Got Broadband? Building Businesses on Rural Broadband Investments Dec 14th

Follow this link and the instructions in the left bar to access the webinar.

https://rurdev.webex.com/rurdev/j.php?ED=166646542&UID=0&PW=NMmViNjNjYzc3&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D

The Lemhi Link is On-Line

Click on the Image to Read the Table of Contents

Click Here to Read the Eighth Edition

Grower Supply Free Webinars

Join Growers Supply on December 10th at 12:00 PM EST for a 30 minute webinar to find out how Growers Supply can provide you with the best high tunnel system on the market today. Kathleen Osgood, one of our Senior National Account Managers and an authority on the NRCS High Tunnel program, will explain the benefits of purchasing a high tunnel through Growers Supply. She will be covering the costs of obtaining a system, how to get funding through your local NRCS office, and the advantages of owning one. Please note that registration is limited, so reserve your seat now. We hope you will be able to attend!

CLICK REGISTER HERE

National Beef Quality Audit Open Until Feb 6--Please take 10 minutes!!

Widespread response from cattle producers across the United States will continue to  provide a strong production sector voice in the results and strategy of the National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA). To assure full opportunity for producers to participate we will keep the survey open until February 6, 2012. The survey can be taken online at http://www.cattlesurvey.com/ and requires less than 10 minutes to complete. Your help in asking producers to participate is greatly appreciated.

We need producer input for the following reasons:

Food Stamps for Cows? Or Reducing Winter Feed Costs in the Near Term.

By Charles Cheyney, Extension Educator

The agricultural economy is kind of crazy. Wheat and corn are sky-high and growers are plowing out forage and pasture crops to plant these cereals, driving up the price of hay and pasture. Some cow-calf operators who grow alfalfa hay have been seduced by the high alfalfa prices and are now trying to figure out how and what to feed their cows. And while, cow calf operators are receiving some of the highest prices for their calves that they can remember, they are still having some trouble making ends meet. Why? Because of winter feeding costs, which can make up as much as 50% of the cost of production of a calf. It is all about ENERGY. Energy for fuel. Energy for human food, and energy for livestock feed. So what is a cowboy to do?

Study investigates pasture poultry production

By Meat&Poultry Staff

MeatPoultry.com
November 30, 2011

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - A grant project that will determine the food-safety risk of small on-farm poultry processing systems known as pasture poultry production is underway and the Univ. of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Center for Food Safety is a participant.

Nevada Cattlemen Seek Executive Director

The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association is currently seeking an Executive Director to be based in Elko. The association is a not for profit organization that works to protect the future of ranching in the state of Nevada.

Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) Plans of Insurance

WASHINGTON, Nov 10, 2011 - The Risk Management Agency announces that the next sales date for LGM is November 18, 2011. In particular, approximately $7 million in underwriting capacity is allocated to support LGM for Dairy Cattle for the Nov 18 sales period. This will bring the total to approximately $13.2 million for fiscal year 2012. Sales will begin no earlier than 4:30p.m. CST. Sales will begin on the half hour if information to determine the Expected Gross Margins is not available by 4:30p.m. CST. For instance, if the expected gross margins have not been released by 4:30p.m. CST, sales will begin at 5:00pm CST and so on.

Click Here to go the RME Home Page

Discovery Networks will feature farmer/rancher videos

Marlys Miller, Editor, Pork Magazine
PorkNetwork.com
November 15, 2011

Real farmers and ranchers will be telling their stories in the weeks ahead to help Americans learn more about how food is grown and raised. The effort includes documentary-style videos that will begin airing across the Discovery Communications' networks (TLC, Discovery, Discovery Science, Discovery Fit & Health, Identification Discovery, Planet Green and Animal Planet).

Evidence Supports Ban on Growth Promotion Use of Antibiotics in Farming

HealthCanal.com
November 15, 2011

BOSTON - In a review study, researchers from Tufts University School of Medicine zero in on the controversial, non-therapeutic use of antibiotics in food animals and fish farming as a cause of antibiotic resistance. They report that the preponderance of evidence argues for stricter regulation of the practice. Stuart Levy, a world-renowned expert in antibiotic resistance, notes that a guiding tenet of public health, the precautionary principle, requires that steps be taken to avoid harm.

Barley Commission Sponsors Free Webinar Nov 9th on Cereal Contracting

Nov. 9 webinar from 8:30 am to 10:00 am – “Fine-tuning your 2012 Malting Barley and Wheat Contract Pricing Strategies in Volatile Grain Markets” presented by Craig Corbett
Log onto…https://connect.cals.uidaho.edu/barley

Sponsored by the Idaho Barley Commission, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Western Center for Risk Management Education, University of Idaho Cooperative Extension, Busch Agricultural Resources, InteGrow Malt LLC, General Mills

Kelly L Olson, Administrator

Idaho Barley Commission

208-334-2090

Fax: 208-334-2335

kolson@idahobarley.org

Passing on the Ranch Presentation November 16th

Peter Volk with the University of Idaho will kick the series off on November 16. The seminar will cover estate planning and taxation for the family owned farm and ranch. It will provide practical ideas that attendees can use to reduce or avoid estate and gift tax as farmers and ranchers attempt to transfer the family ranch to the next generation. A truly challenging task, but Pete will take his “been there…done that” knowledge from his own ranching background and legal education to provide easy to understand information that you can take away and use with your advisors to start the succession plan for your ranch.

Salmon Business Innovation Center
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 16
No Charge and No RSVP

Mr. Volk will also be making a presentation in Challis on the 17th at 6:30 PM at th Y-Inn Cafe.

  Click on the poster to enlarge it!

Idaho Barley Commission Sponsors Webinars and Presentations in November

Mark your calendars to participate in these upcoming Idaho Grain Marketing Education programs being sponsored by the Idaho Barley Commission and University of Idaho Cooperative Extension…

Nov. 9 webinar from 8:30 am to 10:00 am – “Optimizing your 2012 Malting Barley Contract Pricing Strategies and Navigating Volatile Grain Markets” presented by Craig Corbett

Nov. 28 webinar from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm - “How to Hedge your Farm Energy Inputs” presented by Bryce Knorr, Farm Futures

Dec. 6 live workshop – Comprehensive Grain Marketing & Risk Management from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at Pocatello Red Lion Hotel –presented by Dr. Art Barnaby, Kansas State University (pre-registration required and fee of $15/person)

Please see our website at http://www.idahobarley.org/ for more details on upcoming Idaho grain marketing education events.

