USDA Announces Whole-Farm Revenue Protection Insurance Roll-Out

Contact:

Jo Lynne Seufer (509) 228-6320

jo.lynne.seufer@rma.usda.gov

SPOKANE, Wash., Dec 9, 2014 —USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced the release of the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) program for the 2015 crop year. The 2014 Farm Bill gave RMA broad flexibility to implement a new whole-farm crop insurance policy. 

The WFRP combines two popular and well-known plans of insurance in the Pacific Northwest, Adjusted Gross Revenue Pilot (AGR) and Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite (AGR-Lite).

Oregon State University Seeks Extension Educator for Baker and Union Counties

Oregon State University Extension Service is recruiting for a full time (1.00FTE) Assistant Professor (Practice) in the College of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal and Rangeland Science. This position will serve the Baker and Union Counties. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. To review posting and apply, go to http://oregonstate.edu/jobs.  Posting  #0013404. Closing date: 01/16/2015. OSU is an AA/EOE/Vets/Disabled.

Farm & Ranch Management School Starts Soon!

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Far West Agribusiness Association Winter Conference Jan 5-7 in Twin Falls

Register Now for the 2015 FWAA  January Winter Conference Please remember to register early so we can check you in immediately upon your arrival at the conference. When Monday, January 5, 2015 9:00 AM - Wednesday, January 7, 2015 11:30 AM Mountain Time Where College of Southern Idaho 315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, Idaho 83303-3367

Conference Website View Conference Website View Conference Fees View Conference Agenda Pesticide and CCA Re-certification Credits Available

Central Idaho Livestock Programs Begin January 5th

Custer County Extension has planned the follow Livestock Programs
for January and February

· Monday, January 5:  Irrigation Efficiency & Management. Landowner Assistance & Incentive Programs (Challis, 6:30-8:30 pm).

· Thursday, January 8: Calving School (Mackay, 10 am-4 pm) Lunch Served. $10 fee. Please RSVP.

· Friday, January 23: Beef School (Mackay, 11 am-3 pm) Lunch Served. Range, Wolf, Sage-grouse, Agency, Legislative, Proposed Monument Updates, Other Topics. Please RSVP. 

· Monday, January 26: Livestock Minerals, Alfalfa & Fertilizer Topics (Challis, 6:30-8:30 pm). Sponsored by Valley Wide.

· Monday, February 2: Quality Assurance, Crossbreeding, & Genetics Topics. (Challis, 6:30 pm).

· Wednesday, February 11: Pasture Management, Fertilizer Trial Results & Updates (Challis, 6:30-8:30 pm). 

For more information contact Sarah Baker, Custer County Extension Educators Baker, at sdbaker@uidaho.edu or (208) 879-2344.

Your Central Idaho Redbooks should be available at these programs.

Organic Farming Conference January 30th - Twin Falls

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follow link for agenda

2015 Alfalfa Variety Leaflet Available Now!

http://alfalfa.org/varietyLeaflet.php

The National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance publishes a listing of virtually all of the the alfalfa varieties offered for sale in the US with ratings for Fall Dormancy and Pest Resistance.  You may view and download a copy of the leaflet at the url listed below, or you may order printed copies.

 http://alfalfa.org/varietyLeaflet.php

The NAFA provides a wide range of services to the American forage industry including education and publication of forage educational literature.

Farm Family Business Ownership Succession Workshop Nov 20th

Below is information about the “Farm Family Business Ownership Succession Workshop” that will be held on November 20, 2014 at the Shoshone-Bannock Convention Center in Fort Hall.  It is being sponsored by the Idaho Farm Bureau, Idaho Ag Credit, and the University of Idaho.  A variety of informative topics will be discussed.  If you know of anyone who would be interested in attending please pass along this information.  To register for the workshop please see attached documents.  

