Certified Crop Advisor Exam Registraion Closes June 22

Announcement
To:	All FWAA Members and Northwest Certified Crop Advisers (NWCCA)
From:	James F. Fitzgerald, Executive Director
Subject:	CCA Exam Registration - Closes June 22, 2012
Date:	June 15, 2012

Stripe Rust and Frost Reports from Juliet

Two small reports:

Stripe rust was found in Lewiston, UT on Xerpha soft white winter wheat. The pictures sent to me look like the heat in that area is shutting down the infection. In these areas (northern Utah, southern Idaho), winter wheat is in grain fill.  In southeast Idaho, winter wheat is in the boot, flowering, and in early grain fill depending on planting date, variety etc. Dryland winter wheat is suffering greatly from drought.

Cow Camp Chatter: Adding Value to Bred Heifers

Ron Torell, Long-Standing Educator and Advocate of Agriculture

 As we enter the rebuilding phase of our national brood cow herd market analyzers are predicting high demand and record prices for bred females. Last year we saw commercial bred heifers sell anywhere from $1200 to $1800. These pay outs were disappointing given the record high prices paid for calves, yearlings and market ready cows.  It is  anticipated that bred female prices will adjust in 2012  and trade in the range of $1500 to $2300.  So why the disparity and huge price range associated with this class of cattle?  Could it be that some sellers are producing what the buyer wants?

Strip Rust Update

The latest update on stripe rust:

Oliver Neher, Extension Plant Pathologist for the University of Idaho in Kimberly, reported three fields of Brundage showing stripe rust infection south of the Kimberly exit off of Hwy 84. Upper leaves were infected, indicating the occurrence of a recent spring infection, not an overwintering event. All three fields were sprayed with a fungicide to control the infection.