Free Diagnosis of Avian Influenza for Backyard Poultry Growers

The prevalence of Avian Influenza in the US continues to increase, and the surveillance and practices have become more defined.  In the past the Idaho Department of Agriculture has distributed test kits to Extension Office.  However, it has been found that this actually slows down the diagnostic process.

The Idaho Department of Agriculture (ISDA) or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will respond, if warranted, directly to the premise with a veterinarian or livestock inspector to inspect the animals and take samples for rapid evaluation.  If you suspect that your poultry is infected with Avian Influenza please call at once:

USDA :  208-373-1620

ISDA:     208-332-8540

For more information on Avian Influenza click on the image below to go to the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service on Avian Influenza.

Great Basin Climate Forum December 2nd

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Forum and lunch are free, but registration is requested at http://www.dri.edu/great-basin-climate-forum-series

Idaho HIgh Students Can Get Direct Admission to Idaho Colleges

The State Board of Education recently posted information related to Direct Admissions on the Next Steps Idaho site—here are the related links:

For Students:              https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/resources/direct-admissions-letter-what-do-i-do-next/

For Families:               https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/resources/direct-admissions-guide-for-families

For Educators:            https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/resources/direct-admissions-guide-for-educators/

FAQs:                           https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/resources/direct-admissions-frequently-asked-questions/

Cowboy Schools November 11th, 12th and 13th

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BYD Aphids are Fly and Strip Rust is Lurking

by Juliet Marshall

Yes, I know most of the acres of winter wheat and winter barley are already planted. If the grain is up and wasn’t treated with an insecticidal seed treatment, it will be vulnerable to aphid infestation and Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus infection. The disease Barley Yellow Dwarf (BYD) can cause significant yield loss depending upon the weather.

USDA Announces 2016 Small Grains Projected Prices

Barley and Wheat Prices Available

SPOKANE, Wash., Sept. 21, 2015 — USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) today announced the 2016 projected prices for winter and spring wheat, and winter barley for Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. These prices are critical for producers evaluating their crop insurance coverage options.

Toolset Helps Identify Key Water-Conservation Options

By Rosalie Bliss
October 2, 2015

A free downloadable toolset geared towards helping conservation planners, landowners and researchers better manage runoff, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, while also supporting agricultural production is available. The new software toolset was developed by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS)—USDA's principal intramural scientific research agency.