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Funding Available for Wolf Depredation Compensation and Prevention Projects

The State of Idaho, through the Office of Species Conservation (OSC) recently received funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to reimburse Idaho livestock producers for livestock killed by wolves. The state also received funding to help offset the costs of wolf-depredation prevention projects implemented by livestock producers. Idaho was one of 10 states and a single tribal nation to acquire funding through the program. OSC procured these funds through the Services’ Wolf Livestock Demonstration Project Grant Program, which is a 5-year program authorized under the 2009 Federal Omnibus Public Lands spending bill. 

OSC is now accepting compensation applications for verified livestock depredations caused by wolves. To be eligible for reimbursement, livestock losses must have been verified by USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services and have occurred during the 2014 calendar year. The deadline for submission of compensation applications is December 31, 2014.

Additionally, applications are available for Idaho livestock owners seeking to offset the costs associated with wolf depredation prevention projects. Depredation prevention funding will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

$100,000 for compensation and $100,000 for prevention projects is available.
For additional information please contact Jon Beals at 208-334-2189, or jon.beals@osc.idaho.gov.
For application forms, please visit OSC’s website at www.species.idaho.gov .




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Beef Cattle Research Assistant Need in CA

Beef Cattle Research Assistant  

University of California

Agriculture and Natural Resources
 is currently recruiting for this position

Requisition Number: 20140665

Closing Date: 12-1-2014

This full-time, permanent position manages beef cattle, under the direction of the Superintendent, and supports research on grazing, animal health and animal production at the University of California Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center, in Browns Valley, CA.

Closing Date for pasture, Range and Forage Insurance programs Nov 17th

Sales Closing Date Near for Apiculture and Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Insurance

SPOKANE, Wash., Nov. 3, 2014 – USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds producers in Idaho and Oregon of the November 17 sales closing date for the Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) Pilot and Apiculture (API) Pilot insurance programs for the 2015 crop year.

Vote in the General Election on November 4th

The midterm general election will take place tomorrow on Tuesday, November 4th.

Candidates for Federal representatives and senators, state officials from governor to superintendent of schools, state representatives, as well as a host of county candidates are on the ballot.  Also the election of district judge and supervisors to soil conservation distinct.

Many state and Idaho federal candidates have participated in the "Idaho Debates" that were aired on public television and can be viewed at the website below.

http://idahoptv.org/elections/2014/

Western Regional Grazing Confernece Feb 27th - March 1

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Register on line at grazingforchange.com

Idaho Private Rangeland Grazing - Lease Arrangements

Neil Rimbey, L. Allan Torrell, Stephanie Kane, Julie Gustanskio, Joseph Kennedy and David Scarsella have recently completed and published a survey of leasing arrangements on private Idaho rangeland...Idaho Private Rangeland Grazing - Lease Arrangements.  It can be found in the UI Extension Catalog on line at http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edComm/pdf/RES/RES185.pdf.

The publication contain an abundance of information that would be useful to ranchers and landowners preparing to negotiate or re-negotiate leases for private grazing lands.

Other publications by the University of Idaho Extension faculty are available through the UI Extension/CALS Publication and Multimedia Catalog that can be found at http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edComm/catalog.asp

New ATTRA Publication Helps Fruit and Nut Farmers Weather Extreme Growing Conditions

Wheat or corn growers can decide from year to year whether to plant a little late or plant a little early or plant a different variety. But fruit growers can be locked in for decades once they’ve made a decision.

And in what seems to be a time of weather extremes – ranging from long-term droughts to “500-year floods” in back-to-back years – planning can be even more difficult.

A new ATTRA publication, “Climate Change and Perennial Fruit and Nut Production: Investing in Resilience in Uncertain Times,” can help farmers develop strategies for building resilience into their operations.