Kelly L Olson, Administrator
Idaho Barley Commission
208-334-2090
Fax: 208-334-2335

kolson@idahobarley.org

Small Acreage Symposium November 17th

Be a Good Neighbor! Destroy Volunteer Cereals

There are some fields of winter wheat in our area that were heavily infested with aphids, probably Bird Cherry Oat Aphid. They vary in color from orange green to olive green, and sometimes are greenish black. The aphid itself DOES damage the crop. “Heavy populations may cause a golden yellow streaking on the leaves; do not confuse this with the white streaks caused by Russian wheat aphid. Occasionally heavy populations cause the flag to curl up in a tight corkscrew fashion that may trap the awns, resulting in a fish-hook appearance to the head. Leaf curl caused by the bird cherry-oat aphid resembles a corkscrew, while that by the Russian wheat aphid resembles an upright soda straw.”

Stripe Rust Identified on Volunteer Wheat in Burley Area October 26, 2011

Dr. Juliet Marshal identified stripe rust in a field of volunteer wheat right off the highway at the Burley exit.  The volunteer wheat looked like it has been growing for weeks if not a couple of months, and was not heading so it is probably winter wheat.  This means it could host the rust through the winter and be a source of inoculum in the spring, or it will be a source for infection this fall for the local winter wheat.

Idaho Barley Marketing Report for Oct 13th, 2011 Available Here

Idaho Barley Marketing Report

For more information about Idaho barley, see the home page of the Idaho Barley Commission

2011 Western Idaho Winter Wheat Nursery Results

Dr. Brad Brown and his co-workers have completed the processing of the 2011 Extension winter cereal nursery samples. The results for spring wheat and barley and the protein results for all are still in the works.  Read on the the results!

Tree Care and Nursery Operations Workshop October 19th

The Idaho Nursery and Landscape Association is sponsoring a tree care and nursery operations workshop on the Kearsley Tree Farm in Victor, Idaho, Wednesday October 19th, 2011.  The cost of the program is $15 and includes lunch.  Pre-registration is required by October 13th.  Questions will be answered at 208-681-4769,

Idaho Barley News Brief and Idaho Barley Marketing Report for Sept 29th

The Idaho Barley commission News Brief is now available as is the Idaho Barley Marketing Report for Sept 29, 2011.

For more Idaho Barley information, see the Idaho Barley Commission webpage
&hl=en_US

Digital Panoramas of Rangelands Could Be Rich Source of Research Data

A USDA scientist is exploring how rangeland ecologists could use high-resolution digital panoramas to track landscape changes. (9/20) .  Read all about it at:http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2011/110920.htm

Idaho Barley Commission Market Report for September 22

The Idaho Barley Commissions market report for September 22nd can be found at the link below.

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B9CQZD8nv5_AZjI4YjkxMWEtNTI2Yi00ZGQxLWFlN2QtMzExYmFiNWVkYzVk&hl=en_US

For more information from the Idaho Barley Commission

2010-11 Idaho Custom Rate Guide is Available!

The 2010-11 Idaho Custom Rate Guide by Paul Patterson and Kathleen Painter is now available on line at the address below:

http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edcomm/pdf/BUL/BUL0729.pdf

Reminder on Field Burning

We at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are doing more outreach this year to make sure that all growers and the public at large are aware of the open burning regulations decided upon by the state of Idaho. Information for open burning of any kind is found on our website http://www.deq.idaho.gov/.

Growers can register their fields and pay online to burn their fields for crop residue removal. Growers will then be given approval to burn crop residue dependent upon air quality and meteorological conditions. This is a state of Idaho regulation and if all growers will follow the rules, they will be allowed to keep burning their CRB.

Watch Out! The Green Bridge for Stripe Rust is in Place!!

Yesterday in the Swan Valley area of Idaho east of Idaho Falls, I was completing some soil sampling for research obligations and observed stripe rust on volunteer wheat that was in the boot stage. I am not sure of the variety of spring wheat. In addition, there is plenty of greenbridge material at lower elevations, and many acres of winter wheat has already been planted throughout the eastern and southern Idaho region. There was a field of winter wheat planted into emerging volunteer in the Ririe area as well. I have concerns about the setting up of a potential over-wintering of stripe rust similar to last year.

Facebook Pages Offers Opportunities to Connect with Hay Buyers

Hay growers and buyers have started using Facebook as a way to connect with each other.  Below are two links  to check out.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hay-Connection/153504058065218

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oregon-Hay-and-Forage-Growers/124895780943833?sk=wall

The Idaho Hay and Forage Growers Association also has a mechanism to connect buyers and sellers on their website at http://idahohay.com/forsale.htm.

Idaho Grain Report for September 1st, 2011

Attached is our weekly Idaho Grain Market Report.  We wish you an enjoyable Labor Day holiday weekend!

IBC will host a Grain Market Outlook Webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 6:30 a.m. MDT

To participate log on to https://connect.cals.uidaho.edu/barley.  This webinar will be recorded and available to download later that day from the IBC website at www.idahobarley.org

Using Less Water to Grow More Potatoes

By Ann Perry

September 1, 2011Research conducted in part at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that in some production systems, planting potatoes in flat beds can increase irrigation water use efficiency.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) agricultural engineer Bradley King, who works at the ARSNorthwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratoryin Kimberly, Idaho, was one of the scientists who led these studies. ARS is USDA's chief intramural scientific research agency, and this research supports the USDA commitment to enhancing sustainable agriculture.

Stripe Rust Alert for Fall-planted Winter Wheat

Juliet Marshall, University of Idaho. August 31, 2011

This year is setting up to be a lot like last year. We have a late harvest of spring wheat going, volunteer wheat growing under harvested grain, and some hail damage in winter wheat that has contributed to the “green bridge”. A green bridge is the overlap of different cropping cycles within a year, leading to the constant availability of living, green plants of a given crop.
Given the train wreck with the previous year’s stripe rust epidemic, we need to be vigilant about protecting this year’s grain.

Idaho Barley Marketing Report for August 25th, 2011

Idaho Barley Commission Marketing Report:  Click Here

IBC will host a Grain Market Outlook Webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 6:30 a.m. MDT to help Idaho malting barley producers prepare for the upcoming 2012 malting barley contract season.  To participate, simply log on to https://connect.cals.uidaho.edu/barley.  This webinar will be recorded and available to download later that day from the IBC website at www.idahobarley.org

Idaho Barley Commission Marketing Report for August 18, 2011

The August 18th Idaho Barley Marketing report is available on line.

