Northwest Farm and Ranch - Fall 2014

Farm and Ranch

FALL 2014

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Worldwide harvest up, but local crops suffered summer’s heat — Pages 8, 9

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Withered wheat:

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| Monday, September 29, 2014 |

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Northwest

Farm and Ranch Wanted: Pickers

Lack of orchard workers puts Washington growers in a crisis | 4

Pend Oreille Ferry

Worldwide harvest up, but ...

NW crops withered under blistering summer heat | 8

Grant

Bonner

Spokane

Lincoln

By Samantha Malott

Kootenai

Benewah Adams

Whitman

for Northwest Farm and Ranch

Shoshone

Latah Clearwater

Franklin Yakima

Garfield Columbia

Benton

Nez Perce

Asotin

Walla Walla

Lewis

Klickitat Umatilla

Wallowa

Morrow

Little seed comes with a big punch Researcher believes quinoa is answer to world hunger

Boundary

Stevens

Idaho

Union

Baker

An apple a day

Researchers contact growers on Obamacare coverage | 13 On the cover: Ben Brimlow pulls goat grass while weeding 128 plots of winter wheat that is part of the Washington State University Variety Testing Program between Pullman and Moscow in June. | Photo by Geoff Crimmins

Northwest Farm and Ranch is published quarterly by the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News and printed at the Tribune Publishing Co. Inc.’s printing facility at 505 Capital St. in Lewiston.

| Monday, September 29, 2014 | 3

One Washington State University student believes the answer to world hunger may lie in a small seed.

That seed — quinoa — has been growing rapidly in popularity during the past few years in the United States.

Cedric Habiyaremye came to WSU from Rwanda in August 2013 and became fascinated with the small grain-like crop, so he joined a research team working on breeding different strains of the seed to adapt to varying environments.

“Quinoa has a great potential of adaptability,” Habiyaremye said.

Currently, he is working on grow-

ing six different breeding varieties in a field near campus to see which produces the best results. The crop originated in South America, he said, and has not grown much Habiyaremye in the U.S. His work, he said, will help determine which breeds will grow best in which types of environments.

Along with the ability to adapt to environments, the versatility and health benefits of the seed have also aided in its growing popularity.

“That’s what made it popular,” he said. “Its high nutrition value and high quality and adaptability to other ecological conditions.”

Quinoa is a good source of proSee SEED, Page 4

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is so good for you and easy to make,” Knox said. “You can basically put anything you want with it.”

All parts of the plant are edible, from the seeds to the leaves and flowers, he said. They can be used in salads, chips, cookies and even in beer or vodka, he added.

“You can make a lot of things from quinoa,” Habiyaremye said.

“People find it to be a very outstanding crop.”

Casey Flower, bulk buyer for the Moscow Co-op, said quinoa is relatively expensive in the United States, though, because researchers are still trying to develop a strain that grows well in the U.S. Flower said it averages about $6 a pound, but he has heard of it ranging much higher in other places.

It has a longer growing season than other crops and it has to be Geoff Crimmins/NWFR well established before it grows really Washington State University crop breeder Kevin Murphy, left, and farmer Ian Clark well, he said. talk about quinoa June 24 in a field near Albion.

“I think in the next five to 10 years it will become a major crop here,” Sean Knox, Moscow Co-op kitchen Flower said. “It has had a lot of exposure.” manager.

Flower said Incan societies lived “It’s like a protein bomb,” he said. from Page 3 A cup of quinoa can provide half off the quinoa plant because of the a day’s worth of the recommended diverse health benefits it provided.

Knox said the popularity in glutentein and is high in fiber and a range fiber intake the average adult needs, free diets has also added to the growof B vitamins that can aid in cell he said. generation and brain function, said “It’s hard to beat something that ing market for quinoa, as it can be

Seed

Dean Hare/NWFR

Quinoa seeds grow, as seen during a tour July 26, 2012, of the organic farm at Washington State University. used to replace many gluten products in various meals.

“You can do so much with it, and it has so much variety,” Flower said.

This versatility and the wide range of health benefits, Habiyaremye believes, can make it the nswer to many of the world’s hunger problems.

With world’s population exploding, it requires producers to provide healthy food for people to survive on, and the answer, he said, may be quinoa.

Samantha Malott can be reached at (208) 8834639, or by email to smalott@dnews.com.

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Wanted: Pickers

By Shanon Quinn for Northwest Farm and Ranch

Driving through the farming areas of the southern and eastern portions of Washington state, travelers a couple of decades ago likely would have seen plywood signs announcing seasonal employment opportunities: Pickers wanted.

They were numerous, red spray painted and temporary, appearing at least every few miles.

But they were never up for long. Within days, or sometimes hours, the signs were removed and stored in shops behind props and ladders to await the following year.

While the signs are gone, the demand for workers isn’t.

In fact, there’s a shortage.

In 2011, Gov. Chris Gregoire, D-Wash., declared

a labor supply “crisis” because of a lack of orchard workers in late October and November of that year. Gregoire estimated there were 3,000 to 4,000 too few pickers.

It looks to be an ongoing trend, with a number of theories as to why.

