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More potato psyllids found in Idaho potato fields
All Crops All Locations
potato psyllids
Posted on: June 6, 2014 by Erik Wenninger
The University of Idaho, in collaboration with Miller Research and several crop consultants across the state initiated a scouting program during the week of May 18 that covers commercial potato fields throughout southern Idaho.
Earlier this week, we reported finding one potato psyllid on a yellow sticky trap in a potato field in Jerome County. In addition, this week on yellow sticky traps we have found a total of six more psyllids across four potato fields located in Malheur (Oregon), Payette, and Canyon Counties.
This week we also collected six psyllids across two bittersweet nightshade sites in Twin Falls County.
All of these psyllids have been sent to the main campus to be tested for liberibacter (Lso), the bacterium that causes zebra chip disease.
The online spreadsheet that shows detailed results of the monitoring efforts and location of fields (by county) will be available very soon.
More information and resources on potato psyllids and zebra chip, including management and scouting recommendations, can be found at the link below.
http://extension.uidaho.edu/kimberly/tag/potato-psyllid-and-zebra-chip/
» http://extension.uidaho.edu/kimberly/tag/potato-psyllid-and-zebra-chip/
2014 Malheur Experiment Station Weed Tour
Announcements Treasure Valley
Posted on: June 6, 2014 by Jerry Neufeld
The following information is provided by Dr. Joel Felix, Associate Professor of Weed Ecology and Management at the Malheur Experiment Station with Oregon State University.
This is a reminder for the upcoming 2014 Malheur Experiment Station Weed Tour.
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Registration at 8:30-9:00am with coffee and donuts, at the Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Ave, Ontario, OR
Tour will start at 9am.
Pesticide recertification credits will be offered (3 for Idaho and 2 for Oregon).
A complementary lunch will be served starting at noon.
The tour will feature weed management studies in direct-seeded onion, sugar beet, field corn, and potato. The first stop will be at our yellow nutsedge “field laboratory” along Hwy 201 just before crossing the rail tracks (if headed into Ontario). The stop along Hwy 201 will feature studies on yellow nutsedge control in onion and sugar beet. We will then proceed to the station and tour the studies on weed control in sugar beet, potato, and more onion.
This event is open to the public.
Please call 541-889-2174 or email janet.jones@oregonstate.edu if you need more information.
First 2014 potato psyllid found in Idaho potato field
Potato All Locations
potato psyllids
Posted on: June 4, 2014 by Erik Wenninger
The University of Idaho, in collaboration with Miller Research and several crop consultants across the state initiated a scouting program during the week of May 18 that covers commercial potato fields throughout southern Idaho. The project is funded in part by IPC, ISDA, and USDA. Thirteen fields are being monitored weekly with 10 yellow sticky cards, vacuum samples, and leaf samples. Approximately 75 additional fields are being monitored weekly with 4 yellow sticky cards; scouting efforts in some fields (especially in eastern Idaho) are still being initiated.
Our first potato psyllid was found in Jerome County on a sticky card that was deployed May 27 and retrieved June 3. This psyllid is being overnighted to the main campus to be tested for liberibacter (Lso), the bacterium that causes zebra chip disease.
We still have more sticky traps from this week that remain to be read. By the end of this week we will provide access to an online spreadsheet that shows results of the monitoring efforts and location of fields (by county).
More information and resources on potato psyllids and zebra chip, including management and scouting recommendations, can be found at the link below.
http://extension.uidaho.edu/kimberly/tag/potato-psyllid-and-zebra-chip/
» http://extension.uidaho.edu/kimberly/tag/potato-psyllid-and-zebra-chip/
Stripe rust on wheat
Small Grains All Locations
Stripe rust in wheat
Posted on: May 30, 2014 by Juliet Marshall
Stripe Rust was confirmed in the Hazleton area with one field of Brundage soft white winter wheat, showing heavy and uniform infection stripe rust infection. Many Brundage fields in the area are already scheduled for aerial application of fungicides to reduce spread and damage. Winter wheat in that area is about 50% headed.
Brad Brown, Extension Soil and Crop Management Specialist in Parma, has reported stripe rust in winter wheat in the Parma area. I don’t know extent or variety at this time.