Farm Bill Programs and Workshop December 1-5

2014 FARM BILL SAFETY NET CHOICES & SIGN-UP

UI Website - The University of Idaho CALS Department of Agricultural Economics & Rural Sociology has launched a new website to provide information on new programs available under the 2014 Farm Bill.  Here is a link to this informative website…

http://web.cals.uidaho.edu/idahoagbiz/2014-farm-bill-resources-for-crop-producers/

FARM BILL / CROP INSURANCE WORKSHOPS on DEC. 1-5

Sponsored by the University of Idaho Extension, USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA Risk Management Agency, Idaho Barley Commission, American Malting Barley Association and Grain Craft

Cowboy's School: Bull Management October 29th

The University of Idaho Extension is offering a 4 1/2 hour workshop at the Nancy M. Cummings Research Extension and Education Center on October 29th, covering bull management.  The program will begin at 12:00 noon and be completed by 4:30 PM.  Please RSVP to the Lemhi county  Extension Office by October 24th at shannonw@uidaho.edu or 208-756-2813 ext 283.

The program will cover bull health care and nutrition in relation to fertility; EPD's, value of DNA and bull selection. bull libido, fertility and semen evaluation, physical and structural traits of bulls, trich testing-PCR vs visual, and more!

Agenda

University Bred Heifer Sale October 21

The University of Idaho, Nancy M. Cummings Research Extension and Education Center in Salmon, Idaho is offering 48 spring bred Angus or Sim-Angus heifers for sale on October 21st at the Nancy M. Cummings Research and Extension Center at 16 Hots Springs Ranch Road, approximately 7 miles north of Salmon Idaho.  The heifers may be inspected on Oct 21st at 2 pm and the sale will begin at 4 pm.  For more information, contact John Hall 208-993-1222 or Wayne  Smith 308-641-7616

American Pastured Poultry Producers Association Scholarship

The American Pastured Poultry Producers Association (APPPA) is now accepting applications for its annual $500 scholarship/gift. The scholarship will be awarded to an individual, farm, or organization that can demonstrate an educational need directly related to pastured poultry. Full details can be found here.

Application deadline is Oct. 15, and may have been extended to the 31st.

Learn more about pasture poultry at the Pasture Poultry Foundation

Pesticide Disposal Program

If you wanted to take advantage of the Idaho Department of Agriculture's pesticide disposal program in Eastern Idaho, you have "missed the boat".  But there are still four opportunities to get rid of unwanted pesticides in a safe way.

Burley              September 29th  BLM Burley Field Office,    3630 Overland
Twin Falls        September 30th  Twin Falls Canal Company, 357 6th Avenue
Gooding           October 1          Gooding Airport,                 1945 Airport Road

Collections are 9 AM to 1 PM each day.

Please check with the local ISDA field office or the state office at 208-332-8628 to confirm the pickup or for additional information.  You can also find out more about the program at www.agri.idaho.gov.

Range Monitoring Workshop September 18th

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The agenda is approximately as follows:

9:00     Welcome, introductions, pre-test

9:15     Intro to Range Monitoring (classroom presentation with terms, methods)

10:15   Break

10:30   Travel to field sites and field exercises (please carpool)

12:30   Lunch (guaranteed to RSVP’ed participants)

1:30     Travel back to classroom 

2:30     Classroom time for photo critiques and carrying capacity calculations

3:30     Post test, Evaluations

4:00     Adjourn

Clover Root Curculio Is an Increasing Reason for Stand Loss in Alfalfa

Clover root curculio is being identified more often in the Pacific Northwest as a cause of early stand loss and reduced vigor in alfalfa stands.  These insects are related to alfalfa weevil, but attack the plant in a different way.  Now Erik Wenniger and Glenn Shewmaker have put together a publication describing the pest.

"Clover Root Curculio in Alfalfa: Identification, biology and management" is now available as PNW663.  The publication described the insect, damage and suggested practices for control.  It is available only on line at http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edComm/pdf/PNW/PNW663.pdf .

