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Farm Storage Facility Loans

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 25, 2017 by Stuart Reitz

Farm Storage Facility Loans
• Producers may obtain low-interest loans to replace storage facilities damaged by this winter's weather. This could apply to roof collapses of storage facilities but the facility must be producer owned. This means the farmer who grew the crop must also be storing the crop. Loan does not apply if a farmer is storing crops of someone else. A producer may borrow up to $500,000 per loan, with a minimum down payment of 15 percent. Loan terms are up to 12 years, depending on the amount of the loan. Producers must demonstrate storage needs based on three years of production history.

• FSA also provides a microloan option that, while available to all eligible farmers and ranchers, also should be of particular interest to new or small producers where there is a need for financing options for loans up to $50,000 at a lower down payment with reduced documentation. The interest rate changes every month but averages at 2 to 3 percent.

• See fact sheet for more details: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/FactSheets/2016/2016_farm_storage_facility_loans.pdf

• Please contact your local FSA office for additional information.

Houseplants class still has room!

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Horticulture Classes

Posted on: January 13, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

Join us at the Canyon County Extension Office on Saturday, January 14th from 10 am to noon at 501 Main Street for a class on how to care for and enjoy houseplants. You will even have an opportunity to make your own and take it home. The cost is $15 and you can register through the Caldwell Parks and Rec. Department online at http://www.cityofcaldwell.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/527/246

Or call the UI Extension Office to register 459-6003.

Other upcoming classes which you may want to register for include:
Houseplants, January 14th 10 AM
Making Sense of Seed Catalogs January 28th 10 AM
Planning you Garden (Where do I plant the Tomatoes?) February 11th, 10 AM
Weed Control February 25th 10 AM
Companion Planting March 11th 10 AM
Backyard Chickens March 25th 10 AM
Landscaping for season color and year round interest. April 8th 10 AM
Edible Landscapes April 22nd 10 AM
Pesticides 1 May 13th. 10 AM CEU for those holding a license available*
Pesticides 2 May 27th 10 AM. CEU for those holding a license available*

Nampa Chamber of Commerce Ag Forum

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: January 13, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

The Nampa Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an “Ag Forum” on Wed, February 8, 2017 at the Ford Idaho Center. Lt. Governor Brad Little and ISDA Director Celia Gould will be speaking. The keynote speaker is Michael Swanson, Ph.D. Wells Fargo Chief Agricultural Economist. Click on the pdf below for more information.

Storm Damage to Trees and Landscapes Possible

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Storm Damaged Trees

Posted on: January 7, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

There is a high likelihood that the forecasted ice and snow will cause storm damage to trees which will need proper pruning. Storm damage to trees can be prevented through proper structural pruning while the tree is young. For more information on pruning storm damage trees, contact your local Extension Office or a certified arborist.

If your trees are damaged as a result of snow, wind, or ice, here is what you need to know:

First, Check for hazards. Before approaching a tree, examine your surroundings to avoid making contact with downed utility lines or standing under broken, hanging branches.

Contact city officials if necessary. Trees between the street and a city sidewalk may be the responsibility of city crews.

Assess the damage. If a tree is healthy overall and still possesses its leader (the main upward branch), most of its major limbs and 50 percent or more of its crown, the chance is good for a complete recovery.

Be careful knocking snow off branches. This may cause the branches to break. If you must remove snow, gently push up on branches from below to prevent adding additional stress.

Remove broken branches. This minimizes the risk of decay and insects or diseases entering the wound. Prune at the branch collar - the point where a branch joins a larger one - and be mindful of
potential pent-up energy if the branch is twisted or bent.

Don't over-prune. With the loss of some branches, a tree may look unbalanced, but most trees quickly grow new foliage that hides bare areas.

Don't try to do it all yourself. If the job requires running a chainsaw overhead, sawing from a ladder or removing large branches or entire trees, contact an insured, certified arborist.
Professionals often are listed in the phone book under "tree service"

If you decide to prune your own tree you need to know how storm-damaged trees should be pruned.

First, focus on cleaning (removing broken and damaged limbs) keeping in mind
the structural integrity of the tree. Realize that you may have to accept less than
ideal pruning techniques by “Mother Nature”.

Second, focus on thinning and/or reducing to restore the tree’s structural integrity
and shape to the extent possible. This may take place over a period of years.
The maximum amount of tree canopy that can be removed without putting the tree
and its root system under stress includes the live wood/foliage removed by the
storm. When Mother Nature removes too much live wood/foliage, limit pruning to
cleaning. On storm damaged trees where excessive live wood and foliage was removed by storm damage, wait until the roots and crown stabilize (as measured in canopy
growth) before doing thinning, reducing, or other structural pruning. This may be
a multi-year period.

Keep the tree if it can be pruned back to structurally sound wood and will be
aesthetically pleasing. Often when one side of the tree is gone, the best option is to
remove the entire tree

Pesticide Stewardship Conference

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 20, 2016 by Jeff Miller

UI Extension and ISDA are hosting a Pesticide Stewardship Conference on February 1-2, 2017 at the Riverside Hotel in Boise. The conference begins at 11:30 am on February 1. Check-in begins at 10:30.
Registration is online through the University of Idaho (see attached link).