Currently throughout the southern Idaho production area, early-planted winter wheat is starting to head or is past flowering in western Idaho. Yields are still vulnerable at this time. WSU recommendations include spraying if a field shows 5-10% stripe rust severity or incidence unless you know that the variety is 90-95% resistant. Susceptible varieties, like Brundage SHOULD BE SPRAYED with fungicides – strobilurins are excellent protectants, but consider triazoles alone or tank mixed with strobilurins if stripe rust is already present in the area. Triazoles have some curative activity.
Most of the wheat and barley varieties grown in the area will have adult plant resistance, which will aid in preventing extensive losses, and as the weather becomes warm and dry, spread should decrease. Fewer varieties will have seedling resistance. This leaves seedling and pre-jointing wheat vulnerable to infection. Follow the scouting recommendations, of looking for areas that appear nitrogen deficient and searching for pustules on lower leaves. As with winter wheat, if there is 5-10% infection in the spring wheat, spraying with fungicides is highly recommended. In spring wheat, susceptible varieties should be sprayed with fungicides at herbicide application.
Consider the economics of spraying. Susceptible crops with high yield potential (especially irrigated crops) should be at the top of the priority list for spraying. Losses of up to 60% and greater can occur in susceptible varieties.
Scout seedling spring wheat aggressively. The earlier the infection, the greater the potential loss. Look for early infection on the lower leaves.
Consider spraying when 10% of any leaf on 10% of the plants are showing pustules. Follow all label directions when spraying fungicides.
Protect the flag leaf! About 1/3 of carbohydrates for grain fill comes from that flag leaf.
DON’T:
Spray with a fungicide after grain fill is too late.
Spray after most of the flag leaves are showing 5-10% infection - it may be too late to control economic damage.
Don’t assume previously resistant varieties are safe from infection. The pathogen can change genetically and infect previously resistant varieties.
» http://www.extension.uidaho.edu/scseidaho/disease/stripe_rust.htm
Colorado Potato Beetle
Potato Treasure Valley
Colorado Potato Beetle
Posted on: May 28, 2014 by Stuart Reitz
Overwintering Colorado Potato Beetle adults are beginning to emerge in southwest Idaho. The overwintering adult stage does little damage; however, females are beginning to lay eggs in potato fields. We could see the damaging larvae appear in about 7 to 10 days depending on temperatures. This is the time for growers to be scouting for CPB, especially if they plan to use "soft" foliar insecticides that target control of early instar larvae.
To guard against development of insecticide resistance, post-emergence applications of neonicotinoid insecticides should not be used if a neonicotinoid seed treatment or other at-planting neonicotinoid treatment was used. Examples of neonicotinoid seed or at-planting treatments include Admire, Belay, Cruiser, Gaucho, and Platinum. Examples of foliar neonicotinoid sprays include Actara, Assail, Belay, Endigo ZC, Leverage, Provado and Scorpion.
» CPB Eggs
Fruit Tree Advisory
Tree Fruits All Locations
Codling Moth, Thinning, PTB
Posted on: May 28, 2014 by Tony McCammon
Here is the latest advisory for fruit growers. This issue covers thinning, fertilization, PTB, codling moth, and shot hole disease.
GDD Forecast for Western Cherry Fruit Fly
Tree Fruits Treasure Valley
Western Cherry Fruit Fly
Posted on: May 23, 2014 by Paul Castrovillo
According to the degree-day model from the Online Phenology and Degree-day Models published at the OSU Integrated Plant Protection Center Website,the forecasted dates for the Western Cherry Fruit Fly adult emergence is nearing. The attached pdf has predicted emergence dates for 6 areas in the Treasure Valley and recommended spray dates.
Fruit Pest Advisory Issue 2
Tree Fruits All Locations
Codling Moth, Fireblight, Aphid, Blister Mite
Posted on: May 13, 2014 by Tony McCammon
Open the document to view the second issue of the Pest advisory for Idaho. Codling Moth Spray Timing, IPM for Codling moth, Fireblight awareness. Get off on the right foot in your fruit management.
No-till Drill Tour
Announcements Treasure Valley - Oregon
Posted on: May 13, 2014 by Bill Buhrig
OSU-Malheur County Extension and the Malheur County Soil & Water Conservation District invite all interested folks on a morning bus tour to grower fields that were planted with a no-till drill as part of the cultural program. This will take place May 22, 2014, will originate in Ontario at the SWCD office and work toward Jamieson and back. We will have lunch at the SWCD office upon our return. The attached flier has the details. We ask that you RSVP by calling 541-881-1417. It will be a good time!