Rain Damaged Grain May Offer Feeding Opportunity for Beef Producers

John B. Hall, Ph.D., PAS

Extension Beef Specialist, University of Idaho

August rains may have helped out range and pastures, but they left
behind damaged hay and grain fields. Barley that sprouted in the head and rain damaged wheat may be an opportunity for feeding beef cattle. This may partially offset losses that grain growers have incurred. Even grain that has low levels of mold and mycotoxin may be fed to beef cattle without any negative effects. However, beef producers and nutritionist need to know the mycotoxin content of feeds before purchase.
Performance of cattle fed damaged cereal grains
Several university studies have demonstrated that cattle perform well on rain damaged grains. In general, performance is not compromised when sprouted grains are incorporated into the diet on a dry weight basis (Tables 1, 2 & 4).

What to Do with Moldy Hay

by Glenn Shewmaker, Extension forage specialist (gshew@uidaho.edu); Oliver Neher, Extension Plant Pathologist (oneher@uidaho.edu); Mireille Chahine, Extension Dairy Specialist (mchahine@uidaho.edu); and Benton Glaze, Extension Beef Specialist (bglaze@uidaho.edu); University of Idaho

Weather conditions prior to, during first cutting, and while making hay have been very moist. Many areas have 2 or more inches of above normal precipitation. Much hay has been rained on or left lying in the field for prolonged time periods due to cool and humid conditions which reduced drying rates. The long drying periods with high humidity allowed field growth of mold on the hay. We will try to state some facts and offer some recommendations for hay producers and livestock producers. 

What is the "black dust" that covers my mower or swather?
• The black dust is most likely spores produced by fungal organisms. Spores are how the fungi reproduce and are always present but usually at lower concentration. The black dust on a mower or swather indicates that fungal growth was present prior to cutting.

Combine moisture readings likely inaccurate

The recent and prolonged rain has created problems for Idaho grain producers in eastern and central Idaho, where harvest has been delayed and grain has started to sprout in the head. Grain still standing in the field has been damaged by rain.

Each rain event contributes to additional deterioration of grain quality. While the objective is to harvest as quickly as possible, if the grain is going to be stored for later use as feed (or ethanol, etc), please DO NOT harvest at high moisture content. Already moldy grain will continue moldy growth unless the moisture is below 12%. To arrest growth, harvest below 12% and keep air flowing in the bins.

Moisture sensors in the combine are unlikely to be accurate for sprout damaged grain!

Stripe Rust Reported in Eastern Idaho

Stripe rust has been reported in UI Pettit in the Rockford area south west of Blackfoot. 

Stripe rust has been reported in WB936 on west side of Idaho Falls.

Stripe rust has been reported in a spring feed barley (http://www.westbred.com/Products/Northwest/Barley%20Documents/WESTBRED_501.pdf) north of Rupert. The barley was in milk to soft dough. Fungicide application is not recommended for the barley, and in addition the allowable time frame has passed for fungicide application in that field. 

Spot Form of Net Blotch Affects Barley in Idaho

A new small grains alert was posted to PNWPestAlert.net.

Alert Information:
Last year, a new barley disease was seen for the first time west of Blackfoot.

This year, numerous examples have been seen of the Spot Form of Net Blotch, also called SFNB. So far, we are not able to determine damage estimates for our production conditions. In other areas where the disease occurs (Montana, MonDak areas), losses of 50-75% have been reported. Again, there are no estimates of damage potential here. Full rates of fungicides are recommended for control in susceptible varieties. The 2014 PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook lists the following fungicides for control (this list may not be inclusive of all effective fungicides): Headline (6-9 fl oz/A), Stratego (7 fl oz/A), Vertisan (14-24 fl oz/A), Priaxor Xemium (4-8 fl oz / A). 

