment of culls, including volunteers, to protect this season’s onion crop. If you have questions or concerns regarding the Order, please contact Casey Prentiss (see his contact below).

Malheur County Onion Maggot Control Order

The Onion Maggot Control Order 603-052-0360 for Malheur County requires that all cull or waste onions in Malheur County have to be disposed of by a method approved of within this control order prior to March 15th each year. The objective of the control order is to protect the onion industry from the Onion Maggot pest.

Please keep in mind that the cull onion disposal order remains in effect and will be enforced through July 1. All cull or waste onions are required to be disposed of, plowed under and covered by 12 inches of onion-free soil by March 15th at the latest. Additionally, for cull onions produced after the March 15 deadline until July 1 the Control Order permits only a maximum of one week for proper disposal.
Culls include “volunteer” onions growing in last season’s fields, which may be planted to another crop at this time. Because the Control Order remains in effect until July 1, volunteer onions still need to be disposed of or treated properly.

The Onion Maggot Control Order offers several disposal options:

A) Disposal by covering in a dump site approved by the Oregon Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ). Culls and onion debris shall be dumped and covered by at least 12 inches of onion-free soil by March 15 each year;

(B) Disposal by animal feeding: Culls and onion debris shall be completely removed from feeding areas by March 15 and buried under 12 inches of onion-free soil. Onions tramped into the soil so they cannot be removed shall be plowed to a depth of 12 inches;

(C) Disposal by chopping or shredding: Chopped or shredded onion debris that is incapable of
sprouting may be returned to the field at the DEQ-approved tonnage rate which is no higher than 80 tons per acre and plowed to a depth where no onion parts are exposed on the surface;

(D) Composting: All onion debris shall be incorporated into the compost bed and completely covered by 12 inches of onion-free soil;

(E) Disposal of residue in onion producing fields: Commercial onion fields where sort out bulbs are left at harvest shall be disked to destroy the bulbs and shall be plowed to a depth of at least 12 inches by March 15 each year. Seed bulbs shall be disposed of in the same manner following the last harvest;

(F) Culls may be treated with an EPA-labeled insecticide. David Priebe of the ODA Pesticides Program has provided a list of insecticides that can be sprayed on wheat and/or sugar beet fields for onion maggot control. Please see the link below.

Please contact the Ontario ODA office at 541-889-5274 or Casey Prentiss directly at 541-212-3361 cprentiss@oda.state.or.us

» Malheur Onion Maggot Control Order - Insecticide List

Adjusting Cropping Systems Due to Market Impacts from COVID19

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 25, 2020 by Juliet Marshall

ADJUSTING CROPPING SYSTEMS AFFECTED BY THE COVID-19
Walsh, O.S., Cropping Systems Agronomist, University of Idaho, Parma R&E Center
Thornton, M., Plant Scientist, University of Idaho, Parma R&E Center
Marshall, J.M., Cereal Cropping Systems Agronomist and Pathologist, Aberdeen R&E Center
Morishita, D., Weed Scientist, University of Idaho, Kimberly R&E Center (retired)
Felix, J., Weed Scientist, Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station
and Hatzenbuehler, P.L., Agricultural Economist, University of Idaho, Twin Falls R&E Center

The agricultural sector has begun to struggle with the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic shocks on Idaho and Oregon agricultural industries have hit dairy, beef onion, and potato producers particularly hard. This is partially driven by the school and restaurant industry closures, where mass quantities of these products are typically utilized. Thus, the impact has been more immediate and direct compared to other commodities.
Following the shelter-in-place orders in Idaho and Oregon, the negative effects of the reduction in food consumption are now coming to light. Most crop producers implement yearly rotations – alternating the annual crops grown on a specific field in a planned pattern in successive crop years. Many Idaho and Oregon growers have been forced to cut their planned potato, barley and onion acreage due to loss of processing contracts for the 2020-21 crop year. With planting under way, many farmers are looking for ways to sustain their productivity.
Adjusting crop rotations may enable producers to stay profitable. Planting different crops such as small grain cereals, beans or corn are some options that may be appropriate for acres initially intended for potatoes and onions. Agricultural practices such as fertilization, herbicide and other pesticide applications already completed last fall and/or this spring are some of the key practices that must be considered. Agricultural inputs that have already been applied could have a significant impact on the alternative crops eventually planted in those fields. Finally, there may be serious implications if the fields are replanted to the same crop as in the previous year. To help growers make more informed planting decisions this spring, the University of Idaho and Oregon State University researchers put the following guidelines in place.

