Central Idaho Extension

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

2011-12-09T18:07:00.001-07:00

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

2011-12-09T10:18:00.002-07:00

Click on the Image to Read the Table of Contents

Click Here to Read the Eighth Edition

AGRI 20Z Domestic Livestock Obstetrics

2011-12-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

I'd like to let you all know that we have a community service class that is being offered by Dr. Boyd Spratling this January, AGRI 20Z Domestic Livestock Obstetrics. It will be held January 4, 11, 18, and 19 from 5:30 to 8:30pm. The class is offered in Elko in HTC 123, in Ely GBC 112, Pahrump GBC 122, and Battle Mountain IAV 1. The course costs $80 and there is a $10 one-time enrollment fee to become a GBC student.

The course will cover delivery and delivery assistance procedures for cattle, sheep and horses. The course will cover sanitation measures, when to call your veterinarian, and post-delivery complications that should be monitored. Troubleshooting for numerous common dystocias will be discussed as well. This class is designed as an update and refresher for livestock producers and agriculture students to take just before birthing time begins for cattle, sheep, and horses. Please see the attached flier for more information about the course.

To enroll in GBC, go to the GBC website and you can apply online. http://www.gbcnv.edu/admissions/

To find the course to enroll, go to My GBC and search for a class. When in the search option, select Spring 2012, type AGRI into the course prefix, and hit search. This will bring you to the Domestic Livestock Obstetrics Class and you can add it to your shopping cart.

If you have any questions about the course please call Tracy Shane at 775-753-2344.

Tracy Shane
Agriculture Professor
BAIS Natural Resources Program Supervisor
Lundberg, Room 109B
Great Basin College
1500 College Parkway
Elko, NV 89801
775-753-2344
775-738-8771 fax
http://www.blogger.com/goog_1104506040

http://www2.gbcnv.edu/agriculture/

PLANNING FOR PROFIT II

2011-12-05T16:37:00.000-07:00

AN ADVANCED, 9 WEEK, ONLINE WHOLE FARM PLANNING COURSE

Take your financial & marketing plans to the next level of profitability!

JANUARY 17 – MARCH 13, 2012

Live Course Webinars Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:00pm

Registration is now open for a new online course, Planning for Profit II. This is an advanced, online whole farm planning course for existing farmers/ranchers.

Preferred registration is being offered to Rural Roots members and other producers who’ve completed a previous course in whole farm planning through Cultivating Success and Rural Roots or are operating using a business or whole farm plan (see website http://www.ruralroots.org/ for details on course prerequisites and technology requirements).

Preferred registration deadline is December 9, 2011. After that, registration opens to the general public. Due to grant requirements the course is available only to residents of Idaho and adjacent counties in WA and OR.

Course fee is $80 for Rural Roots members and $100 for non-members. Full and partial scholarships are available! Please do not let cost be a barrier to your participation. A scholarship form is attached.

This advanced, second-level course is limited to only 35 students, so reserve your spot soon! Course flyer is below and on the website. Full details and registration are online at http://www.ruralroots.org/. Preferred registration deadline December 9, 2012.
Please let me know if you have any questions! Thank you!

Colette
PS If you are applying for a scholarship, please do not register online. Instead, send me the completed scholarship request form (a PDF form is attached, email me if you need a Word version of the form) and I will get back to you with registration details.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Colette DePhelps

Rural Roots Project Director

PO Box 8925, Moscow, ID 83843

208-883-3462 phone

www.ruralroots.org

Rural Roots' mission is to support and enhance sustainable and organic agriculture and community food systems in the Inland Northwest (the easternmost counties of Washington and Oregon and all of Idaho).

Grower Supply Free Webinars

2011-12-05T16:17:00.001-07:00

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

If you won't be able to attend the live event, a recorded version will be available in our webinar archives. Check back for updates!

If you won't be able to attend the live event, a recorded version will be available in our webinar archives. Check back for updates!

Winter/Spring 2012 Webinar Schedule

DATE TOPIC

Janurary 18 NRCS High Tunnel Funding

February 1 Fodder-Pro Feed System

February 8 Hydroponic Growing

February 15 Greenhouses vs. High Tunnels

February 22 Pro Solar Star Engineered Greenhouses

February 29 Seed-Starting Equipment

March 7 From Germination to Harvest

March 14 New High Tunnels for 2012

March 28 Raised Beds & Composting

Barley Commission Marketing Workshop Dec 6th Pocatello

2011-12-05T15:58:00.001-07:00

Click object to enlarge.

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

2011-12-05T15:48:00.001-07:00

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:

1. The results of the survey will help drive the recommendation from the National Beef Quality Audit and assure that the strategies are developed based on a strong grassroots message.

2. Results of the NBQA will be used to enhance the beef industry’s message to supply chain partners, opinion influencers, and consumers. The survey provides an avenue for U.S. cattle producers to tell their collective story about on-ranch commitment to quality.