To view the full alert, and to download any attached files, please go towww.pnwpestalert.net

Thank you for your interest,

The Treasure Valley and Pacific Northwest Pest Alert Network

http://www.pnwpestalert.net/

Free Rangeland Monitoring Workshop June 17th

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The workshop is free and lunch is sponsored by the Idaho Rangeland Commission.
Please indicate your intention to attend by calling 208-756-2815 ext 284 by June 13th

Strip Rust Confirmed in Hazelton

Stripe rust is confirmed in Hazleton, ID, on the soft white winter wheat variety Brundage. So far only in one field, but we will keep monitoring the development. Winter wheat in Jerome area was boot to flowering, but no stripe rust was seen on WB528 and SY Ovation. Root disease (possibly Rhizoctonia) and maybe nematode pressure caused stunting, root damage, yellowing of plants in fields where cereal crops were planted three years in a row.

Beef Quality Recertification Opportunity June 24th

On Tuesday June 24th, as part of the Idaho Cattle Association Mid-year Convention, there will be a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) recertification workshop.  The topics will include:

1. Implants and Growth Promotants
2. Beef quality Assurance Workshop
3. Meat Carving Demonstration
4. Test for Recertification 

The program will be June 24th at the Hotel on the Falls in Idaho Falls.

Informational Meetings for Food Processing Coop June 2nd, 3rd, 4th

Food Processing Co-op Update Meetings

Round Valley, Salmon River Area, and Lost River Valley

More info on Feasibility Study, Steering Committee, Membership discussions

Jobs, Future, and Hope!!

Monday, June 2^nd 6:00 PM at Salmon Innovation Center

Tuesday, June 3^rd 6:00 PM at Challis Community Event Center

Wednesday, June 4^th 6:00 PM at Mackay City Hall

Sponsors

Jeri D’Orazio & Christopher James

Shiloh Warm Springs Ranch and Garden Creek Farms

Joe Heaps, JT Heaps, Mark Lupher, Jon Sheppard

Custer Economic Development Association

Parma Fruit Day September 5th

The University of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Station will hold its 2014 Fruit Day on September 5th.  Please click on the image or HERE to see the entire program.

Regional Master Gardener Convention June 27-28th in Rexburg

 The regional Master Gardener Convention will be held June 27-28th on the campus of BYU-Idaho.  The program is cosponsored by the University of Idaho  Extension and the Department of Horticulture at BYU-I.  Pre-registration for the program by June 23rd is $35 and  $40 at the door.

Click on the image or HERE to download a brochure!

Developing Your Food Product Idea, June 13th

The June 13 session of Developing Your Food Product Idea is rapidly approaching.

We still have seats available for those hoping to get started with us this season.

You can find course applications on-line at the UI Food Technology Center website.

If you can’t join us in June we will be offering the class again in November.

http://web.cals.uidaho.edu/ftc/

Humane Trapping: A Balancing Act

The University of Nebraska in cooperation with Cornell University are offering training workshops on line in wildlife damage control.  A webinar is being offered May 15 on humane trapping. Details available at Webinar on humane trapping. https://learn.extension.org/events/1615 Please pass along. Everyone is welcome. No registration required. Video recording will be available several days following the webinar for those that are unable to attend.

 

A Closer Look at Links between Fertilizers and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

By Ann Perry

April 28, 2014

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are learning more about the mechanics of how nitrogen fertilizers contribute to the development of greenhouse gases. These studies, conducted by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) soil scientist Rodney Venterea, support the USDA priority of responding to global climate change. ARS is USDA's chief intramural scientific research agency.
Nitrous oxide can absorb 300 times more radiation than carbon dioxide. After the application of nitrogen fertilizers, soil microbes can convert nitrogen into nitrate and then into nitrous oxide. However, Venterea suspected nitrous oxide emissions are even more strongly correlated with levels of nitrite, another form of nitrogen that is not commonly measured.

ATTRA Pubs Are Now on Amazon for Ereaders

One of the longest-running sources of research-based information on sustainable agriculture is once again embracing the latest in technology for getting that information to the people who need it.