The Importance of Preventing Drift - Sensitivity of Grapes
Announcements Treasure Valley
Posted on: May 8, 2014 by Jerry Neufeld
Below, and in the attached file, is some good information provided by the Oregon Department of Agriculture about using phenoxy herbicides near grapes. Since we have a substantial acreage of grapes in the Treasure Valley, and there have been problems with this issue in the past, this is good information for Idaho as well.
The Importance of Preventing Drift - Sensitivity of Grapes
In Oregon, wine grapes are being planted into areas that traditionally have been field crops, Christmas trees, or pastures. Grapes particularly are sensitive to some of the herbicides used in these other crops, including the phenoxy herbicides (e.g., 2,4-D and MCPP). Herbicide drift can injure foliage, shoots, flowers, and fruits. The introduction and expansion of com¬mercial grape crops into these areas require that growers openly communicate with each other to ensure that all crops in an area can be produced without conflict.
If you plan to use an ester formulation of a phenoxy herbicide near a vineyard, talk to the nearby vineyard owner/manager. Find out if the grapes are at a particularly vulnerable growth stage, learn about how to minimize risks, and consider using alternative products. If you are a grape grower, share information regarding your crop with your neighboring growers (often multi-generational family farmers who may not be familiar with growing grapes) and help be part of the solution.
It is important to keep pesticides on their intended site of application. It is the responsibility of the pesticide user to fully learn about the properties of the pesticides used, including the potential to drift or volatilize. Drift can be minimized in a number of ways, including, but not limited to: reducing spray pressure, lowering boom height, using drift-reduction nozzles or certain spray adjuvants or selecting low or nonvolatile pesticides. Pesticide users should also learn about the factors which may influence drift, including: temperature, relative humidity, air flow patterns, temperature inversions and topography.
It also is critical that there is good communication between growers and hired commercial applicators. Growers should communicate information regarding nearby sensitive crops; this will allow the hired commercial applicator to take the necessary precautions.
It is all about common sense, good communication, being a good neighbor and having enough information to make informed decisions.
For more information:
Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbook: Agrichemicals and Their Properties http://pnwhandbooks.org/weed/sites/default/files/chapters/pdf/c-properties.pdf
Preventing Herbicide Drift and Injury to Grapes EM 8860 Revised February 2014
http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/45880/em8860.pdf
» http://pnwhandbooks.org/weed/sites/default/files/chapters/pdf/c-properties.pdf
» http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/45880/em8860.pdf
cereal leaf beetle
Small Grains Treasure Valley
cereal leaf beetle
Posted on: May 8, 2014 by Jerry Neufeld
Yesterday I found cereal leaf beetle larvae in winter wheat at the UI Parma R and E Center. There were not many, but they are out there. You may want to keep a look out for these pests, especially as spring grains begin to increase in foliage, since they are the preferred host. Click on the link below for more information about CLB.
Weevil in alfalfa
Alfalfa Treasure Valley - Oregon
Weevil
Posted on: May 5, 2014 by Bill Buhrig
Alfalfa weevil are being found in forage alfalfa fields in Malheur County. They appear to be most prevalent in fields with older stands. Some fields have already been treated. Control options include applying an insecticide or harvesting the crop before damage becomes too great. If insecticides are used, be aware that the pre-harvest interval may be up to three weeks depending on the product used. Utilize proper scouting procedures in conjunction with your crop consultant to determine if you are approaching the economic damage threshold and what options for control may be best for your situation.
For more information on this pest, please check out the attached link from the Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook.
» http://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hay-pasture/alfalfa/alfalfa-hay-alfalfa-weevil
Fruit Pest Advisory
Tree Fruits All Locations
Codling Moth, Fireblight,
Posted on: April 29, 2014 by Tony McCammon
In this newsletter get ready for Codling Moth protection as we enter the first stage of Control measures. Increase your scouting for Fire blight and new aphid colonies. And get an answer to how safe is our food.
Open the pdf file to view the advisory.
lygus bug
Alfalfa Seed Treasure Valley
lygus bug
Posted on: April 29, 2014 by Jerry Neufeld
The following information is being provided by Dr. Jim Barbour, IPM Specialist and Superintendent at the SW Idaho Research and Extension Center at Parma.