Nutrients/soil fertility
Situation:
• Most onion and potato fields receive relatively low rates of nitrogen fertilizer (less than 100 pounds per acre) prior to planting.
• Both crops traditionally receive high applications of phosphorus and potassium at the time of bedding in the Fall.
Recommendations:
• Take a new soil sample (2 ft depth) now to determine the current levels of nutrients in each field. For soil testing instructions, please refer to Soil Sampling guide.
• If the soil contains more than 150 pounds of nitrogen per acre in 2 ft sample – beans are not recommended (excessive nitrogen in the soil will hinder nodulation in bean roots). If soil nitrogen levels suggest that a bean crop may be successful in a field, levels of phosphorus and potassium must be considered. If the soil contains at least 120 ppm of potassium in the 12 inch-sample – no additional potassium fertilization is required. Furthermore, soils containing more than 30 ppm (12-inch sample, Olson) require no additional phosphorus, even at the highest free lime content. For complete information regarding bean crop nutrient management, please refer to the Southern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Beans.
• Spring wheat may be a good choice for the fields relatively high in nitrogen. An irrigated soft white spring wheat crop with a yield potential of 120 bushels per acre (typical for southern Idaho) requires a total of 240 pounds of nitrogen per acre. As a rule of thumb, two pounds of available nitrogen per bushel are required for irrigated soft white spring wheat. Hard red and white spring wheat requires additional nitrogen, in the range of 2.5 to 3.0 pounds of nitrogen per bushel with additional nitrogen top-dressed at heading to flowering to meet protein requirements. For detailed information on spring wheat nutrient management, refer to Southern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Irrigated Spring Wheat. Please note, that high levels of phosphorus (above the 20 ppm in the top 12-inch soil sample) may reduce wheat yields. Although addition of potassium to wheat is not required at more than 75 ppm (12-inch soil sample), higher potassium levels should not cause issues for wheat growth.
• Silage corn may be another good option for fields high in nitrogen. For a silage yield of 40-50 tons per acre, at least 100 pounds of nitrogen in the soil (based on the 2 ft soil sample) are recommended. Higher levels of potassium and phosphorus are not an issue for most corn hybrids. For complete information, please refer to Nutrient Management for Field Corn Silage and Grain. Sileage varieties of wheat, triticale and barley are also available.

Herbicides and other pesticides
Situation:
• Most potato fields should not have received herbicides yet. Many onion fields would have had Dual Magnum applied last Fall and may have gotten an application of a soil residual herbicide (Ex. Prowl or Nortron) this Spring.
• Furthermore, fumigants may have already been applied last Fall or this Spring.
Recommendations:
• Make sure to check the label for all pesticides that have been applied to determine plant back restrictions.
• Fields that have received Dual Magnum are suitable for both beans and corn (forage, grain or sweet) planting. Herbicides such as Dual Magnum and Prowl would eliminate the possibility of planting small grain cereal crops like spring wheat or barley.
• Fumigants should not impact subsequent crops. If fumigants have been applied, there should be no damage to the crops themselves, just the additional expense associated with application.

Additional considerations
• For cereals, expect a reduction in yield associated with soil-borne pathogens. Use certified seed with appropriate seed treatments, and plant to a uniform seed depth of about 1 to 1.5 inches in good moisture to allow rapid emergence. Make sure volunteer grasses (including cereals) are removed two-three weeks prior to planting.
• Regarding farm management, the Farm Bureau has several resources available online to help keep you and your staff stay safe and physically and mentally healthy. Such resources include draft email templates to send to staff to inform them of protocols and procedures that are being and/or will be instituted to ensure the safety and health of all is maintained throughout the growing and harvest seasons (https://www.fb.org/land/impact-covid19-on-ag).
• Ensuring that best practices for crop and commodity storage are maintained may help provide opportunities for sales later in the current crop year or early in the 2020-21 crop year as supply chains are re-established or alternative supply chains emerge.
• For cash flow considerations, USDA ARC/PLC program payments for the 2019-20 crop year are expected to be made in October 2020. PLC payments for producers with base acres in wheat remain likely despite an upward change in the estimated marketing year average (MYA) price 2019-20 in the USDA WASDE report for April 9, 2020 from the March report (from $4.55/bu to $4.60/bu, with a reference price of $5.50/bu). The 2019-20 barley MYA remained unchanged at $4.60, and a PLC payment is still expected due to a reference price of $4.95/bu. The MYA price for corn was revised downward from $3.80/bu to $3.60/bu, so a PLC payment may now also be made for corn (reference price of $3.70/bu).
• Uncertainty remains regarding eligibility, payment rates, and timeline for USDA administered agricultural producer payments under several bills enacted by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the payments made under the discretion Office of the Secretary of the USDA are likely to be allocated to specialty crops (including potatoes) and other agricultural industries (such as cattle) not covered under Farm Bill Title I (except dairy is expected to be included in both). More details will be provided by the USDA will be forthcoming, but payments may likely occur around October 2020 as is planned with the PLC/ARC programs (https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2020/04/17/usda-announces-coronavirus-food-assistance-program).