IBCMR 081811

For more information about Idaho Barley and barley production go to idahobarley.org

Butte County Fair August 16-20th

Butte County Fair will be held in Arco from August 16th to the 20th.  Follow the link below for a complete flyer:

http://arcomoore.blogspot.com/2011/08/butte-county-fair-how-west-was-fun.html

Barley Commission Marketing Report for August 11th Now Available

Click on the link below to see the Idaho Barley Commission Barley Marketing Report for August 11th.

Marketing Report for August 11th

For more information on the Idaho Barley Commission and educational information go to the Commissions home page.

Barley Commission Market Report for August 4th

The Idaho Barley Commission Market Report for August 4, 2011 is available on line.
For more information about Idaho barley, see the Idaho Barley Commission webpage

Consumers Say Animal Welfare Labeling Important

A study shows mandatory labeling of animal welfare practices is important to more than 60 percent of consumers.

Grocery shoppers are increasingly interested in where their food comes from, and in the case of meat and eggs, they are also interested in how the live animal was treated. In fact, consumers may be so interested that they are willing to pay extra for meat and eggs with a mandatory label indicating animal welfare information, according to a university study.

Kansas State University assistant professor, Glynn Tonsor, who, along with Michigan State University professor, Christopher Wolf, conducted the study, said, "The analysis suggests there may be significant support by consumers for mandatory labeling of production practices impacting animal welfare."

The agricultural economists examined U.S. resident support for mandatory labeling of animal welfare information on pork and egg products. Data was collected in 2008 from 2,001 U.S. residents.

A fact sheet summarizing the study, a link to a full scientific article and corresponding videos are available online at www.agmanager.info/livestock/marketing/AnimalWelfare/default.asp .

When initially asked, 61.7 percent of survey respondents indicated they favored mandatory labeling of pork produced on farms using gestation crates/stalls, and 62.0 percent said they were in favor of such labeling of eggs produced using laying hen cages.

The typical U.S. resident was estimated to be willing to pay 20 percent higher prices for pork and egg products in exchange for mandatory labeling information conveying the use - or lack thereof - of gestation crates/stalls or laying hen cages. The economists believe, however, that the 20 percent estimate may overstate actual demand and note more work is needed. Demand was higher among females and younger consumers than in others involved in the study. The perceived accuracy of information from different sources was also an important demand driver.
Reprinted in part from TheMeatSite News Desk

Idaho Barley Commission Market Report for July 28 Available

The Idaho Barley Commission's market report for Julyt 28th, 2011 is now available.  For more information and educational information about Idaho barley go to idahobarley.org.

Burning Permits Required to Burn Crop Residues

The Idaho Department of Enviormental Quality has asked us to remind growers that a DEQ permit is required to burn crop residue and stubble.  Below is information about the regulations and the program and the contact information if you have a question or need to burn crop residue.---Chad
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Burning Crop Residue
The crop residue burning (CRB) program is designed to enable growers to burn under certain conditions while protecting public health from smoke impacts. The program is managed by DEQ on lands other than the five Indian Reservations in Idaho.

Under the CRB program, growers must obtain approval from DEQ before burning by registering for a Permit-by-Rule at least 30 days before they want to burn. Detailed information on when and where the burn is to take place is required on the registration. A $2 fee per acre registered must also be paid at least seven days in advance of the burn. In addition, growers must obtain other permits, such as a fire safety permit, if required by other agencies.

Idaho Barley Commission Market Report on Line for July 21

The Idaho Barley Commission Market Report for July 21st, 2011. For more barley information see the Idaho Barley Commission at idahobarley.org

Idaho Barley Commission Newsbrief for July 21: Rebuilding Ag Reseach and Extension

The Idaho Barley Commission July 21 newsbrief is available now!
Click here!

Feeder Cattle Marketing is Really Forage Marketing

COW/CALF CORNER
The Newsletter
From the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
July 18, 2011
Feeder Cattle Marketing is Really Forage Marketing
Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist

Whether it's a cow-calf producer selling weaned calves or retaining calves through a stocker or backgrounding program; or a stocker producer adding weight to lightweight calves, the market value of feeder cattle at various weights reflects the value of forage used in the production of feeder cattle. These economic signals are contained in the level of feeder cattle prices and the price relationships between different weights of feeder cattle. Feeder cattle producers are really in the forage business more than in the cattle business.

Idaho Grain Report for July 14th

The Idaho Barley Commission marketing report for July 14th is on line.

For more information about the Idaho Barley Commission and additional education opportunities about barley go to idahobarley.org

Southern Idaho Strip Rust Update

Much of the stripe rust in winter wheat is starting to shut down, especially in those varieties with high-temperature adult plant resistance (HTAP). We are, at this stage, past the application window for applying fungicides to control stripe rust in winter wheat. In any case, further application in winter wheat would not be economically beneficial.  Most of the winter wheat is in or past the grain fill stage.

In our spring grain, significant damage can still occur depending upon growth stage. The preharvest intervals for most of the fungicides vary from 45 – 30 days, depending upon the fungicide. PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW THE LABEL INSTRUCTIONS. DO NOT spray past the recommended preharvest interval. Spring grains are now in grain fill in the lower elevations, flowering in the Idaho Falls region, and still at stem extension in the upper elevation areas. Some of the spring lines with HTAP are showing higher than expected stripe rust infection (UI Pettit) while HTAP in Alturas, for example, is holding. Those fields that have been sprayed with fungicides at herbicide timing did very well in reducing infection compared to those that were not sprayed, although stripe rust is re-establishing if a second fungicide application was not applied.

In barley, we can find stripe rust but any damage has been minimal. I have yet to see stripe rust in barley in commercial fields at damaging levels. Most barley is past flowering in most of the production areas, except in the higher elevation areas.

Attached is an excel file with ratings of the winter and spring wheat varieties in the extension variety trials in Aberdeen. PLEASE NOTE that the disease pressure at that location is extraordinary. While I included both the seedling and adult reaction of the spring wheat, I did not for the winter wheat, but there are two ratings in the spring/summer and I included the raw data of two replications (untreated with fungicides). The infection type is rated on a 0 to 9 scale, with 0 being immune, 1, 2, 3 resistant, 4,5,6 intermediate, and 7, 8, 9 being susceptible. A rating of 9 means the plant was heavily infected with no chlorosis, and high levels of sporulation. If you would like further information/ clarification on the definitions of infection TYPE, let me know. In addition, there is a rating on the percent leaf area affected in the entire plot. Some varieties have a susceptible reaction, with lower levels of diseased tissue. There was a tremendous amount of necrosis this year, hence the mixed reaction types. For example, one variety may have a rating of 5/8 and percent 30/5, meaning that 30 % of the plot had an infection type about 5 (intermediate resistance with quite a bit of necrosis but sporulating still) and 5 % of the plants in the plot were showing extensive sporulation with an infection type of 8, with a little chlorosis.