ATTRA-National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service has begun placing many of its more than 400 publications on Amazon, where they can be downloaded to e-readers.

Urban Farms: Commercial Farms or Socially Minded Operations? April 29th

Local food was once considered to be in the purview of consumers and small-scale producers. Recently, policymakers, including those residing in cities, began embracing local food systems as a solution to a myriad of urban problems, including lack of green space and a dearth of healthy food availability. As part of this shift in policy, cities and other jurisdictions have embraced production in the urban environment.

Integrated Scenarios of the Future Northwest Environment April 17th

Where:   Hilton Portland & Executive Tower, Salon Room
When: Thursday April 17, 8:30-5 pm (event will be webcast - webcast instructions)Registration: the event is free but preregistration is required – complete your registration.

As scientists strive to understand and predict the effects of climate change on the Northwest’s fish, wildlife, hydrology, and ecosystem services, a foundational piece of knowledge they require is how the climate, the water cycle, and the vegetation will change in the future.  Funded in part by the Northwest Climate Science Center, this project integrates, for the first time, state-of-the-science predictive modeling of these different attributes of the future environment in the Northwest, and will provide coherence and guidance for many scientific studies seeking to work out the details of how climate change will affect various plant and animal species and other aspects of ecosystem services.  This project has evaluated and downscaled global climate models (from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5, CMIP5), examined projections from these models and also from regional climate models, and improved and applied hydrologic and vegetation models.

Free Wildlife Damage Management Training Webinar for MG April 10th

I wanted to make you aware of our upcoming webinar on Wildlife Damage Management Training for Master Gardeners and others who engage the public. Our webinar will be offered April 10, 2014 at 1:30 central time. It will be recorded for those that can’t make it. No need to sign up. Just show up at the appointed time. Link is available at https://learn.extension.org/events/1568  

We would appreciate your help in getting the word out.

3rd Annual FiberTrain Wool Festival May 25&26th in Nampa

Calling all Farms, Craftors, Guilds, and Groups to FiberTrain Wool Festival 2014.  The 3rd annual celebration of fiber art past and present is two fun filled days of workshops, demonstrations, classes on fiber art and sustainable farming, great food and shopping in historic Downtown Nampa on May 25 & 26.  This year classes are available from guest speakers Deborah Robson and Carol Ekarius of Colorado, authors of The Fleece & Fiber SourceBook, Field Guide to Fleece, Storey’s Guide to Raising Sheep, Storey’s Illustrated Guide to Raising Poultry, and Hobby Farming. Classes are affordable and include titles like: 

Idaho Farm Fresh News Farmers’ Market Webinar April 10th

The Idaho Extension in Cooperation with the Idaho Department of Agriculture is offering "Farm Fresh News for Idaho Farmers’ Markets" in person an as a webinar.  The goals of the program are to update farmer's market operators and vendors on health department issues and the parts of the Food Modernization Act which apply to farmer's markets, as well as marketing and merchandizing opportunties.  The live program will be held at the University of Idaho Caldwell Research and Extension Center on Thursday, April 10th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm.  

Webinars Discuss the Provisions and Implications of 2014 Farm Bill

The Extension Risk Management Team has put together a series of webinars that cover the provisions and implications of the recently pasted 2014 Farm Bill.  The webinars are available live, and will also be recorded for later viewing.

Go to http://www.farmmanagement.org/aginuncertaintimesenglish/ag-in-uncertain-times/webinars/ or click on the image above to view the schedule of webinars as well as instructions on how to view recorded presentation.

2014 Farm Bill: Implications for Nutrition, Food Policy and Research

2014 Farm Bill –Nutrition & Food Policy, Trade Implications and Research Title Highlights

Date: Monday - April 7, 2014

Time: 12:00 Eastern/11:00 Central/10:00 Mountain/9:00 Pacific

Ranchers to Learn More About Food Processing Coop for the Salmon River Valley April 7 & 8

There is a movement afoot in the Salmon River valley to create a food processing cooperative.  The facility would process local cattle, fish, vegetables and other food products.  Members of the steering committee for formation of the cooperative have recently visited a small, recently established cooperative in Washington, and have planned  informational meetings to relay what they have found out.