3. NBQA results will be used to demonstrate value to international customers.

Historically, the NBQA has yielded significant value to our industry by driving continuous improvement initiatives, providing strategic focus, and demonstrating opportunities for increased demand and profitability.

Sincerely,

Tom Field, PhD
Executive Director, Producer Education

Farm and Ranch Management Schools Dec 19, 20, 21

2011-12-05T15:31:00.000-07:00

Far West Agribusiness Association Winter Meeting Dec 12-14th

2011-12-05T15:20:00.000-07:00

Far West Agribusiness Association is pleased to announce its Washington Winter Conference and Annual meeting starting on Monday, December 12th, 2011 and concluding on Wednesday, December 14th, 2011 at the Red Lion Hotel in Pasco, WA.

For More Information Click Here

For Summary:

MONDAY:
The conference kicks off on Monday evening at 5:30 with our Monday Night Industry Reception - a great chance to network with your peers and enjoy Monday Night Football.

TUESDAY:
Tuesday morning, our conference begins with a general session address from Bill Herz, VP of Scientific Programs at The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) followed by the FWAA Annual Meeting. Concurrent breakout sessions featuring topics in the following tracks: Dryland, Irrigated, New Technology, Safety/Regulatory, and Specialty Crops follow until lunch when attendees will gather together at noon to hear from our Keynote Speaker.
Our Keynote Speaker for the luncheon on Tuesday, December 13th will be Mr. Jay Vroom, President and CEO of CropLife America. CropLife America is the largest national trade organization representing the developers, manufacturers, formulators, and distributors of agricultural pesticides across the United States. Mr. Vroom has held his position since 1989.

Afternoon breakout sessions follow the lunch before our Tuesday Night Industry Reception and Silent Auction. Join us for dozens of auction items and help support the future of our industry!

WEDNESDAY:
Wednesday begins with a general session on the organic certification process by Mischa Popoff, author of the book Is it Organic? followed by breakout sessions before concluding at noon.

BREAKOUT SESSION ATTENDANTS:

We will be joined by members of the Pasco FFA Chapter who will reside over each of our sessions to introduce our presenters and administer State Pesticide and CCA Credits. Thank you FFA!

PAPER REGISTRATION FORM:

Prefer a paper registration form? You can also register using the downloadable registration form below. Simply fill it out and send it back to the FWAA office to register.

http://www.cvent.com/events/2011-washington-winter-conference/event-summary-8320c021dff64701ace4bd92030499ef.aspx?i=96a86053-d746-47d9-b620-3e5f8c8cf584

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

2011-12-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

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?

In the long run, there are any number of strategies and tactics that can be evaluated and employed to lower livestock production costs on an individual operation. These include growing annual forages for fall and winter feed as hay or pasture, using crop residues, stockpiling pasture, increasing grazing efficiency with fencing and water development, partitioning the herd for feeding by age, body condition score and reproductive status, changing the production cycle to more closely match feed production cycle, reducing cow size and more. But what can you do now that it is almost Christmas and you have no hay in the barn.

First, one needs to as do a “needs assessment” and inventory. One needs a good estimate of the nutrient (primarily energy and protein) requirements of the cows for all of the months or weeks to come until there will be green grass. This will change week by week as the cows approach parturition and begin lactating. This may include dividing the cow herd by age and reproductive status. Next we need an inventory of our possible or our existing energy and protein resources. This would include, inventory and feed analysis of any hay we do have, as well as estimating the availability, quantity and quality of any remaining crop residue and finally evaluating the energy reserves of the cows by using body condition scoring. This information can be turned into a nutrient budget, much like a cash flow budget, for energy and protein that will permit us to estimate what we will need to purchase in order to meet these needs.

So now what? You already knew that you didn’t have enough feed, but now you should know exactly what NUTRIENTS you need to purchase. This will probably be energy and/or protein. Every FEED has a complement or density of NUTRIENTS, but not every feed can meet the requirements of our livestock.

At this point we are ready to enter the market and evaluate feeds. Crop residues are going to be relatively high in energy that can go into animal maintenance, but low in protein. “Stock cow hay” is going to be a pretty good source of energy, but not so good as “dairy hay” for protein, and some by-product feeds are going to serve mostly as either energy or protein sources, but will contribute to BOTH. The only way to know what you are buying or feeding is to have a product analysis, ie. a feed analysis. This is particularly important for forages and “straight from the processor” by-products where there is either no way or no attempt to standardize the feed. For other products like meals, and cereals, the “book values” are often adequate for ranch use. Prepared supplements will have a guaranteed analysis.

Once you have the delivered prices of the FEED and its analysis, from the lab, feed tables or the labels, you are ready to evaluate the value of the NUTREIENTs in the feed. This can be done for each of the most important nutrients, energy, protein, calcium and phosphorus, and should be done on a 100% dry-matter basis.