Alberto Isiordia, with the Washington state Employment Security Department’s workforce and career development division, said the change may have to do with the “tremendous rise in the use of the H-2A program.” The U.S. Department of Labor defines H-2A as a temporary agricultural program, which allows agricultural employers to bring nonimmigrant foreign workers to the U.S. to complete the temporary work.

Before employers can hire foreign workers, they must

file an application with the Department of Labor stating there are not sufficient workers who are able, willing, qualified and available, and the employment of foreign workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers, the department’s website says.

Additional theories behind the worker shortage include laborers moving to other types of work as the economy recovers, more jobs due to the expansion of the burgeoning wine industry and more available employment in South America, keeping former seasonal agricultural workers close to home.

Regardless of the cause, the effect is clear. Agricultural jobs are being left unfilled in Washington state.

“Many growers point the

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Washington suffers farm worker shortage for fourth year dramatic rise in the use of the H-2A program as a sign that there not sufficient workers interested in doing ag labor,” Isiordia said.

According to information provided by Isiodia on the H-2A program, within the past seven years, requests for foreign workers have doubled, and foreign workers certified have more than tripled. In 2008, 42 applications were filed by growers in Washington, and 2,513 foreign workers were certified.

In 2014, 84 applications were filed and 9,004 workers certified.

But, Isiordia pointed out, with the organization formerly tasked with reporting on agriculture and wages no longer operating, the only real information on the situation — aside from that provided by the H-2A program — is

anecdotal.

Don Mereck, a labor economist with Employment Security who serves Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Kittitas, Okanogan and Yakima counties, said in his experience, some growers will complain of an inadequate work force, while others deny any problem.

But with 2014 promising to be a record-breaking year in the apple industry — a projected 140 million boxes will top the previous record of 129 million boxes in 2012 — and a labor shortage reported at 14.3 percent in April, according to Employment Security, growers are likely to be scrambling, once again, for workers.

Shanon Quinn can be reached at (208) 883-4636 or by email at squinn@dnews.com.

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A long mission to Haiti for FFA NORTHWEST FARM & RANCH

Future Farmers of America member Monica Haugen holds Judah at the James Center in Haiti.

Haugen is the president of the FFA Pullman chapter, and is a senior at Pullman High School.

Pullman High senior joins group of FFA members on aid trip to Caribbean nation

By Joel Mills for Northwest Farm and Ranch

Even in the face of crushing poverty and the aftermath of the massive 2010 earthquake, Monica Haugen saw almost unbelievable happiness among the Haitian people. “They just appreciate everything they have,� Haugen said after a summer trip with FFA to the tiny Caribbean nation. “I didn’t really have an idea of what to expect, but I didn’t expect them to be that happy.

They all have a sense of community. No matter where they are, they are always together and helping each other out. It was awesome to see.�

The 17-year-old Pullman High School senior was one of 10 FFA members selected

by the Sioux Central FFA in Iowa to go on the mission. She didn’t grow up on a farm, but spent summers on her uncles’ Colton spread, helping raise wheat, garbanzos, peas, hay and cattle.

She joined FFA as a freshman and is currently president of the Pullman chapter. Her adviser forwarded an email about the trip last year, and Haugen decided to apply. “I had always wanted to do something like that,� she said. “I was the only person from this side of the country. Everybody else was either from Iowa or Indiana.�

The group performed several service projects during its visit. The main objective was to assemble a new form of shelter, the Sukup Safe-T-Home. Basically a modified grain bin, the shelters were invented

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| Monday, September 29, 2014 | Monica Haugen displays the things she brought back with her after an FFA trip to Haiti this summer at her home Sept. 14 in Pullman.

Haugen is holding what Haitians call a print, which is a scene painted onto an unframed piece of cloth.

She also brought back a metal cross and a small wooden box.

by Sukup Manufacturing in them.

Iowa as a response to the Her group was too busy earthquake. to learn much about Haitian They are billed as virtu- agricultural practices, but ally wind- and earthquake- Haugen was able to observe proof, and Haugen’s FFA a few things during drives group put together four from location to location. during their visit. They Familiar with the highly also visited mechanized orphanagmethods es, installshe grew ing a water up around, pump at Haugen one that said she specializes was most in helping surprised small chilthat almost dren and everything babies. is done by “It was hand, like awesome, picking corn but at the and worksame time it ing rice Monica Haugen was heartpaddies. breaking,” FFA president of Pullman chapter “They Haugen don’t have said. “We heard a couple of tractors,” she said. “I think different stories about why we saw one when we were the kids came to the orphan- down there, and it was defiages. It was just hard to nitely not one we would see know that they don’t have a here.” family to take care of them.”

Haugen added the Joel Mills may be contacted at orphanages do a fantastic jmills@lmtribune.com or (208) 848job of raising and caring for 2266.

“

I didn’t really have an idea of what to expect, but I didn’t expect (Haitians) to be that happy. ”

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| Monday, September 29, 2014 |

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Worldwide wheat harvest up, but ...

NW crops withered under blistering summer heat

By Eric Barker for Northwest Farm and Ranch

Steve Hanks/NWFR

Harvest yields are down this year because of higher than normal temperatures.

But that isn’t the case in the United States. Squires said at home the crop is as low as it’s been in the past eight years.