The Lygus degree day calculator hosted by Integrated Plant Protection Center at Oregon State University and the IPM Centers - PNW Coalition (http://pnwpest.org/cgi-bin/ddmodel.pl?spp=lyg) shows that, depending on your location in the Treasure Valley, we have accumulated 161 degree days between January 1, 2014 and April 28, 2014. Peak emergence of lygus bug 1st and 2nd instar nymphs should occur right around 272 accumulated degree days: this usually occurs around mid-May, and is the time monitoring for lygus bugs in alfalfa seed fields should begin. Right now that is predicted to occur about the second week of May ( ~May 13).
When using most insecticides, fields should be treated when numbers of lygus bugs reach 4-5 lygus bug nymphs per 180 degree sweep. Growers using Assail, or Beleaf, as stand-alone sprays probably should treat before 4th instar nymphs are detected. You can monitor degree day accumulation using the link provided above as follows:
1) Selecting “ lygus bug [alfalfa seed]Ben Simko 2000” degree day model from the “Select degree day model….” drop down box at the top of the form
2) In the “Select location” box, select a location in the drop down box best describing your location in the “Washington, Idaho” (e.g. “Parma id agmet” box if you want information for a field near Parma; Idaho; Idaho locations are at the bottom of the very long list). Make sure to select “None” at the top of the lists in the other two location boxes.
3) Leave the “Or upload your own weather data…” box blank
4) In the “Forecast:”, enter your zip code or your city, state in the “NWS zip code/city, state” box, or the location nearest your field from the “or weather.com site” drop down box to the right). This selection forecasts 7 days forward based on the local weather forecast (beyond 7 days the forecast is based on the historical average). The predicted date of peak 1st and 2nd instar will vary depending on the forecast location selected, so pick the one closest to your location. Select “none” to have the forecast based only on the historical average.
5) Select the location nearest your field in the “Select historical average forecast location” area. Your selection here should match, as close as possible, your selection in the “Select location” area above: there may not be an exact match. For Idaho and eastern OR, this will be the middle box. As above, select “none” in the other two boxes.
6) Make sure the “Table” and “graph” boxes are checked (and the “precipitation” if you want rainfall information) and click the “Calc” button. A table with the current degree day accumulations matching your selection should appear. There should also be a graph near the bottom showing the current year accumulation compared to the historical average for your selections.
Additional updates will be posted as the 272 degree day accumulation target approaches.
sugarbeet root maggot
Sugarbeets Treasure Valley
sugarbeet root maggot
Posted on: April 25, 2014 by Jerry Neufeld
The degree day calculator (hosted by the Integrated Plant Protection Center at Oregon State University) for the sugar beet root maggot fly shows that—depending on your location in the Treasure Valley—we have accumulated 262 degree days since March 1, 2014. Peak flight of root maggot flies should occur after 360 accumulated degree days when the maximum high temperature exceeds 80 degrees F. In the Treasure Valley this will be about May 6. Root maggot flies will lay eggs near sugarbeet plants. After the larvae hatch they will begin feeding on the young sugarbeets. AMSCO representatives have not seen any adult flies yet. Look for these pests to appear in the western end of the Treasure Valley first. If you haven’t applied a treatment for sugarbeet root maggot, now is the time to do so. Consult your field representative from AMSCO for treatment options.
Army Cutworm Infestation
Alfalfa Treasure Valley
Army Cutworms
Posted on: April 15, 2014 by Bill Buhrig
Ranchers in Owyhee County from south of Homedale (Jump Creek area) down to the Rome area in Malheur County are reporting widespread damage to alfalfa and rangeland grasses by an infestation of army cutworms (Euxoa auxiliaris). These cutworms are ½” to 1 ¼ “ long, are brown to black in color with light colored stripes (picture attached) and may be seen in protected areas such as under cowpies, alfalfa crowns or just underneath the residue layer remaining from last season’s foliage. If you suspect army cutworms, lightly pull back the residue layer about 1” deep and look under cowpies where available. They appear to come off the rangeland fringe into alfalfa fields creating a banded effect similar to what ground squirrels may do this time of year. Crested wheat seedings in BLM allotments have also been damaged (pictured). Ranchers wishing to implement control measures on their irrigated fields can use chlorpyrifos (Lorsban 4E) or a mixture of chlorpyrifos and pyrethroid such as Cobalt at labeled rates. Cutworms are reported to come up at night in some areas so it important to use an insecticide that will be effective by ingestion to be available when the cutworm comes up to feed. For more information, check out the PNW Guide (linked). Big hat tip to Sergio Arispe and Stuart Reitz for their help with this posting!