Please see the attached flyer for details. The plan is to offer 10 pesticide recertification credits. Dr. Bob Wolf, the national expert on pesticide drift and technology, will be presenting several times during the conference.

2016 Annual Survey Gift Cards

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 19, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

Thanks to everyone that completed the 2016 Pest Alert Evaluation Survey. The winners of the $75 gift cards to the Texas Roadhouse are: Nate McBride, Kyle Carpenter and Paul Rasgorshek. Gift cards will be emailed to you.

Salt Damage to Plants from Deicers.

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Plant and Animal friendly de-icers.

Posted on: December 16, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Many deicers contain various formulations of salts which can be damaging or toxic to plants, animals, and structures. Consider plant and pet friendly alternatives for de-icing agents in and around your homes if this is a concern.

Prevention of Snow Mold in Lawns Starts Now

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Snow Mold

Posted on: December 15, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Snow Mold, which can impact lawns in the spring, may be avoided by not piling snow on lawns now, or by applying fungicides before snow accumulation.
Proper fertilization and aeration of turf in the fall and winter can aid in creating stronger lawns that are more resilient to snow mold.

For more information on Turf Management, contact your local University of Idaho Extension Office.

The deadline to apply to become an Idaho Master Gardener is December 16!

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Master Gardener Volunteer Training

Posted on: December 12, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

The December 16th deadline to apply to become an Idaho Master Gardner in Canyon County is quickly approaching. If you've ever wanted to to learn more about horticulture, be sure to apply today! For more information, call 208-459-6003

2017 Idaho Potato Conference

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: November 28, 2016 by Jeff Miller

The 49th Idaho Potato Conference and 38th Ag Expo will be held January 17, 18, and 19, 2017 at Idaho State University. An announcement and registration form are attached. Also, the link to the conference web page is included below.

PAT Recertification Training and TV Irrigation Conference

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 28, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

I just want to remind everyone about two events next week in Canyon County. The University of Idaho Extension, Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Oregon State University Extension Service and industry sponsors are collaborating to conduct two educational events next week. A Pesticide Applicator Recertification Training and the Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference will be held on December 14 and 15. Click on the files below for more information. There is a new file attached that shows the agendas for the day. See you next week!

Pesticide Applicator Seminar

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: November 23, 2016 by Lance Ellis

A Pesticide Applicator Seminar will be held December 9, 2016 from 8:00 am to 12: 15 pm at the Fremont County Extension Office. No fee will be charged for this seminar. Four ISDA Pesticide Recertification credits are available. The topics to be covered are outlined in the attached flier. Contact Lance Ellis at at (208) 624-3102 or at ellis@uidaho.edu for more information.

Seedlings for Conservation

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Seedlings for Conservation

Posted on: November 23, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

We are announcing our "Seedlings for Conservation" program! We have trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses for sale. You will find a wide assortment of plant material to help you conserve energy, water, soil, and attract wildlife and pollinators! These plants make great windbreaks, snow fences, and sound barriers. Order soon though, popular varieties of trees sell out very quickly. Trees will be available to pick up from the UI Extension Office in Caldwell in late March/early April!
Download our order form now.
Call 208-459-6003 for more information.

Become an Idaho Master Gardener Volunteer.

Announcements    All Locations

Posted on: November 22, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Become an Idaho Master Gardener Volunteer. Applications are due December 16th. Classes will be available beginning January 17th and volunteers may choose from either a Tuesday evening class from 6-9 PM or on Wednesday morning class from 9am to 12 Noon. The cost is $165 which includes the 40 hours of course training and 40 hours of practicum. For more information contact the University of Idaho Extension Office in Canyon County at 459-6003.

Pesticide Recertification Class in Malheur County

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 18, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

The Malheur County Extension Office will be holding its annual pesticide credit recertification meeting on December 9, 2016. We will run from 8am to noon and pre-registration is preferred. Give us a call and talk to Bobbi at 541-881-1417. The room can fill up sometimes so do not delay and make sure you get a spot. Four Oregon Core credit hours will be available. This class will also count for four Idaho pesticide applicator credits. Course cost is $10.

Zinc Phosphide Training for Belding Ground Squirrel Control

Announcements    Northern Idaho

Belding Ground Squirrels

Posted on: November 18, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

For producers raising hay such as alfalfa, grass, mixed alfalfa/grass and permanent or seasonal pasture in Malheur, Harney, Lake, Baker, Crook, Deschutes and Klamath Counties with Belding Ground Squirrel issues, Zinc Phosphide is a treatment option. A training session will be held in Ontario on December 8, 2016 to discuss the Restricted Use 24c pesticide label for Zinc Phosphide. This will be held from 2-4pm at the Malheur County Extension Office, 710 SW 5th AVE Ontario, OR 97914.