“We had some sustained heat that really took a toll on the crop and that kind of had two effects,� he said. “One

Northwest.

Prices are down this year, following five years of a seller’s market. Soft white wheat closed at $6.73 a bushel Sept.

12 in Portland, Ore. The price has been above $7 a bushel since 2010, with the high point coming in 2012 when it topped $8 a bushel. In 2009 it was less than $5.

Squires said Washington growers produced about 130 million bushels this year. The five-year average is 142 million and the 10-year average is 137 million. “Usually when supply is down, yield is down, crop prices tend to go up,� he said. “Well the complicating factor this year is you have a lot of wheat in the world, the biggest crop ever, so in terms of global supply you have a lot of wheat. “The other compounding factor is corn. You have this unbelievable big corn yield, so corn prices are down and that has a

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Wheat growers in the Pacific Northwest are being hit with a double whammy this fall, poor yields and low prices.

Normally low yield puts a pinch on supply, increases demand and leads to higher prices. But as Glen Squires, CEO of the Washington Wheat Commission at Spokane, explains, the world is awash in wheat this year. The global harvest is at an all-time high despite a blistering summer that withered crops in the Northwest. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Worldwide, I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the biggest crop,â&#x20AC;? he said before correcting himself. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is the biggest crop.â&#x20AC;?

effect was it reduced the yield, the plants just kind of shut down earlier.â&#x20AC;?

The second effect was to raise the protein level in soft white wheat, an undesirable quality in the variety used for non-bread baked goods. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You want lower protein and weaker gluten and the stress caused the protein to increase, which is not the best,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So customers are probably going to have a little more of a challenge dealing with the crop.â&#x20AC;?

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harvest has an average protein level of about 11 percent. The long-term average is about 10.2 percent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sound like a lot but it is,â&#x20AC;? he said.

On the up-side, those growing hard red wheat are helped by higher protein levels.

Hard red wheat is used for bread and all-purpose flour.

But soft white wheat is the dominant variety grown in the

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downward pressure on wheat.”

When corn prices are high, some ranchers feed their animals wheat instead of corn.

That puts a strain on demand and prices tend to go up.

Squires said growers are having to contend with higher costs for things like fuel and fertilizers in the face of lower prices for their crops. But he said that is the nature of farming, and sometimes prices can make a quick turnaround.

For example, he said with such a huge global wheat crop, growers around the country and world who live in places where they can grow a variety of crops, might choose to plant something else next year.

Growing something different, generally is not an option for the dry land farms of the Pacific Northwest.

“For the most part we don’t grow soybeans, we don’t grow corn. You grow wheat or you are in a rotation,” he said. “You can’t really change your rotation; dry land soy beans is not option.”

Eric Barker may be contacted at ebarker@lmtribune.com or at (208) 8482273. Follow him on Twitter @ezebarker.

| Monday, September 29, 2014 |

More on why local yields are lower after hot summer Some areas of the region saw record temperatures

By Anthony Kuipers for Northwest Farm and Ranch

High heat and sporadic rain this summer has led to low wheat yield in much of the region, according to local growers.

Washington Grain Commissioner CEO Glen Squires said production is down nearly 10 percent in Washington from the fiveyear average.

During the past five years, the state has produced an average of 142.4 million bushels. Preliminary estimates from August show this year it produced 130.6 million.

“It really impacted all parts of the state,” he said.

In some areas, July and August brought the highest

average temperatures on record. Spokane, Wenatchee and Walla Walla all set records in this category, according to the Office of the Washington State Climatologist.

Squires said in addition to putting stress on the crop and reducing yield, the heat also caused increased protein levels in soft white wheat.

Randy Suess, Washington Grain Commissioner for Whitman County, said he doesn’t know anyone “that didn’t take at least a 20 percent hit.”

“It held production back pretty significantly,” he said.

It could have been worse.

The Palouse, mercifully, saw about an inch of rainfall in June.

“If it wasn’t for that inch of rain, things would have really sad,” Suess said.

Idaho saw a similar trend.

According to the Idaho

Wheat Commission, all Clearwater, Idaho, Lewis, wheat stored in all positions Boise, Payette, Valley and on June 1 totaled 13.4 mil- Washington counties, said lion bushels in Idaho, down south-central and southeast from 14.1 million bushels Idaho experienced heavy a year ago. Off-farm stocks rainfall right around the were up 4 percent, while on- crop’s maturity, which made farm stocks the baking were down 41 characterpercent comistics of the pared to the wheat less previous year. than desirJ o e able.

The Anderson, good news, Idaho Wheat Anderson Commissioner said, is that in for northern his district the Idaho counquality of the ties like Latah wheat wasn’t and Benewah, affected. said he’s “The wheat Randy Suess heard from that was there other farmers Washington Grain Commissioner finished nicely that yield is and is generfor Whitman County down between ally excellent 10 to 20 perquality,” he cent on aversaid. age, thanks in part to below average rainfall.

Anthony Kuipers can be reached Bill Flory, Idaho Wheat at (208) 883-4630, or by email to Commissioner for Nez Perce, akuipers@dnews.com.

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Is there a need for a regional meat processing plant?