Please let me know if you have additional questions.

Juliet

Juliet Marshall
Associate Professor, Cereals Pathology and Agronomy

Idaho Falls R&E Center
1776 Science Drive Suite 205
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
208-529-8376 office
208-390-4859 cell

http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/scseidaho/

Idaho Barley Commission Market Report for June 30th

The Idaho Barley Commission Market Report for June 30, 2011 is available at the link below.  For more information about the Idaho Barley Commission and barley educational opportunities go the the Commission Web Page

June 30th Market Report

Caring for Trees in the Lost River Valleys

:

By Chad Cheyney, Butte County Extension Educator





Give your trees a break! Proper timing, amount and application of water to trees in the Lost Rivers Valleys are the key to keeping our trees out of trouble with winter injury, diseases and insects. Properly irrigated trees successfully repel most insect and disease problems. Trees stressed by inadequate amounts or improper timing or poor placement of irrigation water are stressed and become increasingly susceptible to a wide variety of insect and disease complexes. While it may be possible to correct insect and disease problems in the short term by application of pesticides, in the long term, only proper irritation will keep our trees healthy. Your trees need at least twice as much water as the same area of grass!

Bed Bug Epidemic?

Bedbugs are becoming and increasing problem for unsuspecting travelers.  Once thought of as being strickly a problem in low-class hotels or for people who practice poor hygiene, bedbugs are showing up in up-scale motels and hotels and showing little regard for the financial well-being of their new hosts!

Health & Welfare Bed Bug Website Now Available. We have been contacted by Leslie Tengelsen, DVM, from the Office of Epidemiology, Food Protection, and Immunization with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Health and Welfare has developed an informational website, which can be found at http://www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Health/DiseasesConditions/BedBugs/tabid/1591/Default.aspx.

Cereal Sentinel #157 is On-Line

Dr. Bradford Browns, of the Parma R&E Center has his most recent issue of the Cereal Sentinel on line.  This issues includes articles on:

Stripe Rust Ramblings
No-till Wheat Gaining Foothold
Extension Educator Leaving
SW Idaho Extension Cereals Website

Cereal Sentinel #157

Idaho Grain Report for June 16th

The June 16th Idaho Barley Commission Market report is now available. Here!

For additional market and educational opportunities check out the Idaho Barley Commission website.

Stripe Rust Identified is the Aberdeen Area

Stripe rust has been found in winter barley in the Aberdeen area. This is not the same strain of stripe rust causing the disease in wheat. None of the currently grown varieties of barley have resistance to the stripe rust fungus (that I am aware of.) I definitely advise incorporating fungicides at herbicide timing. Stripe rust continues to advance in winter and spring wheat. It is getting close to the time limit for spraying winter wheat with fungicides, which may be before flowering for some fungicides or up to 50% flowering depending upon the fungicide. READ AND FOLLOW THE LABEL directions.



Update by 
Juliet Marshall
Associate Professor, Cereals Pathology and Agronomy

Idaho Falls R&E Center
1776 Science Drive Suite 205
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
208-529-8376 office
208-390-4859 cell

http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/scseidaho/

Barley Commission June 9th Market Report on Line

June 9th Market Report

Feedlot Administrative Assistant Position

Feedlot and Bull Test
Administrative Assistant
SUMMARY

Provide administrative support to Lucy Rechel in feedlot and bull test and sale. Duties include general clerical, receptionist and project based work. Employee must project a professional company image through in-person and phone interaction.

Brundage SWW Wheat Succumbing to Stripe Rust in Eastern Idaho

From Juliet Marshall
University of Idaho Extension Cereal Specialist
June 2nd, 2011

Brundage soft white winter wheat has stripe rust throughout the southern part of the state, and I have now seen it in southeast Idaho as far north as Osgood, 10 miles north of Idaho Falls. While other varieties are showing low levels of stripe rust, Brundage in particular is showing widespread and a very susceptible reaction. Other varieties that are showing a susceptible reaction include: 1) soft white winter wheats Lambert, UICF Lambert, AP Legacy, Stephens, AP Badger, Goetze, AgriPro Salute, 2) hard winter wheats Eddy, NuHorizon, NuHills, Boundary, Garland, Moreland (at low percent), LHS, Bonneville, Decade, Whetstone, UI Silver, AP Paladin, Garland, Golden Spike, Deloris, Promontory (low levels).

Barley Commission Marketing Report for June 2nd

The Idaho Barley Commission Marketing Report for June 2nd, 2011 is on line.  Click Here

For more Barley Information and Educational Opportunities see the commmissions home page.  Click Here

Continuing Saga of EHV-1

As of Tuesday, according to the ISDA website for equine herpes.  There have been 7 confirmed cases in Idaho.  Those seven confirmed cases were in Blaine, Canyon and Bonneville Counties. The latest confirmed case was in Bonneville County and was a stable mate of an animal who was at the cutting in Ogden (the original source).  All of the facilities with outbreaks have been quarantined.     

The other states have set up websites for updates.  Those are

Washington: http://www.agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/AnimalHealth/HotTopics.aspx

Oregon:  http://oregon.gov/ODA/AHID/equine_herpes_virus.shtml

USDA (includes all states):  http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/

Barley Commission Market Report for May 26th

The Idaho Barley Commission market report is available on line ...click here.

The Idaho Barley Commission provides a variety of market information and educational opportunities though its web page at http://www.idahobarley.org/.

Idaho Barley Commission Weekly Market Report Available

Market Report for Friday May 19th, 2011

Additional information is available at idahobarley.org.

Have a great weekend!