» Adjusting_Cropping_Systems_affected_by_the_COVID-_final.pdf

UofI Ag Talk Tuesday Sessions resume May 5

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: April 22, 2020 by Kasia Duellman

The 2020 season of Ag Talk Tuesday sessions will be held the first and third Tuesdays of May, June, July and August during 2020. The first Ag Talk Tuesday session for 2020 kicks off online on May 5 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Join University of Idaho personnel and your peers in agriculture to discuss current crop issues and timely topics as the field season progresses. Each session will offer featured topics along with other items determined by YOU and those who attend. Meetings are held 1st and 3rd Tuesdays during May, June, July and August, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Pre-registration is required for online sessions. To register, click on this link and follow the instructions: https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpAkc-uvqTwpZF4DlEg_ZcN8xYE9ezZSkQ

Once your registration is approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to attend the 2020 Ag Talk Tuesday sessions.

These sessions are FREE! Click here for more information and check the site frequently for updates: https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/news

» https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/news

» https://webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/ATT.html

Focus on Potato webcasts available at no cost.

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: April 21, 2020 by Jeff Miller

Focus on Potato webcasts (as well as all PMN webcasts) are now available for viewing at no cost. These webcasts are a great learning resource.

» https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/infocenter/topic/focusonpotato/

Potato Growers: Be prepared for the updated USDA GAP Audit

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: March 24, 2020 by Nora Olsen

The University of Idaho has updated the previously available Potato GAP Audit Organizational Manual. The UI manual is designed to simplify the collection of information necessary to pass the USDA GAP Audit and is now available for download at https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/food-and-farm-safety. Included are helpful hints, adaptable standard operating procedures (SOP), examples of policies, documentation and records to use, employee health and hygiene policies in English and Spanish, description of a mock recall drill, and other resource information.

In September of 2019 the USDA replaced and updated their Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) & Good Handling Practices (GHP) Audit Verification Checklist. The updated UI GAP Audit Organizational Manual incorporated these changes into the newest version and this manual can be used in preparing for the 2020 GAP Audit.

Attached is an article highlighting some of the changes and additional helpful hints to develop a strong food safety plan and to successfully pass the USDA GAP Audit.

» https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/food-and-farm-safety

Stripe rust upate and forecast for Idaho and PNW

All Crops    All Locations

Stripe rust - Forecast and Update, March 1, 2020, Xianming Chen

Posted on: March 2, 2020 by Juliet Marshall

Quick Summary:

Stripe rust forecast for the PNW is at a severe epidemic level.

Areas in southern and eastern Idaho are not in the same forecast zone; Northern Idaho and the Palouse may not follow the exact same forecast or disease pattern.

It is still important to be aware of varieties that are susceptible - we will post alerts when stripe rust first appears. Please share sitings with us! (jmarshall@uidaho.edu)

Fungicide application with herbicide application is recommended for susceptible varieties.
Please read Dr. Chen’s email below for details.


Stripe Rust Forecast and Update, March 1, 2020

Xianming Chen

Stripe rust is forecasted to be in the severe epidemic level in the eastern Pacific Northwest

Based on the prediction models using the weather data from November 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020, wheat stripe rust is forecasted to be in the severe epidemic level range (40-60% yield loss) in the 2020 growing season. The models predicted highly susceptible varieties to have 44% to 53% with an average of 48% yield loss. This number is higher than the 44% forecasted in January based only on the November-December weather conditions. According to this prediction, susceptible and moderately susceptible commercially grown varieties will likely to have up to 24% yield losses.