Safety Fest of the Great Northwest April 25-28

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2013 Southcentral and Southeast Idaho Small Grain Report Available

2013 Small Grains Report for Southcentral and Southeastern Idaho, produced by Juliet Marshall, Chad Jackson, Tod Shelman, Linda Beck, and Katherine O’Brien is now available on line.  The report contains 2013 variety trials results from 6 winter and 5 spring locations, covering a wide range of cereal varieties.  The results from individual trials are reported, and well as put in the context of historical production from other years.

http://www.extension.uidaho.edu/scseidaho/sgr/reports/13_report/2013_SGR.pdf

New Farm Bill Seminars Covering New Provisions

Recordings Posted for:

2014 Farm Bill - Dairy Margin & Livestock Disaster Programs

Presentations:

* Dr. Brian Gould, University of Wisconsin-Madison - Overview of USDA’s Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program

* Dr. Eric Belasco, Montana State University - Farm Bill Livestock Disaster Programs

http://www.farmmanagement.org/aginuncertaintimesenglish/ag-in-uncertain-times/recordings/

Upcoming Webinar Presentations:
March 24 - Commodity Programs and
                   Crop Insurance
March 31 - Conservation Title, Horticulture,
                   Beginning Farmer Programs and more
April 7 - Nutrition Title and Food Policy Programs

Farm Manager Needed in Skagit Valley

We seek an organized, knowledgeable, passionate, and self-motivated farm manager to join our growing team. Candidate must have conversational or better Spanish and English. Oversees and implements our day to day agricultural activities in Skagit County.  Duties include helping start-up farmers, maintaining tractors and equipment, managing organic certification.

RAMSTEAD RANCH’S 2014 HANDS-ON LAMBING SCHOOL April 12th

RAMSTEAD RANCH’S 2014 HANDS-ON LAMBING SCHOOL

Saturday April 12, 8:30am to 4:30pm

Ramstead Ranch’s lambing season is coming up fast and you're invited!  Spend a day in the middle of lambing season with our 43 breeding ewes and their newborn lambs. 

Melissa Lines from SkyLines Farm in Harvard, ID will be our guest instructor.  She’s been hosting Lambing School at her own farm since 2006 (www.skylinesfarm.com). Melissa will draw from her 20+ years of successful sheep breeding to present a fun and educational day of discussion, demonstration, and hands-on experience in lambing time management. You’ll go home with a wealth of ideas, inspiration, and a model for your own successful sustainable sheep operation!

Topics include: Breeding considerations; Managing & feeding pregnant ewes; Lambing supplies to have on hand; Stages of labor & when to intervene; Normal & abnormal deliveries; Care of the newborn lamb, banding tails, castrating & ear-tagging lambs; Managing bottle lambs; Ewe udder management; Lambing facilities & equipment...and much more (including of course lots of lamb cuddling!)

Cost

Registration fee $100/person including lunch & reference materials. Two people registering & paying together $180/two. Children 9-13yr $50.  All participants under 18 must be accompanied by adult.

Deposit of $50/person/workshop to reserve your spot. 

Group size is very limited to ensure a quality hands-on experience for everyone, so if you haven’t reserved your spot yet, register today.

Visit www.ramsteadranch.com for full details on workshop.