Idaho Department of Agricutlure Providing Daily Updates on Equine Herpes Outbreak

For the latest information of the recent outbreak of equine herpes, go the the Idaho Department of Agriculture web site.  There are also links to additional information about the disease and its management.

http://www.agri.state.id.us/
http://www.agri.state.id.us/Categories/Animals/animalHealth/healthehv.php

EHV-1 Outbreak: Number of Confirmed Cases Rising [edited]

by: Erica Larson, News Editor
TheHorse.com
May 19, 2011 [4:15 PM CDT] Article # 18269

It's been nearly a week since the first indications of a neurologic equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) outbreak began to surface, and the outbreak shows no signs of slowing down. Veterinarians have been confirming new cases of neurologic EHV-1 daily in the western United States and Canada. The National Cutting Horse Association's (NCHA) Western National Championship competition, held April 28-May 8 in Ogden, Utah, has been identified as a common denominator in the outbreak, as many of the horses confirmed or suspected of having the disease were involved in the competition or exposed to horses coming home from the event.

More on Multiple Western States Affected by EHV-1 Outbreak [edited]

by: Erica Larson, News Editor
TheHorse.com
May 16, 2011 Article # 18253

Veterinarians in several states are determining the extent of a possible equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) outbreak tied to cutting horses involved in a recent Odgen, Utah, championship show. Several animals that participated in the April 29-May 8 National Cutting Horse Association's (NCHA) Western National Championship were diagnosed with the neurologic form of the illness, and at least two horses were euthanized when their conditions deteriorated.

Equine Herpes Virus Reported in Idaho

Over the weekend, a report came out about an outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus 1 (or EHV 1). I contacted ISDA this morning to get the latest information from them, which is what I am attaching (as did Stephanie Etter). The information has been forwarded to the 4-H youth development professionals in Idaho through the 4-Hyd list but the problem is larger than that.

This is an virus that affects horses, llamas and alpacas (but not a threat to humans). There are suspected cases in Idaho (2 horses have died who were exposed to the virus).  I do know there are already events (non-Extension sponsored) being affected by this outbreak.

I also found a good resource from Utah State that gives a general overview of the virus. The link to that is
http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/AG_Equine_2008-03pr.pdf

Click here to see the letter from the Idaho Department of Agriculture

From Carrie Stark, 4-H Program Specialist

Idaho Grain Report for May 12, 2011

The Idaho Grain Market Report for May 12, 2011, published by the Idaho Barley Commission is available on the Idaho Barley Commission Webpage or click on this link. 


Contact the commission through the Executive Director, Kelly Olson, kolson@idahobarley.org, 208-334-2090

Guidebook for niche meat processors released

By Lisa M. Keefe on 5/9/2011

The Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (NMPAN) has published a business planning guidebook for small beef, pork and poultry processors titled, appropriately, “The Meat Processors Business Planning Guidebook.”

It is available on the organization’s website: http://www.extension.org/pages/17166/meat-processor-business-development

“Every business needs a plan, whether you're just getting started or changing course after many years,” the organization said in a release. “This short guide walks you through a basic business plan, from a processor looking to upgrade and expand his facility.” It contains detailed financial projections and suggestions for planning other plant configurations (including a mobile slaughter unit), the release said.

A companion spreadsheet offers a modifiable pro forma, based on the model plan in the guide.
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There are are also meat packing feasiblity studies at this site, that have been done a various levels.

The materials are available from eXtension.  

Countywide Cooperative Weed Management Area in Idaho’s Lemhi County Solidifies Weed Program

Strong Partnership is Key to Stretching Limited Resources - Rural lifestyles and agricultural roots run deep in Salmon, Idaho and throughout Lemhi County. Encompassing about 3 million acres, Lemhi County is home to miles of backcountry roads and trails, the Salmon River, and part of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.

Read the story

Senate Approves Food Safety Accountability Act

Food Product Design

April 21, 2011

WASHINGTON-The U.S. Senate on April 14 unanimously approved the Food Safety Accountability Act (S 216), which would increase criminal penalties for companies or individuals that knowingly violate food-safety standards and place misbranded or tainted food products in the market.

Cattle-Branding Could Take Back Seat Under USDA Proposal

By Mike Mestas

NBCMontana.com

April 20, 2011 

LIVINGSTON, Mont. -- The western tradition of Spring branding could be on the line if a proposal by the USDA goes through.

Although it wouldn't go away entirely, branding could take a back-seat to the practice of ear-tagging cattle. The proposal says ear tags should be the federal standard for identifying livestock.

COW/CALF CORNER for April 11, 2011: Focus on What You Can Control

From the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist

(reproduced by permission)

For many years I have heard cattle producers say that production is easy and marketing is hard. At today’s record price levels, I would argue that the opposite is true and will be for some time to come. Most anything one has to sell brings a good value in the market these days. Producers need to focus on having something to sell and managing production to take advantage of the market opportunities today.

Handling Livestock Manure and Bedding from Herbicide-Treated Pastures

Reproduced with permission from / Weed District Tech Advisor / / April 2011

Early spring is the time ranchers and farmers may be composting or spreading livestock manure and/or bedding on fields and pastures. Small acreage landowners may also be spreading manure and compost on their gardens. This common practice can have consequences if the manure or plant material contains herbicide residues.

Aminopyralid is the active ingredient in several herbicides under the brand names Milestone®, ForeFront® R&P, Chaparral™, and Opensight®. Based on registration and label directions, they are used by farmers, ranchers and vegetation managers for effective control of deep-rooted perennial weeds in grassland, such as thistle, ragweed, knapweed and some woody species. When grassland is sprayed with aminopyralid, the target weeds are killed but the grass is not affected.

USDA Readies Plan in Event of Government Shutdown

7. USDA unveils details of shutdown plan

By Jerry Hagstrom

The Hagstrom Report

GovExec.com

April 7, 2011 

If the government shuts down at midnight Friday, meat, poultry, egg, grain and other commodity inspections would continue, but most other agriculture-related USDA activities would be shut down, an Agriculture Department official has told The Hagstrom Report.

April Barley Commission Newsletter Available

The Idaho Barley Commisison  newsletter for April is now available including information on:

• USDA’s 2011 planting intentions and quarterly stocks

• IBC website sharpens producer skills

• Interview with NAWG & NBGA leaders who hale from Idaho

• Taking another look at barley seeding rates

The Barley Commission website has a variety of resources as well at : http://www.idahobarley.org/

April Newsletter

Idaho Grain Producers Seek Assistant Executive Director

The Idaho Grain Producers are seeking an assistant executive director.  Follow the link below for a complete vacancy announcement.

Assistance Executive Director

Help IR-4 Identify Ornamental Horticulture Priorities

The IR-4 Project provides safe and effective pest management tools for specialty crop growers. Its Ornamental Horticulture program focuses on research for greenhouse, nursery, landscape, Christmas tree and forestry producers. IR-4 works with growers, researchers, registrants and regulatory agencies to facilitate new product registrations and add new crops, diseases, insects and weeds to already registered products for the ornamental horticulture industry, including landscape and tree maintenance.