An applicators license and this training are mandatory for producers who hope to purchase and use product. Laurie Gordon from the Oregon Department of Agriculture will be on hand to provide this instruction. There is no cost to attend but give us a call 541-881-1417 to RSVP and we will have enough copies of the materials to be handed out. This annually-required training will be effective for the 2017 growing season. Two core pesticide credits will be available for applicators who have not taken this class already in 2016.

Miller Research Potato Pest Management Seminar

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: November 15, 2016 by Jeff Miller

Miller Research LLC will be holding its annual potato pest management seminar on January 10, 11, and 12. The same program will be held each day. Seating in each session is limited to 50. The meetings will be held at the Miller Research facility located near Rupert, ID (426 E 200 N). Lunch will be provided at no cost. See the attached flier for the agenda. Please RSVP as to which session you would like to attend to Jeff Miller at 208-531-5124 or by email at: jeff@millerresearch.com. ISDA pesticide recertification credits and CCA credits (Integrated Pest Management) have been requested. Please share this notice with any interested parties.

Late blight in potatoes in 2016

Potato    All Locations

Late Blight

Posted on: November 2, 2016 by Jeff Miller

Late blight has been confirmed from one field in the Mini-Cassia area. The tubers came from a commercial potato field which was not located near any seed production. Late blight was not observed in the field during the growing season. Symptom expression during the season was likely minimal due to unfavorable weather conditions. From a management point of view, it is likely that this find at this point of the season is not important. However, it shows that the disease was present in 2016.

2016 Idaho Association of Plant Protection

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 24, 2016 by Jeff Miller

The finalized program for the 2016 Idaho Association of Plant Protection meeting is now available. The meeting will be Wednesday and Thursday November 2-3 at the Sawtooth Best Western in Jerome. Lunch will be provided before the meeting on Wednesday. CCA and ISDA credits will be available both days. Cost of attending in $15 regardless of whether you attend both days or only one.

ISDA ANNOUNCES WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD TRAINING FOR AG OPERATORS

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 12, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

ISDA is conducting a series of workshops where you can learn about the upcoming changes to the Worker Protection Standard. Click on the pdf below for more information about the dates and locations.

Peach Leaf Curl Treatment

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Taphrina deformans

Posted on: October 12, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Peaches are really close to leaf fall and the need for an application to prevent peach leaf curl. Lime sulfur or Ziram work great for commercial growers. Home grown trees will need something but avoid Monterey Liqui-Cop as it did not work. Ortho MAX Garden Disease Control was a little better than nothing. Bottom line for home growing - replace with a resistant tree after the current ones dies.

Frost Alert

Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Frost

Posted on: October 11, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Frost is forecasted for much of the Treasure and parts of the Magic Valley Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Protect tender plants. Be sure to cover tender plants. Information on season extension and frost protection is found in the links below.

Glyphosate Tolerant Creeping Bentgrass Identification Workshop

All Crops    Northern Idaho

Posted on: October 3, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

Scotts Co. will be hosting an identification class for Glyphosate Tolerant Creeping Bentgrass (GTCB) at the Malheur County Extension Office on October 10th @ 1:00pm. This will be an opportunity to learn more about GTCB and how to identify it. Check out the flier for the details.

Potato psyllid monitoring winds down

Potato    All Locations

potato psyllids

Posted on: September 23, 2016 by Erik Wenninger

September 23, 2016 – Potato psyllid monitoring winds down

As many fields have been vine killed and/or harvested, the psyllid sampling season is winding down. Sampling continued in only a handful of fields this week and will all but cease next week.

Potato psyllids were collected this week on sticky traps in potato in the following counties: Gooding (1 field), Twin Falls (1 field), Jerome (2 fields), Minidoka (1 field), and Cassia (4 fields).

This week, we collected 44 psyllids from sticky cards (37 from Light sites and 7 from Intense sites). We found psyllids in 8 of the 10 fields (80%) that were sampled this week. Total captures declined in part because sampling has ceased in most fields and likely also because of cooler weather.

We ran Lso testing on a subset of psyllids collected last week (up to ten psyllids per site). So far, none of the psyllids tested last week was positive for Lso. As always, the online spreadsheets (see below) may be updated at any time during the week as more data are gathered.

As fields are harvested, we urge everyone to familiarize themselves with ZC tuber symptoms. See link below for description and photos of ZC symptoms, and please take suspicious samples to the Kimberly R&E Center or to your local UI Extension Center.

More information and resources on potato psyllids and ZC, including management, scouting recommendations, and ZC symptomology can be found at the links below.

http://oregonstate.edu/dept/hermiston/sites/default/files/pnw633_0.pdf

Detailed results from the “Light” sites can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EruNcKgfqJ0RUpleaHBpODfwBZIqDyT4l-9MPKZBYcY/edit#gid=0

Detailed results from the “Intense” sites can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Uk6GBxEgZeGWWhT84wymaWfHRs2it_Eg02eWPFLgWsI/edit#gid=0

ISDA ANNOUNCES FALL SCHEDULE FOR UNUSABLE PESTICIDE DISPOSAL

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 22, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the file below for information about the ISDA Unusable Pesticide Disposal Program that will be taking place next week in the Twin Falls, Gooding and Nampa areas.

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