Federal grant used for study calls for USDA facility in north central Idaho, southeastern Washington

By William L. Spence for Northwest Farm and Ranch

A long-running effort to improve marketing opportunities for livestock producers and allow consumers to buy locally raised meat products recently received a $15,000 federal grant.

The money will help the Greater Palouse Meat Producers evaluate the possibility of building a smallscale U.S. Department of Agriculture meat processing facility somewhere in the region.

“Right now we’re shooting for the minimum, a plant that has a capacity (to process) eight to 10 animals per day,” said Christopher LaPaglia, one of the half-dozen or so livestock producers and economic development specialists who actively participate

Steve Hanks/NWFR

Marketing local beef sold at nearby sales yards may someday be focused on a local meat processing facility. in the Greater Palouse Meat Producers.

Ranchers currently can’t sell individual cuts of meat

directly to restaurants or retail outlets unless their livestock is slaughtered at a plant that has USDA inspec-

tors on hand. They also can’t sell directly to consumers except in bulk quantities, such as half a cow or a whole

pig carcass.

Although Washington State University and the University of Idaho both have USDA slaughter facilities, LaPaglia said, they’re focused primarily on the institutions’ teaching mission and don’t have the capacity to handle additional animals.

Outside of that, the nearest USDA facilities are in Sandpoint, southern Idaho and the Tri-Cities area of Washington — far enough away, LaPaglia said, that it doesn’t make economic sense for local producers to even bother.

Building a USDA plant somewhere in this region would reduce transportation costs, as well as the stress on animals, and create new opportunities for small- to medium-sized ranchers.

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label, you can sell to restaurants and hospitals. You can sell someone one steak, rather than half a cow,” LaPaglia said.

They could also offer value-added products, such as smoked meats and sausages, and possibly go after specific niche markets, such as grass-fed beef, organic beef or kosher beef.

“It could be the difference between making money and not,” he said.

In exploring this issue, the Greater Palouse Meat Producers is building on research done by UI’s Office of Community Partnerships, which spent several years looking at the costs and benefits of building a regional USDA facility.

Interim Director David Saul, who led the effort, could not be reached for comment.

However, a report by the office indicated about 50,000 cattle and calves were sold in north central Idaho and southeastern Washington in 2007, along with about 20,000 sheep and hogs. That

would easily be enough to support a small processing facility, assuming there’s adequate interest on the part of producers.

Researchers also found consumers “have a strong preference for beef produced within 85 miles of home (and) are willing to pay 10 percent more for certified organic and all-natural beef,” according to the report.

In July the USDA awarded Clearwater Economic Development Association a $15,000 Rural Business Enterprise grant to begin the planning and design for a local processing facility.

CEDA also raised $5,000 in local matching funds from the Moscow Food Co-op, Latah and Clearwater County commissions, Clearwater Resource Conservation and Development Council, Sodexo Corp., and the UI’s Office of Community Partnerships.

The work, which should be completed in about a year, will address such issues as start-up costs, the size and location of the operation and

“

The fastest way to lose your market is to have inconsistent quality, to have an A-plus product one week and a C-minus product the next. That has to be part of the discussion.”

Cheryl Kammerzell Maple K Farms co-owner estimated demand. It will also evaluate whether there’s interest in a cooperative marketing effort or developing a Greater Palouse Meat Producers brand.

“In my experience, the people who produce livestock often aren’t that comfortable with the marketing side of things,” said Cheryl Kammerzell, co-owner of Maple K Farms in Colfax, which raises grass-fed Highland cattle and sells the beef in bulk directly to consumers.

Although she and her husband, Tom, aren’t looking to expand their operation, Kammerzell supports the idea of building a local USDA plant, saying it would expand the opportunities for other producers in the region.

However, she emphasized that quality control — not just at the slaughterhouse, but at the farm where livestock is raised — will be critical to the project’s success.

“The fastest way to lose your market is to have inconsistent quality, to have an

| Monday, September 29, 2014 | 11 A-plus product one week and a C-minus product the next,” she said. “That has to be part of the discussion.”

The Greater Palouse Meat Producers will hold a grant launch party for local meat producers, butchers and consumers in October, to solicit comments on how the project can best meet their needs.

The party takes place Oct. 17 at Ernie’s Steakhouse in Lewiston, 2305 Nez Perce Drive. A social hour with appetizers and no-host bar begins at 5:30 p.m. that Friday, followed by a presentation at 6:30 p.m. Members of the meat producers steering committee and Joel Huesby, the lead grant consultant, will be available to discuss the project.

The group has also launched a new website, www.gpmp.weebly.com, where interested parties can keep track of the latest developments.

William L. Spence may be contacted at bspence@lmtribune.com or (208) 791-9168.

12 | Monday, September 29, 2014 |

NORTHWEST FARM & RANCH

It’s not just your grandmother’s disease WSU study links pesticide commonly used in the ’40s to genetic alterations passed from generation to generation

By Ralph Bartholdt for Northwest Farm and Ranch

A pesticide commonly used since the 1940s has been linked to genetic weaknesses that are passed on for generations.

Michael Skinner, Washington State University professor and founder of the school’s Center for Reproductive Biology, and his colleagues discovered that Methoxychlor, a pesticide once used on a variety of plants and livestock, does more than kill insect pests, it has the ability to alter genetics.