Apply Now for Range Camp

Caliente, Nev., Mar. 22 — Applications are being accepted until May 2 from high school students for the 51st Nevada Youth Range Camp. Range Camp will be held June 19-25 at the U.S. Forest Service’s Big Creek Campground in central Nevada.

Ag Day Celebration a Success

March 14 thorough 18th was Ag Week in Butte County, and the Butte County Farm Bureau, Butte County Extension Office, Butte County department of Noxious Weeds and the Butte Soil and Water Conservation District celebrated with several events throughout the week, culminating with the “Start Your Day with Agriculture Breakfast” on Friday Morning.

Livestock for Landscapes

I forgot to mention in my original email that the Ruby Valley Conservation District and Ranchers are offering a full-day seminar with Kathy Voth on Wednesday 3/23 in Ruby Valley. The full-day seminar in Ruby Valley has 4 ranch openings left. It is $200/ranch (as many helpers as you want to bring). The full-day training will give you all the tools to you need to train your own cows to start eating weeds this year! Contact Lance Knudsen at 775-779-2368 if you would like to attend the Ruby Valley training.

Butte Crops Workshop March 28th

The Butte County Extension Office will offer a crops workshop on Monday, March 28th form 9:30 AM until 4:00 PM at the Arco Business Incubation Center. The program will include 4 units of pesticide applicator recertification credit. Cost of the program is $15 and includes lunch. Please RSVP to the Butte County Extension Office at 527-8587 or butte@uidaho.edu

According the Cheyney, the program is to help crop and livestock operators keep up to date on current subjects in their field as well as provide an opportunity for operators with private or commercial applicators license to keep up on their continuing education units.

This year’s program will feature Dr. Juliet Marshal, UI Extension Cereals Specialist, who will discuss disease management in cereals and the ins and outs of current wheat and barley varieties for central and eastern Idaho. Also, straight from the Idaho Alfalfa and Forage Conference, will be Danielle Gunn, extension educator from the Fort Hall Reservation who will discuss those “Furry little Voles” and how to manage them, as well as exotic invasive plants. Extension educator Sarah Baker from Custer county will discuss management of gophers and the management of internal and external parasites of livestock, While Extension educator Chad Cheyney and Butte Weed Superintendent Brad Gamett cover soil sample, identification of obnoxious common weeds, nitrogen management in malting barley.

Custer County Beef School March 14th

REMINDER!!

2011 Southeastern Idaho Forage Seminar march 15th

The 2011 Southeastern Idaho Forage Seminar will be held on March 15, 2011, at the Ag. Engineering/Farm Shop, BYU-Idaho, 525 South Center Street, Rexburg. There will be a $10.00 registration fee. Four CCA Credits (2 SW, 1CM, 1PM) and one Pesticide Recertification Credit are available. Please see the attached brochure for more information or contact Lance Ellis at ellis@uidaho.edu.

Click on image to enlarge.

"Nurse Crops" for Alfalfa

Hay prices are up! Are you planting some alfalfa this spring? Using oats or another companion crop? Let's examine the advantages and disadvantages of your options.

Alfalfa often is seeded with a companion crop like oats to control weeds and erosion. In contrast, clear seeding alfalfa alone, without a companion crop also works well. A preplant herbicide like Balan or Eptam often is pre-plant incorporated to control weeds in a clear seeding, but herbicide isn't always necessary. So which method is better?

California Cattlemen's Assn. Seeks Executive VP

The California Cattlemen’s Association is seeking an Executive Vice President. The individual will serve as CEO of the Cattlemen’s Association and CCA Feeder Council, and is responsible for overseeing all activities of the organization, including advocacy efforts to advance organizational policy, serving as the lead media spokesperson, financial planning and directing seven other full-time professional staff in the service of the association’s members.

Idaho Barley Commission Newsletter Available for March

Idaho Barley Commission News Letter for March 2011

Idaho Barley Commission Home Page

Idaho Wheat Commission Offeres Free Webinars on Timely Subjects

Wheat Producers and Support Industry: The Idaho Wheat Commission has requested that I send out the Idaho Wheat Newsletter to the Cereal Sentinel distribution list. Upcoming webinars are listed that may be of interest to you. If you are interested in viewing these from your computer it is pretty simple to connect with the link provided, if you have the Adobe Flash Player. Should you have questions about connecting I will try and help (208-722-6701 Ext 216). Brad Brown.

From: Connie Robinson [mailto:connie@idahowheat.org] On Behalf Of Blaine Jacobson

Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 1:46 PM

Subject: Idaho Wheat Newsletter March 8, 2011

Idaho Wheat Commission Newsletter Issue #51, October 14, 2009
Idaho Wheat Commission Presents Web-based Workshops
The Idaho Wheat Commission will be presenting a series of web-based grower education seminars (webinars). Each webinar will be approximately one hour. Participation is simple and free! Simply log onto the website at http://connect.cals.uidaho.edu/wheat (requires Adobe Flash Player which is installed on most computers) and enter your email address as a participant.

March 10 at 9:00 a.m. MST – Guest Presenter: Dr. John Oades, U.S. Wheat Associates, Vice President West Coast Operations "Wheat Quality Needs in the Export Market." This was a popular presentation by Dr. Oades in this year’s Northern Idaho Cereal Schools. If you missed John’s presentation during Cereal Schools, be sure to log into this educational workshop.

March 22 at 8:00 a.m. MST – – Guest Presenter Vince Peterson, U.S. Wheat Associates, Vice President of Overseas Operations “World Wheat Supply, Demand, and Prices.” Learn the global factors behind this year’s surge in exports and run-up in prices and gain current perspective on world plantings, production and prices.

Idaho Balrely Commission March 3rd Idaho Grain Report Available

March 3rd, 2011 Report

Idaho Barley Commission

Barley Education Opportunties in March

If you live in Butte County and need a place to view the free webinars, contact the Extension Office at 527-8587

March 8, 2011 Grain Futures Market Webinar - 2:30 p.m. (MST) - Discussion with Carley Garner, grain futures broker on how to survive volatile grain markets and take advantage of rising grain prices.