Stripe rust was found in eastern Washington and Oregon

On February 26, we were checking wheat fields in Lincoln, Douglas, Grant, Adams, Franklin, Benton, and Walla Walla counties of Washington. Wheat was still dormant in Lincoln and Douglass counties, but has started growing in other counties, especially in Benton and Walla Walla counties. We found one leaf with active stripe rust (Figure 1) in a field in Lincoln County, where we easily found stripe rust in last November. We did not found rust in Douglass County, even in the fields where we were easily found stripe rust in last November. No stripe rust was found in other counties, except in our experiment field near Walla Walla. When we arrived at the field, it was already dark but we managed to found stripe rust on the susceptible check variety with cell phone light. One spot had 3-4 leaves producing active rust spores (Figure 2).

Figure 1. Stripe rust observed in a winter wheat field between Creston and Wilbur (Lincoln County), Washington on February 26, 2020.

Figure 2. Stripe rust found in a disease monitoring nursery near Walla Walla, WA on February 26, 2020.

On February 26, Christina Hagerty found active stripe rust on the same highly susceptible wheat variety in our stripe rust monitoring nursery planted in Pendleton (Umatilla County), Oregon (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Stripe rust in a disease monitoring nursery at Pendleton, Oregon on February 26, 2020. (Courtesy of Christina Hagerty)

Recommendations for the Pacific Northwest

As the stripe rust has started, management of the disease on winter wheat should start at the time of herbicide application based on the stripe rust ratings in the Seed Buying Guides (such as http://washingtoncrop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2019-portrait.pdf). For fields planted with varieties rated 5-9 (such as Keldin, LCS Jet, WB4311, Curiosity CL+, Eltan, UI Magic CL+, Xerpha, and ORCL 102), fungicide should be used at the time of herbicide application. For fields planted with varieties rated 4, scout the fields and use fungicide at the time of herbicide application only when active rust is found. For fields planted with varieties rated 1-3, fungicide is not needed.

As stripe rust will be likely severe, planting spring varieties with ratings 1 to 4 may void using fungicide.

Stripe rust in the country

In addition to Oregon and Washington, stripe rust has been reported in Louisiana.

Treasure Valley Hemp Conference

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: February 11, 2020 by Stuart Reitz

The Treasure Valley Hemp Conference is an educational and community building event for the hemp industry being held in Ontario Oregon on February 21st and 22nd at the Four Rivers Cultural Center.

Please see the following website for information http://www.treasurevalleyhempconference.com

» http://www.treasurevalleyhempconference.com

» Hemp Conference Flyer

Canyon County Comprehensive Plan 2040 Update

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: February 6, 2020 by Jerry Neufeld

Canyon County is updating its Comprehensive Plan and is seeking input from local Farmers and Ranchers and rural residents. If you would like to provide input, one way you can do that is to complete their surveys at www.canyonco.org/surveys. The surveys are open until February 29, 2020.

» DOC017.pdf

2020 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Seminar Handouts

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: February 6, 2020 by Jeff Miller

Miller Research held its 2020 Potato Pest Management Seminar on January 28, 2020, in Rupert, ID. Handouts from the meeting are available at the accompanying link.

» https://millerresearch.com/2020/01/handouts-from-the-miller-research-potato-pest-management-seminar/

Worker Protection Standard Training in Spanish and English

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 21, 2020 by Christy Tanner

Unlicensed pesticide handlers and agricultural workers must receive annual training under the WPS, which applies in agriculture, forestry, and nurseries. While you can find training materials and guidance online, this session is offered annually for your convenience by OSU Extension. $25.00 per person

Los manipuladores de pesticidas sin licencia deben recibir entrenamiento anual bajo el WPS, que se aplica en agricultura, silvicultura y viveros. Si bien puede encontrar materiales de entrenamiento y orientación en línea, Extensión de OSU ofrece esta sesión anualmente para su conveniencia. $25.00 por persona

Training sessions held on 1/22/2020 at the Malheur County Extension Office
710 SW 5th Ave. Ontario, OR 97914
Agenda:
https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/psep/worker-protection-standard
Register:
https://secure.touchnet.net/C20159_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2333&SINGLESTORE=true

» https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/psep/worker-protection-standard

» https://secure.touchnet.net/C20159_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2333&SINGLESTORE=true