Also known as Moxie, Metox, Methoxo or Chemform, Methoxychlor was commonly used on farms and in suburbia since its introduction in 1948. It killed insects that preyed on crops and ornamentals. It also protected pets and livestock against fleas, ticks and biting flies, and it killed mosquitoes and cockroaches.

In the 1970s it was advertised as a safe replacement for DDT. Although it was banned in the U.S. in 2003 because of its toxicity, it continues to be used in many countries around the world.

Through their research at WSU, Skinner and his colleagues found that exposure to Methoxychlor in pregnancy can behave like the hormone estrogen, and is linked to three gener-

ations of disease.

When Skinner and his colleagues exposed gestating rats to Methoxychlor they documented an increase in the number of offspring with ovary and kidney disease as well as obesity. The diseases didn’t fade after a generation, but lasted into three generations, according to the research.

Research indicates the pesticide could b e

affecting genetic information that is turned on or off in the offspring of an exposed person. That means the great-great-grandchildren of someone exposed to Methoxychlor during pregnancy may still be suffering the consequences.

“What your great-grandmother was exposed to throughout pregnancy, like the pesticide Methoxychlor, could market a dramatic boost in your susceptibility to develop illness, and you will pass this on to your grandchildren in the absence of any continued exposures,” Skinner said.

The research suggests that more than 50 years of exposure to Methoxychlor may have manifested itself in an increased rate of disease and obesity in our society, which may — despite the pesticide’s ban — be evident for many more decades.

Ralph Bartholdt can be contacted at rbartholdt@ lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2275.

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Health coverage more than an apple a day WSU researchers conduct survey on effect of next year’s healthcare mandate on Washington growers

By Lindsey Treffry

“

for Northwest Farm and Ranch

Since the Obama administration decided in July to postpone Obamacare’s employer mandate until 2015, employers will have more time to provide accessible health coverage.

But there is considerable debate about the effect of these Affordable Care Act mandates on agriculture, specifically in Washington state, where a large majority of growers depend on seasonal and migrant workers. At least, that’s what Washington State University economic sciences assistant professor Bidisha Mandal says.

Mandal, who holds a Ph.D. in agricultural, environmental and development economics, along with Michael Brady

We couldn’t see any other study that has done something like this. ”

Mandal and R. Karina Gallardo, both of economic sciences, was awarded a 2014 Emerging Research Issues Award from WSU, in addition to $43,891 for their research, “How will the Affordable Care Act Affect Health Coverage and Employment in the Agricultural Industry in the State of Washington?”

“We got the grant in February or late March this year,” Mandal said.

“The agriculture industry in Washington state has a lot of

Bidisha Mandal Washington State University economic sciences assistant professor seasonal and migrant workers. They would have different types of challenges when it comes to providing insurance and trying to understand if they have an issue with revenue, which might not be seen in other parts of the country.”

During the next few months, Mandal and her team will conduct surveys, which will be sent to randomly chosen apple and grape growers in Washington. The team is seeking information on the

number of workers, those employed part-time or fulltime, the type of coverage provided to workers and what the growers plan to do for health coverage starting Jan. 1.

By November or December, Mandal said some analysis should be done, and next year, after contacting the same growers again, the research team will publish their findings, which will include the thoughts of growers after implementing the required coverage.

“We couldn’t see any other study that has done something like this,” Mandal said.

Mandal said the team also hopes to gather historical data to see how the Washington agriculture industry has changed throughout the years, but primarily, the focus is on changes in the industry in relation to the Affordable Care Act. More information on the study can be found at arc.wsu.edu/info/eri/2014_ ERIawards.html.

“We think it’s really important,” Mandal said. “I know many people have many questions about it and they don’t understand the new law.”

Lindsey Treffry can be reached at (208) 883-4540 or by email to ltreffry@dnews.com. Follow her on Twitter @LindseyTreffry.

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14 | Monday, September 29, 2014 |

Northwest Farm & Ranch

USDA approves new modified corn, soybean seeds

By Mary Clare Jalonick Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The United States Agriculture Department has approved the use of genetically modified corn and soybean seeds that are resistant to a popular weed killer.

However, farmers won’t be able to take full advantage of the seeds until the Environmental Protection Agency issues a second ruling allowing the use of Enlist, a new version of the 2,4-D weed killer that’s been around since the 1940s. The EPA has said it will rule this fall on Dow AgroSciences’ application to market the chemical.

The agriculture industry has been anxiously awaiting the approvals, as many weeds have become resistant to glyphosate, an herbicide commonly used on corn and soybeans now.

Critics say they are concerned the increased use of 2,4-D could endanger public health and that more study on the chemical is needed.

T

El Nino forecast to help Texas out of drought

By Besty Blaney Associated Press

LUBBOCK, Texas — El Nino appears to be on its way.

The long-awaited weather pattern that brings rain to Texas is forecast to arrive next month, National Weather Service meteorologist Victor Murphy in Fort Worth said. El Nino raises the chances in many parts of the state for abundant rain through February, which would raise lake levels statewide and improve soil moisture, he said.