» http://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hay-pasture/alfalfa/alfalfa-hay-cutworm
Onion thrips
Onion Treasure Valley
Onion thrips
Posted on: April 6, 2014 by Stuart Reitz
Onion thrips have been found this week on volunteer onions growing in last year’s onion fields in Malheur, Canyon and Payette Counties. Adult thrips have also been found on sticky traps placed around those fields. Volunteer onions can host onion thrips and Iris Yellow Spot Virus, and act as a reservoir to infest newly emerged onion fields that are nearby. Control of volunteer onions, especially in fields that were heavily infected, before emergence of nearby seeded onion fields may help to reduce thrips and Iris yellow spot pressure this season.
Pesticide Disposal Program
Announcements All Locations
Posted on: March 28, 2014 by Jerry Neufeld
Click on the pdf below for information about ISDA’s Pesticide Disposal Program schedule for 2014. Locations will be Nampa, Weiser, Lewiston and Coer D’ Alene.
Barley Yellow Dwarf in Winter Barley
Small Grains All Locations
Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus
Posted on: March 27, 2014 by Juliet Marshall
BYD in winer barley was reported to me by Steve Hines in the Filer area. Pictures show symptoms very characteristic of BYD. We should be keeping an eye out (scouting) for winter wheat and barley fields affected by the problem.
Symptoms include yellowing of leaves, stunting of plants both above and below ground (look for small root systems), and irregular heading with small heads in affected plants. Often, the most severe symptoms will occur along field edges and the edges created along the tracks of pivot tires. (Please see pictures.) There may also be a yellowing to a very characteristic reddening of leaves of infected weedy grasses in nearby ditch banks, which also host the virus and aphids. Additional symptoms may also include notching of the leaf margins, twisting, leaf tip scorch, and abnormal development of emerging leaves.
Yield losses increase with earlier infections, especially if the infection occurred in the previous fall (which is very likely to be the issue here) and can approach 100% in severely affected fields, especially in early-infected winter barley. Fall infection occurs as large populations of aphids migrate from other crops to newly emerged wheat or barley. Aphids are attracted to lush growth that occurs under irrigation, often leaving plants in dryland corners alone. Those plants emerging earlier or planted earlier were more likely to attract viruliferous aphids.
The species of aphids that can carry the BYDV viruses are many, but
the most common culprits include Bird cherry-oat aphids and English grain aphids. Greenbug and corn leaf aphids can also transmit the BYDV virus.
The virus strain identified by molecular techniques in 2013 (by Dr. Alex Karasev, UI virologist in Moscow) was the PAV strain of BYDV, which is efficiently transmitted by the Bird cherry oat aphid (Ropalosiphum padi) and the English grain aphid (Schizaphis avenae). Aphids can pick up the BYDV virus from infected wild and cultivated grasses, volunteer cereals, and corn.
The virus spreads only in conjunction with the movement of the aphid vector, and virus transmission is greater at low temperatures. The virus is not seed-borne.
At this point, reducing crop stress will reduce the effect of the virus on the plant, but yield losses will occur both through reduced grain production as well as reduced test weight. The most effective control is through the use of resistant varieties, but insecticidal seed treatments may reduce the initial spread in fall wheat and barley. Viruliferous
aphids will still transmit the virus in the fall before the insecticides kill the aphid, but as the insecticides wear off over time, new invading aphids will continue to transmit virus.
Current aphid populations are very low, and spring wheat and barley
should escape early infection. Reducing infection in the fall-planted grain includes adjusted (later) planting dates to avoid peak aphid activity.
» BYDV
Alfalfa cutworms
Alfalfa Magic Valley
Cutworms
Posted on: March 26, 2014 by Jeff Miller
Cutworm damage has been observed in newly seeded alfalfa in the Magic Valley. Details on this pest and control measures can be found by following the attached link.