Produce safety Alliance - Grower Training

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 14, 2020 by Stuart Reitz

ODA and OSU Extension are offering a Produce Safety Alliance - Grower Training

Location: Malheur County Extension, 710 SW 5th Ave., Ontario, OR 97914
Date: January 30, 2020
Time 7:30 AM - 5PM

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/produce-safety-alliance-psa-grower-training-tickets-68508090543?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Description

Your ticket purchase includes the following:

Full-day of instruction by certified Produce Safety Alliance trainers

Certificate of course completion ($35 value)

PSA Grower Training manual ($50 value)

Morning snack, coffee, lunch (Please contact Brittany at 971-218-1409 if you have dietary restrictions)

2-3 pesticide credits (pending ODA approval)

Who Should Attend

Produce growers, buyers, and others interested in learning about:

Best food safety practices for growing, harvesting and packing produce

Key requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule

Even if your farm or operation isn't covered by the rule (check here!) this low-cost, up-to-the-minute training is a great opportunity for anyone growing, harvesting or handling covered produce.

As a reminder, the PSA Grower Training Course is currently the only way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires ‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’

What to Expect at the PSA Grower Training Course

The trainers will covercontent contained on:

Introduction to Produce Safety

Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training

Soil Amendments

Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use

Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)

Postharvest Handling and Sanitation

How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

In addition to learning about produce safety best practices, key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements are outlined within each module. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions.

Benefits of Attending the Course

The course will provide a foundation of FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements and details on how to develop a farm food safety plan. Individuals who participate in this course are expected to gain a basic understanding of:

Microorganisms relevant to produce safety and where they may be found on the farm

How to identify microbial risks, practices that reduce risks, and how to begin implementing produce safety practices on the farm

Parts of a farm food safety plan and how to begin writing one

Requirements in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and how to meet them.

After attending the entire course, participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) that verifies they have completed the training course. Participants must be at least 14 years of age to receive the AFDO certificate. To receive an AFDO certificate, a participant must be present for the entire training and submit the appropriate paperwork to their trainer at the end of the course.

Questions?

Call Brittany Mills at 971-218-1409 or bmills@oda.state.or.us

Funding for this training was made possible, in part, by the Food and Drug Administration through grant PAR-16-137. The views expressed in written materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does any mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organization imply endorsement by the United States Government.

» https://www.eventbrite.com/e/produce-safety-alliance-psa-grower-training-tickets-68508090543?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Malheur County Pest Management Short Course

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 9, 2020 by Christy Tanner

Pesticide re-certification course

12 Oregon and 9 Idaho Pesticide credits anticipated
will include 2 aerial credits for Oregon aerial applicators

February 18th, 7:30 am - 5:00 pm and February 19th, 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Four Rivers Cultural Center, 676 SW 5th Ave. Ontario OR

Registration: $80 per person
Call 541-881-1417 or email christy.tanner@oregonstate.edu to register

» 2020_short_course_flyer.pdf

Idaho Potato Conference Technical Room

Potato    All Locations

Potatoes

Posted on: January 7, 2020 by Nora Olsen

2020 Idaho Potato Conference January 22-23, 2020 in Pocatello, ID

New this year: Technical Room

The Clearwater room at the ISU Student Union Building will be transformed into 1-hour opportunities to learn, interact and ask questions with various companies on the technical use of their equipment. This year companies will focus on agronomic software programs, air-separators, and storage panels.

Agrian and Trimble will be available to talk specifics about their agronomic software programs.

Questions about your harvest air-separators/systems? Spudnik and Lockwood will be available to answer your questions.

IVI, Agri-Stor/Gellert and BTU Ventilation will each be available to go over the various options/opportunities with their storage panels and answer any questions you may have.

Schedule for the Technical Room:

Wednesday January 22, 2020
9:15 to 10:15 am – Agrian (agronomic software program)
11:00 am to noon – Spudnik (harvest equipment)
1:30 to 2:30 pm – Trimble (agronomic software program)
3:00 to 4:00 pm – IVI Industrial Ventilation Inc (storage panels)
4:15-5:15 pm – Agri-Stor/Gellert (storage panels)

Thursday January 23, 2020
8:30 to 9:30 am – Lockwood (harvest equipment)
9:45 to 10:45 am – BTU Ventilation (storage panels)

Visit idahopotatoconference.com for more information and to register for the conference.