Connect from your own computer at https://connect.cals.uidaho.edu/barley
Webinar viewing locations:
Fremont Co. Extension Office - 49 West 11st North, St. Anthony
Madison Co. Extension Office - 134 E. Main St., Rexburg
Caribou Co. FSA Office - 390 E Hooper Ave., Soda Springs
Cassia Co. Extension Office - 1013 West 16th St., Burley

March 9, 2011 Barley Crop Insurance Workshop/Webinar - 8:30 a.m. MST– live discussion with officials from the USDA Risk Management Agency on 2011 barley crop insurance options - Bonneville County Extension Office at 2925 Rollandet, Idaho Falls (take Exit 116 on I-15 and proceed through to second stop light on Sunnyside Road and take left onto Rollandet)

Workshop/webinar will be broadcast statewide. Connect at https://connect.cals.uidaho.edu/barley

Webinar viewing locations:
Fremont Co. Extension Office - 49 West 11st North, St. Anthony
Madison Co. Extension Office - 134 E. Main St., Rexburg
Caribou Co. FSA Office - 390 E Hooper Ave., Soda Springs
Cassia Co. Extension Office - 1013 West 16th St., Burley
Lewis Co. Extension Office - 510 Oak Street, Nezperce

Kelly L Olson, Administrator
Idaho Barley Commission
208-334-2090
Fax: 208-334-2335
kolson@idahobarley.org

We Need Your Help to Update the Idaho Custom Rates Guide

The University of Idaho is in the process of updating the Idaho Custom Rates Guide, which was last revised in 2006. If you do any type of custom field work or if you hired someone in the last year to do some custom work, we would like to talk with you. A large sample ensures that the numbers obtained reflect the rates charged in Idaho. Anyone providing information used in the survey will receive a free copy of the Custom Rates Guide when it is published this summer. All information received is treated as confidential. Only the aggregated values are published.

If you are interested in participating in the survey, please do one of the following:

Stripe Rust Starts Developing in the Pacific Northwest

February 18, 2011
Xianming Chen,
Research Plant Pathologist
Stripe rust of wheat has waked up much earlier this year than last year in the Pacific Northwest and may not have slept in the western Oregon and western Washington. Don Wysocki and Jim Towne found sporulating rust pustules in a wheat field near Pendleton in the northeastern Oregon on the 1st of this month. Last week, Mike Flowers and Chris Mundt reported that stripe rust was easily found (about 5% incidence) in wheat fields in the Willamette Valley of western Oregon.

Stewards of the Rangeland

KNPB’s ‘Stewards of the Rangeland’, a show on ranching on public lands in Nevada will air on Sunday 2/27 at 8pm!
http://www.knpb.org/programming/local/stewardsoftherangeland

KNPB's newest local production Stewards of the Rangeland points a spotlight on livestock management strategies of four northern Nevada ranching families, who make extensive use of Nevada’s public land. Follow along as the ranchers give us an inside look on what it means to be a rancher in the current climate and how each has to tailor their ranch to fit the distinctive environment that is Northern Nevada.

Producer Dennis Golden introduces viewers to the ranchers of Nevada's public lands. These stewards face a variety of challenges while maintaining BLM and US Forest Service land as well as their own ranches and families, and they each have their own methods for getting it done.

The four ranching families and locales include:
• Tipton's in Winnemucca
• Cassinelli's in Paradise Valley
• Dufferena's in Denio
• Boies' in Wells

Watch a preview of this program...

Wolves Kill More Domestic Animals in Wisconsin

AP reports that wolves kill almost twice as many domestic animals in Wisconsin in 2010 than 2009.  They reported that , "wolves killed 34 dogs, 47 calves, 16 cows and six sheep in 2010. The DNR estimates the wolves cost farms a total of $114,000."

This seems pretty tame compared to what is happening in some places in the central Rockies, but what seems to be important to me, is that the wolves that are getting into trouble are coming from down through northern Minnesota where wolves were re-established in the wilderness areas along the Canadian border.  Sixteen of the attacks occur in the most northern county in Wisconsin, but the rest occured in 15 other counties.

Unlike livestock operators in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, wolves in Wisconsin are fully protected under the ESA.  Perhaps this will eventually help tilt the table toward responsible wolf management.

http://www.cattlenetwork.com/cattle-resources/cattle-identification/DNR-says-wolves-in-Wisconsin-killing-more-livestock-.html

Cereal Sentinel #55 Now Available

Cereal Sentinel Issue 55 is now available for viewing as a PDF file on my website. It is available at http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/swidaho/Newsletters/Sentinel56.pdf. It can be accessed also by going to the website and clicking on the latest issue button on the homepage or you can click on the Newsletter button and access the last issue or any of the previous newsletters back to 1996.

Click here for  Southwest Idaho Cereals Website.

The contents of this newsletter includes articles related to
Spring Cereal Variety Performance
Soft White Spring Wheat
Hard Red Spring Wheat
Hard White Spring Wheat
Spring Barley
Spring Planting Dates
Personnel Changes
I trust you find the issue of interest.
Your comments are always welcome.

Brad Brown, Extension Soil and Crop Management Specialist

208-722-6701 Ext 216

The Economics of Regional Meat: A National Good Food Network Webinar (free) Feb 17

The Economics of Regional Meat: A National Good Food Network Webinar (free) Feb 17 at 12:30 Pacific time.
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/723913059

As the Wallace Center project "Charting Growth: Sustainable Food Indicators" reports, the concentration of the meat industry is staggering (e.g. in 2007 the 4 top beef packers controlled over 80% of the market). Those looking to build a sustainable regional food system must understand the tremendous economic forces that lead to this situation to succeed in their goal. This webinar is designed for attendees of all knowledge levels to increase the effectiveness of their regional efforts.

Study links Yellowstone bison fate to genetic flaw

Study links Yellowstone bison fate to genetic flaw [edited]

By Laura Zuckerman
Reuters
WBFO (public broadcasting)
February 7, 2011

SALMON, Idaho (Reuters) - A congenital defect combined with U.S. government plans to kill bison exposed to an infectious cattle disease could doom America's last wild herd of pure-bred buffalo at Yellowstone National Park, a genetics expert said in a new study.

The findings were posted on Monday in Nature Precedings, an online archive for pre-publication research by scientists, as the government and environmental groups clashed in court over an icon of Western wildlife that dates to prehistoric times. (The study is posted at http://precedings.nature.com/documents/5645/version/1)

Advancing Biocrop Alternatives in the Pacific Northwest

Advancing biocrop alternatives for the Pacific Northwest:

Pacific Northwest farmers could someday be filling up their machinery's tanks with fuels produced from their own fields, according to ongoing research by ARS researchers who have been studying safflower, camelina, soybeans, mustard, canola, wheat, corn and switchgrass to assess their potential for bioenergy production. 