Starane Ultra - Section 24(c) for Oregon
Onion Treasure Valley - Oregon
Posted on: March 24, 2014 by Stuart Reitz
label for the FIFRA Section 24(c) Special Local Need registration of Starane® Ultra, EPA Reg. No. 62719-577, for control of kochia, volunteer potatoes, and other broadleaf weeds in dry bulb onions grown in Oregon, EPA SLN No. OR-080026 has been revised.
The expiration date has been extended to December 31, 2018.
Webinar on the use of cover crops
All Crops All Locations
Posted on: March 3, 2014 by Nora Olsen
The American Society of Agronomy is sponsoring a four-part webinar series on the use of cover crops. There is no cost to participate, but enrollment is required at least one hour prior to the start time (11:00 am Mountain Time). The webinar schedule is as follows:
Cover Crops, Soil Health Principals and Maximizing Yields - March 6, 2014
Combining Livestock, Manure and Cover Crops - March 13, 2014
Cover Crops Seed Selection and Planting - March 20, 2014
Cover Crop Management and Termination - March 27, 2014
Each webinar will be conducted by a USDA scientist and a farmer who has experience with the use of cover crops. Full participants in the webinar, who are certified, will automatically receive CEUs. CCAs and CPAgs will receive 1.0 CEU in Soil and Water Management. CPSS and CPSC certificants will receive 1.0 CEU in Professional Meetings.
More information can be found at: https://www.agronomy.org/education/online-courses
Spanish Pesticide Safety Training
Announcements Treasure Valley
Posted on: February 4, 2014 by Jerry Neufeld
A Spanish Pesticide Safety Training will be held February 25, 2014 in Caldwell, Idaho. Click on the pdf below for more information.
Treasure Valley Bean School
Announcements Treasure Valley
Posted on: February 4, 2014 by Jerry Neufeld
The Treasure Valley Bean School will be February 12, 2014 at the Hampton Inn in Nampa, Idaho. Click on the pdf below for more information.
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Short Course and Grower’s Own
All Crops All Locations
Posted on: January 14, 2014 by Jennifer Miller
For Immediate Release
January 14, 2014
Contact:
Jennifer Miller, 208-850-6504, Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Short Course and Grower’s Own Conference Set
Caldwell, ID – Farmers interested in enhancing the free pollination and pest management services of pollinators and beneficial insects are invited to attend a Friday, February 7 short course in Caldwell. The short course will be followed by the fifth annual Grower’s Own Conference, a farmer-to-farmer exchange and networking event, on Friday evening and Saturday, February 8.
The event is presented by the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP), Xerces Society, and University of Idaho Extension.
The latest science-based approaches to attracting and conserving beneficial insects will be presented by the Xerces Society, a national leader in pollinator conservation. Participants will learn how to conduct a habitat assessment; methods of incorporating pollinator and beneficial insects habitat around building sites, as annual plantings, or as permanent plantings in buffers and hedgerows; and conservation funding sources to support on-farm habitat installation.
Participants will receive the Xerces Society’s Pollinator Conservation toolkit, including the book, Attracting Native Pollinators: Protecting North America’s Bees and Butterflies. The toolkit is valued at $40.
A select number of participants will receive direct support from the Xerces Society and NCAP, following the short course, in conducting an on-farm habitat assessment and developing a habitat planting plan.
The fifth annual Grower’s Own Conference will be held following the short course. Friday evening will kick off the conference with “virtual” farm tours by Fred and Judy Brossy of Ernie’s Organics in Shoshone, Clay and Josie Erskine of Peaceful Belly Farm in Boise, and Karen Evans of Rollingstone Chevre in Parma.
The conference continues on Saturday, February 8 with a session on a new loan program supporting local foods by USDA Farm Service Agency and concurrent group discussions on a variety of topics. Attendees actively participate in the selection of the topics by voting during registration. Some of the topics under consideration include multispecies cover cropping; nuts & bolts of habitat installation; farm expansion considerations; agritourism; high tunnels; mechanical cultivation; farmers market sales strategies; food safety; starting livestock production; and value-added products.
The short course and conference will be held at the College of Idaho in Caldwell, Idaho. Registration fees are as follows: Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Short Course is $40; Grower’s Own Conference is $55; Both Short Course & Conference is $80. Pre-registration is required by January 24. Register online at www.pesticide.org or contact Jennifer Miller at jmiller@pesticide.org or 208-850-6504.
Funding is provided in part by USDA.