But the region around Wichita Falls along the Oklahoma border is likely to miss out on the wet weather pattern. Parts of that region are in exceptional drought, the worst stage on the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor map, and many nearby are in extreme drought. The city itself hasn’t fallen out of the two driest

categories in about four years.

“The farther north you go, the smaller the impact of El Nino,” said state climatologist John NielsenGammon, a professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&M University.

The Texas drought began in October 2010, and 2011 was the state’s driest ever. Subsequent years have not brought enough rain to quench it.

There had been no real relief statewide until the past week, when heavy rains from a storm system and Hurricane Odile’s remnants swept across much of the state.

“It’s been a drought-ender in a couple of places, but there’s a lot of places it’s not been,” NielsenGammon said.

When droughts begin, the first symptom is dry soil. The last is lakes drying up. But when drought begins to improve, the first sign is improved soil moisture, which

allows more water to run into lakes.

That has happened in some parts of the state but not others, with lake levels across the state at 64.1 full on Tuesday. The usual capacity for this time of year is 79 percent.

Agriculture officials see the soil moisture levels rising from the recent rains in the Central Gulf Coast, Central Texas, the Rio Grande Valley, South Plains and far West Texas, said Travis Miller, associate director of state operations for Texas AgriLife Extension Service and a former drought specialist there.

The drought map, released recently, will show improvement this week because of the recent rains. The current map shows about 43 percent of the state in no drought stage.

West Texas, where conditions are typically the state’s driest, has gotten above normal rainfall, with Lubbock at 106 percent of normal.

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Northwest Farm & Ranch

UI ag studies gain national honors Professor, student recognized by North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture

By Chelsea Embree for Northwest Farm and Ranch

Agricultural studies at the University of Idaho have earned two recent claims to national fame.

In April, a professor and a graduate student were honored with awards from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture, a professional society dedicated to promoting, recognizing and rewarding excellence in education.

Professor Bob Tripepi, who specializes in horticulture, was granted a Teacher Fellow Award. Doug Masser, who finished a degree in agricultural education last fall, earned a Graduate Student Teaching Award.

Tripepi said he was excited and pleased to receive the honor.

“I don’t know if I deserve it, but I’ll take it,” Tripepi said.

Earning the award is no small matter. According to the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture website, nominations for the Teacher Fellow Award must include a statement of teaching philosophy, a summary of student evaluations from former and current students, reviews from administrators and peer faculty members, a self-evaluation and a resume.

Five UI professors have won the award in the past.

The Teacher Fellow Award recognizes effectiveness in teaching, Tripepi said. For

him, effectiveness is when he sees “the light bulbs turn on.”

“What I teach is not rocket science, but it can be involved, it can be technical. And so when students can see that and how it’s applied, and I can see that, ... that’s pretty satisfying,” Tripepi said.

He has spent his entire teaching career — totaling more than 30 years — at the UI. His courses range from nursery and landscape management to plant tissue culture and plant propagation.

What keeps him coming back to work every day are his interactions with students.

“After all these years, I’m confident enough to have a little fun with it too. So if I can poke fun at myself and with them, that’s helpful, so the pressure’s not all on them,” Tripepi said.

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In fact, for about 25 of his 30 years, he’s carved out more time to spend with students as an adviser to the Plant and Soil Science Club on campus. He noticed students have gotten more involved with the club’s activities over the years.

“It’s fun to see them take charge,” Tripepi said.

He said his time at the university has been nice and interesting.

“One of the goals of the University of Idaho is lifelong learning, so I hope I can emulate and show that I’m still learning, too, right with (the students). And I tell them, in some classes, I’m probably learning as much or more than they are in the class because of the different things that they’ll discover or ask about that I’ve never thought of before,” Tripepi said.

He’s also learned a lot about teaching in his years of experience. What stood out immediately is that “different students interpret different questions for exams or classes differently,” Tripepi said.

And he’s continuing to learn about teaching every day. Tripepi is teaching a nursery management course, for which he has students both on and off campus. Of the off-campus students, half are taking the course independently and half are “guided,” meaning they meet as a group to watch and discuss lectures.

Tripepi plans on comparing the various learning methods and presenting on his findings at a North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture conference, another component of his Teacher Fellow Award.

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The Graduate Student Teaching culture,” he said. “Sharing my pasAward that Masser received goes to sion and my interest was important graduate students who have been and it’s something I enjoyed.” teaching for one year and excelled In the University of Idaho’s agriat it. The application process is simi- cultural education program, Masser lar in rigor to the Teacher Fellow wanted and received a number of Award. It requires a opportunities to statement of teaching teach, both formally philosophy, a stateand informally. ment of support from He felt he began supervising faculty, to make a difference evaluations from stuwhen he taught an dents and adminisintroductory course trators, a description in agricultural eduof teaching involvecation last fall. ment in and out of Masser credited the classroom and a the UI’s resources resume.

— particularly for Masser, who research and attendstarted teaching conferences — for ing agriculture at helping to make him Pequa High School a better teacher. in Pennsylvania this He also credited Doug Masser fall, has been interhis involvement Recipient of Graduate Student ested in being an with the program for Teaching award educator since high helping him win the school.