Custer County Beef School February 7th

How much are you feeding your cows this winter? Too much? Not enough? The second Custer County Beef School will be held at the Y-Inn Cafe in Challis on Monday, February 7th.  Social hour begins at 6:30 with the program to begin at 7:00 PM.  Come learn how to efficiently utilize your feed resources to meet the nutritional requirements of your cow herd and reduce your winter feed costs.

Study Shows Snow Moving Upslope as Mountains Warm in Idaho

By Don Comis
January 25, 2011

An analysis of more than 50 years of records at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) premier mountain observatory in Idaho shows that climate warming is causing the rain/snow transition elevation to move upslope.

During the past five decades, mean temperatures have risen 4 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, according to an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) analysis of data from the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed (RCEW) near Boise, Idaho. This warming has occurred across a range of elevations. ARS is USDA's principal intramural scientific research agency, and this research supports the USDA commitment to responding to climate change.

IGENITY now accepting hair samples for BVD-PI testing

CattleNetwork.com
January 26, 2011

DULUTH, Ga. - IGENITY®, a division of Merial®, announces hair samples are now being accepted for the optional diagnostic test for persistent infections (PI) of the bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus. Producers choosing to test for BVD-PI in conjunction with the comprehensive IGENITY profile now have the option to submit tissue or hair samples.

Check out all of the Barley Commission recorded webinars!

• Jan. 27 WEBINAR on Optimizing Fertility in Malting Barley and Hard Red Spring Wheat presented by Dr. Brad Brown, UI extension soil fertility and crop management specialist, Parma ID at http://www.blogger.com/goog_569806892


• Jan. 18 WEBINAR on Financing Farm Equipment presented by Iowa State University ag economist Dr. William Edwards at https://connect.cals.uidaho.edu/p40664490/ In addition, Idaho producers will have free access to Iowa State University’s Ag Decision Maker website which contains several excellent Farm Machinery Financing Analyzers at www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm

• Nov. 10 WEBINAR on Understanding Technical Trends in Grain Futures / Current Grain Market Outlook presented by Craig Corbett, Grace, ID at https://connect.cals.uidaho.edu/p38164240/

• Sept. 14 WEBINAR on World Grain Market Outlook & 2011 Malt Contract Pricing Strategies presented by Kelly Olson, Boise, ID at https://connect.cals.uidaho.edu/p97241148/

Recorded Webinar on Managing N in Malt Barley and HRS Wheat

If you missed the Idaho Barley Commission webinar outlined in the previous post, you can view the recorded version at the link below:

https://connect.cals.uidaho.edu/p38298986/

Taiwan detects muscle-growth drug in imported U.S. beef

The following article suggests that Korean extremely vigilant of imported beef, both for economic and presumably health reasons.  This means that "sneaking" an accidentlly contaminated or treated carcass into the export stream could have far reaching consquenses all the way back to the producer....Chad Cheyney
___________________________________________
Focus Taiwan
January 14, 2011

Taipei (CNA) -- Taiwan has recently detected small residues of banned drugs promoting leanness in livestock in beef imported from the United States, Health Minister Yaung Chih-liang said Friday, adding that safety checks on imported meat products would be reinforced.

Strategies Developed for More Efficient Beef Cattle Production

By Sharon Durham
January 19, 2011

Reducing the amount of feed given to young female cows called heifers can result in more efficient use of nutrients for growth and reproduction, according to studies conducted by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists.

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) animal scientist Andrew Roberts and his colleagues at the Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory in Miles City, Mont., found that the heifers they fed to lower target weights than those traditionally recommended consumed 27 percent less feed over the winter months, and gained weight more efficiently throughout the postweaning period and subsequent grazing season. ARS is USDA's principal intramural scientific research agency.

Income and Self Employment Tax Information on Line

Utah State University Extension has a new sight to help farmers and ranchers with tax issues.  The contributors are from throught the cooperative extension system.  Members of this group are involved in Extension at their individual state’s land grant universities and/or are in private practice as CPAs or tax preparers. Many are members of The National Farm Income Tax Extension Committee that works with IRS each year to make the Farmer’s Tax Guide, Publication 225, more readable and understandable.

Check it out.

http://www.ruraltax.org/

Upcoming Beef Schools in Central Idaho

Reducing Winter Feed Costs

February 7th, 6:30 - 9 PM

You can save on winter feed costs while still provide adequate nutrition to your cow herd!  Learn nutrition basics, how to match nutritional requirements with cattle needs, and how to formulate simple rations to ensure you are not under-feeder or over-feeding you cows.

Buying Bulls by the Numbers

March 14, 6:30 - 9 PM

Its about bull buying season!  Learn basic techniques to select bulls for you operation and how to read and interpret Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs).

For more information, contact Sarah Baker at sdbaker@uidaho.edu

or 208-879-2344.

Bad news for grasshoppers

An ARS entomologist and his federal and university colleagues are testing the power of a variety of beneficial fungi as biological controls against grasshoppers and Mormon crickets, voracious pests that can eat the equivalent of their body weight daily in vegetation, leaving less grass for livestock, and also attack crops such as wheat and alfalfa. (1/6) See the whole story at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2011/110106.htm

Reducing Scours with the "Sandhills Calving System"

From "Forage Minutes"
by Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist
Department of Agronomy and Horticulture
University of Nebraska


As calving season progresses, calving pastures start to get beat up and calves start getting scours. To prevent both problems, stay tuned for one simple solution.

What do you get when you have a full herd of cows in one calving pasture with baby calves ranging from one day to forty-one days old? For many folks, you get calf scours. Scours can be reduced, though, by subdividing calving pasture and properly moving cows through them.

With all the COLD Weather, Think about energy for the cows

Cow Camp Chatter
Energy
by Ron Torell, Long-Standing Educator and Advocate of Agriculture

Historically man was known to spend much of his summer preparing and storing food and firewood for the long winter ahead. Today many in the livestock industry essentially do the same thing. They spend a good deal of the summer harvesting hay and then pitching it off during the winter. The late Ferris Brough of Clover Valley, Nevada, once explained: "After the severe winters of 1889-1890 and 1948 – 49, many ranchers began putting up hay. We would count the hay stacks in late fall and divide them by the number of days we anticipated the winter feeding period being. This is how we balanced the ration for our cows. Our objectives were to keep animals alive." Now, due to a differing economic climate, we need more than survival of our livestock through the winter. We need production in the form of a live calf plus breed back the following spring.