Ramstead Ranch, Ione, WA (80 miles N. of Spokane)

Beef Cattle Reproductive Management Short Course Starts in April

Click on image to enlarge

Click on image below to enlarge registration form

Click here to learn about the AI Workshop

Three Day AI School in Salmon April 3-5

Click on Poster To Enlarge

Click here for information about the Beef Reproductive Management Short Course

12th Annual Thaw 'n' Awe: Doomsday Gardening

Join us on Saturday March 15th from 9-4 pm for our 12th Annual Horticulture Symposium.  This years Doomsday Gardening theme will feature classes on things that are important to know should the Zombies attack!!  Certified Master Herbalist Sam Towers will be educating on Utilizing Native Plants for both Medicinal and Culinary purposes.  Dr. Steve Love (a perennial favorite) is teaching a class on the do’s and don’ts of saving and storing your own vegetable seeds.  Fremont County Extension Educator Lance Ellis will inform us on controlling wildlife in the garden and landscape.

The cost for this event is $35.00 and will include a lunch provided by Chartwell’s Catering.  For more information or to register feel free to print our 2014 Horticulture Symposium Brochure.  You can also contact Monica at the Bonneville County Extension Office, mallen@uidaho.edu 208-529-1390.

Kinford Horseback Stockmanship Schools at Cottonwood Ranch in May!

Hello everyone,
I will be giving two five day stockmanship schools at the Cottonwood Guest Ranch May 5th through May 9, and May 11 through May 15.

Classes are 100% horseback. We will be working cattle in the pasture twice a day, instilling herd instinct back into the cattle. This makes it possible for people practicing planned grazing to do so without using fencing (and to also graze areas left out of grazing plans for being too rough.) It also makes it easier to manage cattle on riparian areas. We will also be working on horsemanship going to and from cattle.

2014 Farm Bill Overview Webinar March 3rd

The 2014 Farm Bill - An Overview
Date: Monday - March 3, 2014

Time: 12:00 Eastern/11:00 Central/10:00 Mountain/9:00 Pacific

Carbon Sequestration Not So Simple in Biomass Crop Production

By Ann Perry
February 20, 2014

Findings at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are providing information about the soil carbon dynamics that play a crucial role in lifecycle assessments of bioenergy production. These studies at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), USDA's chief intramural scientific research agency, support the USDA priority of developing new sources of bioenergy.

RMA Reminds Producers of the Recent Changes to the Organic Farm Safety Net

SPOKANE, Wash., February18, 2014 – The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds producers of the expanded crop insurance options for insurable organic crops.

 

Online Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Thursday Feb 20

Montana State University Extension Wildlife Program  and Western SARE will be hosting an online workshop covering Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage. This session is designed for Extension county agents and educators and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) personnel in the western US. The program will be from 9:00AM to 4:00 PM Mountain Time (with a lunch break from 12-1:00) on Thursday, February 20, 2014.

Beef Packing Plant Proposed for Challis: Information Feb 15th

An Informational Meeting Scheduled for Saturday, February 15

I'm sure many of you have heard about the proposed beef packing facility in Challis or read about it in the newspaper.
" http://www.idahostatesman.com/2013/11/26/2895200/in-tiny-challis-couple-plans-co.html
" http://www.capitalpress.com/article/20131118/ARTICLE/131119904
There will be an informational meeting for ranchers, farmers, & suppliers held on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 10:00 am at the Challis Community Event Center. Additional information is included below: 
" WHAT: Proposed Food Processing Facility Informational Meeting
" DATE: Saturday, February 15, 2014
" TIME: 10:00 am - Noon
" LOCATION: Community Event Center (411 Clinic Road, Challis)
" WHO: Dr. Robert Needham, Co-op and Business Expert
" SPONSORS: Shiloh Warm Springs Ranch & Garden Creek Farms. Christopher James, Jeri D'Orazio, Joe Heaps, J.T. Heaps, Mark Lupher, & Jon Sheppard. 

Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may be interested.

Weed Workshop February 14th

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Pre-Registration is Required -Please Barbara @ 208-886-2258  Right Away!

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Water Efficiency / Drought Workshop February 24th

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Please RSVP to 886-2406

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Farm Succession and Estate Planning Workshop Starts Feb 12th

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