Graduate Student “If I can have half the impact on Teaching Award. future students that my teachers had “Whenever you’re recognized for on me, that’s a pretty rewarding job,” your work, it’s definitely rewarding to he said. know that your hard work and many Masser’s background in agricul- hours of preparation and stressing ture started with his family. He grew over whether you’re teaching lessons up on a fruits and vegetables farm in that help students and whether you Pennsylvania. make an impact” had paid off, he said.

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Northwest Farm & Ranch

Technology, data give farmers edge

By Chris Hubbuch Lacross Tribune

BARRE MILLS, Wisc.

— After patiently waiting her turn, Firefly sidles up to the Lely Astronaut.

As the 1,587-pound cow stands on a scale, a robotic arm moves under her belly.

A pair of whirring brushes washes her udder before laserguided suction cups latch on and begin milking.

Six minutes and 20 seconds later, Firefly is done, her 20.5 pounds of milk on its way to the holding tank, and the next cow is nosing into the milking stall.

Farmer Jeff Berg watches it all on video monitors from the comfort of his corner office. A robotic feed pusher keeps hay where the cows can reach it, while a manure scraper, like an industrial-sized Roomba, pushes the waste through a slotted floor.

Berg, 53, grew up on this farm and took it over shortly after graduating from high school in 1980. But, to borrow a phrase, this is not his father’s farm.

Robotic milkers, GPSguided tractors and combines, high-definition satellite imagery, computers and even remote-controlled drones: technology is giving today’s farmers new ways to save time and money.

Jason Miller is head of the growing precision farming department at St. Joseph Equipment and says today’s best computer-guided planters, combines and fertilizer applicators can be dialed in to sub-inch accuracy.

“It’s millimeters, pretty much,” said Miller, 26, who also runs a 300-acre farm with his brother.

That accuracy allows farmers to save on inputs — seeds, fertilizer, pesticides — by eliminating overlap. Combined with

satellite imagery and soil maps, telemetry features that allow producers can use computers farmers to monitor them from to write custom “prescriptions” home. If a machine breaks to account for soil variations down, it sends an alert to the within a field — a little more farmer or dealer, who can diagfertilizer here, a few less seeds nose — and sometimes correct there.

— the problem “Now you remotely. And can do this if a mechanic perfectly accuis needed, it’s rately,” Miller easier to send said. the right part But Miller along, all of said farmers which results tend to notice in less down the “fatigue time.

Jason Miller factor.”

The same Head of growing precision “That’s one goes for Berg: of the first farming department at St. Joseph if a hose Equipment things cuscomes loose, tomers say to or if a cow me — I can plant all night,” doesn’t get milked, he receives Miller said. an alert. Such are the benefits That’s key when Mother of an automated farm.

Nature squeezes the plantFor Berg, who suffers from ing and harvesting season, he multiple sclerosis, the robot said. “You’ve got certain times was a necessary labor saver. to go, go, go.”

Even a relatively small herd of Newer implements offer 60 cows would be too much for

“

You’ve got certain times to go, go, go.”

a family operation like his.

Down the line, there may be even more value in the information that fills his desktop computer screen.

“You can learn more than you ever want to know about a cow,” Berg said.

Likewise, computer-savvy farmers have begun to assemble gigabytes of data on crops and their fields, which may be the key to future advances.

Genetic engineering and precision planting and fertilizer application have increased crop yields over time, said Paul Mitchell, an associate professor of agriculture and applied economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. But in the coming decades it will be “big data” that allows farmers to finally achieve the potential of these technologies.

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aerial snapshots of fields every nine days, said Rob Shield, precision ag manager for Allied Co-op in Mauston, Wis. In some cases, those satellites can provide 5-meter resolution, which allow producers to spot problems — such as insects or disease — that wouldn’t be visible from the ground.

Most recently, Allied invested in a remote-controlled drone, a four-bladed helicopter equipped with a GoPro camera that captures photos and streams live video to the operator.

Known as the AIMQ, the drone is the product of DMZ Aerial, a Sauk County business founded by cousins Mitchell and Zach Fiene.

Mitchell Fiene, a 20year-old college student, said he grew up scouting fields with his father, a field agronomist, and flying remote controlled planes as a hobby.

As advancing technology and price drops

made sophisticated drones more affordable, the Fienes saw an opportunity.

A camera-equipped drone can cover 250 acres in a matter of minutes, Fiene said, scoping for problem areas from 200 feet and zooming in to problem areas for closeups.

That could allow a scout to cover 100 times as much ground, he said.

“It’s a great tool to give you that first layer of information,” Shields said. “It doesn’t replace the scouts. It makes them a little more efficient.”

Current FAA rules allow civilian drones to be used only for hobby purposes, so DMZ cannot sell its services, but Fiene said there’s been demand from large operators and co-ops which can use them to scout their members’ fields — though not for a fee.

Shields said the biggest hurdle now is the FAA, which is expected

to issue new drone rules next year.

Of course this technology is not cheap. A drone can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $70,000, Shields said. Precisionguidance systems can cost $10,000 to $20,000 — not including the tractor. A robotic milker can cost $200,000 or more.

In hilly terrain like the Coulee Region, there aren’t many farms big enough to justify those costs, but Mitchell said large operators in Iowa and Illinois who invest in those new technologies eventually drive the prices down until they are affordable.

The only downside to that model is those large farms also drive down commodity prices.

While nothing yet appears to have the potential to change the game like the internal combustion engine did in the early 20th century, Mitchell says history could prove otherwise.

| Monday, September 29, 2014 | 19

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Northwest Farm & Ranch

Some of hemp crop from detained seeds harvested in Kentucky

By Bruce Schreiner Associated Press

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drug officials approved a permit. Part of the once-detained shipment ended up being planted May 27 at the UK plot.

Half a dozen universities and about 12 farmers were involved in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s test plantings, on a total of about 15 acres on plots across the state.

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Associated Press

David Williams, right, speaks to media after a small plot of hemp was harvested at a University of Kentucky farm Sept. 23 near Lexington, Ky.

LEXINGTON, Ky. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Some of the imported hemp seeds detained by U.S. customs officials in the spring turned into 10-foot-tall plants that were harvested recently on a research plot in Kentucky, where marijuanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s non-intoxicating cousin has gained a foothold as a potential cash crop.

A sickle bar mower pulled by a tractor made half a dozen swaths to cut the hemp patch at the University of Kentucky research farm. Farmers wanting to learn more about the crop were among the curious who posed for pictures while holding long, leafy stalks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great possibil-

ity that it could become a viable crop in Kentucky,â&#x20AC;? said UK agronomist David Williams, who helped oversee the research plot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the most complicated plant to grow for farmers. I think they would pick up on it immediately with very little guidance.â&#x20AC;?

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THC, the psychoactive compound that gives marijuana users a high.

Hempâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comeback started with the new federal farm bill. It allows state agriculture departments to designate hemp pilot projects for research and development in states such as Kentucky that allow hemp growing.

A thief apparently got the two confused.

Some hemp plants were stolen during the night last week from an eastern Kentucky plot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use it to get high,â&#x20AC;? said Adam Watson, the state Agriculture Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hemp program coordinator. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So we expect itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kind of a case of mistaken identity.â&#x20AC;?

Easy growth UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s test plot grew fast, with little help from researchers and no fertilizer or irrigation.

Researchers sprayed herbicide for weed sup-

pression. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The plants ... have been allowed to grow on their own, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done just fine,â&#x20AC;? Williams said.

The hemp cut Tuesday is a variety grown for its fiber production. The harvested plants will stay in the field to cure for about two weeks.

Versatile crop Hemp is prized for oils, seeds and fiber.

Some of the Kentucky crop will be tested for use in textiles and biofuels, Watson said. Growers in Rockcastle County plan to make U.S. flags out of hemp fibers, he said.

Hemp is grown in other countries, and finished hemp is legal in the U.S. Hemp advocates say thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a growing market for hemp products.

Hemp products sold in the U.S. last year had a total retail value of at least $581 million,

up 24 percent from the prior year, according to the Hemp Industries Association.

Hempâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future Kentuckyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hemp experiment is expected to grow next year. The state doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t anticipate any problems with federal drug officials in getting seed shipments, Watson said.

Everett McIntosh, a farmer from Garrard County, showed up for the harvest to check out the crop. He has been researching the crop and would like to convert some of his land into hemp production, if markets can be found. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much work invested in farming that this would seem much more economical, if they can come up with processing locations,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the only problem right now is to see whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to invest in that.â&#x20AC;?

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Northwest Farm & Ranch

Conditions perfect for big Oregon wine yield Associated Press

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon’s Dundee Hills suffered from late rains last year that impacted the quality of wine in one of Oregon’s most productive regions.

Not this year.

Vintners in the Willamette Valley say the conditions have so far been perfect, and early September has given white-grape growers a chance to start harvesting early.

The first picking of the state’s famous pinot noir grapes isn’t far behind, The Statesman Journal reported.

Stoller Family Estate vineyard manager Robert Schultz says Oregon’s hot summer and the mild conditions for ambient yeast on the grapes themselves combined to forecast a strong early harvest.

“This year is remarkable for its earliness, perfect conditions at bloom and increased heat accumulation,” Schultz said, adding that this year’s crop is “bigger and riper earlier than last year.”

Melissa Burr, who is celebrating her

12th vintage at Stoller, is enthusiastic about this harvest. “We have a healthy and heavy fruit set across the entire vineyard. The vineyard flowered in a compressed period of time, which leads me to think that harvest will also be compressed, and we are ready,” Burr said.

Schultz said harvest should be done mid-October.

At Sokol Blosser and other Willamette Valley vineyards, the vineyard has begun harvesting grapes for its sparkling wine offerings.

“The grapes are picked early to help with acid retention and lower sugar content, resulting in lower alcohol content for sparkling wine, an approach we’ve adopted after developing our sparkling program over the last year,” winemaker Alex Sokol Blosser said.

If the warm weather keeps up — temperatures reached the low 90s on Saturday — the pinot noir grapes could come earlier than anticipated.

“It appears to be an all-around stellar year for the Dundee Hills, and I’m looking forward to tasting the results of our collective work,” Schultz said.

Associated Press

Roberto Garcia snips clusters of pinot noir grapes Sept. 22 as harvest continues at A to Z Wineworks in Oregon’s Yamhill County. Growers say grape quality this year is outstanding.

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