Eg. Alfalfa Hay

CP 18%

DM 90%

Price: $250 per ton or $0.125/pound

1 ton (2000 lbs) of this alfalfa has 90% DM so 2000*.9=1800 lbs of DM

This 1800 lbs of dry matter has 18% CP so 1800*.18=324 lbs of CP..

…if this was the only reason we were purchasing this FEED was to supplement protein, then the value of the protein would be

$250 (price per ton of feed) / 324lbs (lbs of CP in the FEED) = $0.77 per pound of CP.

By repeating this for other protein supplements, we can compare their relative value to us. If we needed an additional nutrient, we could also subtract the value of the other nutrient in the feed before we computed the nutrient value for CP. For example, we could use barley or corn, which are primarily sources of energy, to value the energy in the alfalfa above, before we valued the CP. This would reduce the value allocated to the CP, and thereby lower its cost as a protein supplement, because it is also supplying energy. Although feeder hay is at near record prices, it may still be the cheapest source of nutrients.

There is simple software and/or spreadsheets available that will help you do this feed comparison and other fairly simple software that will help you formula a feeding plan based on the needs of your livestock and the cost and availability of hay, residue feeds, by-product feeds, crop residue and commercial feed supplements. With the above information you are ready to complete your feed budget and select the feeds that will meet your cows’ needs most economically.

There is one more, often unattractive, strategy for dealing with high feed prices. Transfer the feed costs to another operator. Partial or complete destocking, before you buy supplemental feed, is an option if your anticipated cost of production is not going to be covered by your anticipated revenue.

For more information or help with feed sampling and analysis, feed inventory evaluation, body condition scoring, and feed valuation or ration formulation and feed budgeting, contact your local University of Idaho Extension Office or go to the University of Idaho Beef Cattle Website at http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/beef

Study investigates pasture poultry production

2011-12-02T08:40:00.001-07:00

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.

An average of 1,500 broiler birds annually are produced a year by pasture poultry farms, which raise chickens in open-air moveable pens or in free-range environments. These birds are raised without growth promotion or therapeutic antimicrobials and are fed an organic diet that is US Department of Agriculture-certified.

Costing $272,684, the project is being funded by the federally-supported Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) agency. The lead institution for the two-year project is the Univ. of Georgia. The UA System Division of Agriculture is serving as a cooperating institution and receiving $84,898 for its work from the project budget.

Under this system, producers utilize mobile processing units at small farms where birds are processed on-site. These birds are exempt from USDA inspection requirements and do not receive USDA Inspected status. The lack of inspection status, however usually limits these farms' poultry sales to household consumers and only a few foodservice market venues. USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service has a compliance guidebook available for small-farm processors who seek USDA inspection approval.

Full text: http://tinyurl.com/7jc3e2n

Idaho Beef Summit Jan 5-7

2011-11-29T07:30:00.001-07:00

Beef producers can learn ways to improve the quality, consistency, and value of their product at the upcoming Idaho Beef Summit, sponsored by the Idaho Beef Council.

The Idaho Beef Summit will feature speakers, hands-on workshops, and demonstrations focusing on beef end product quality. Producers will have the opportunity to learn the “meat” side of the beef industry, according to UI Extension Educator Sarah Baker.

Beef producers will hear from leading industry personnel on understanding and improving beef carcass quality through DNA-based technology, nutrition, and marketing. Leading retailers and chefs will discuss retail and foodservice trends and showcase how consumer preferences affect the bottom lines of beef producers. Attendees will view cutting demos and tour processing facilities to learn about carcass grading, processing, and value added marketing for market and cull beef. The Summit will offer “Meat Science Basics for Ranchers” and updates from industry, check-off, and BQA leaders.

The Summit is intended to benefit Idaho’s beef industry by helping producers continually improve the quality and consistency of their product, making it as competitive as possible with other protein sources available to consumers. “It validates for them that they aren’t just producing calves, they are producing beef,” Baker says.

University of Idaho animal and meat science faculty and UI Extension faculty, along with other beef industry professionals will conduct the course beginning on the evening of January 5 and concluding at noon at January 7 at the Canyon Springs, Red Lion Hotel in Twin Falls, Idaho. Registration is $50 per person.

For more information, or to register, please contact the University of Idaho Extension Office in Custer County at 879-2344 or your local Extension office.

Nevada Cattlemen Seek Executive Director

2011-11-21T12:08:00.000-07:00

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.

The candidate should be proficient in: computer skills, communications verbal and written, origination and flexibility, and policy development.

Important aspects of the job include: budget development, event planning, membership recruitment, monthly publications, website maintenance, manage office, liaison between other associations, state and federal agencies, and membership, policy development and extensive travel in and out of state.

The successful candidate should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to represent the association at the local, state, and national level. The start date is January 1, 2012 and interested applicants should be sent to ncapresident@nevadabeef.org or Po Box 310, Elko, Nevada 89803. Deadline for applications is December 9, 2011. Please visit our webpage http://www.nevadacattlemen.org/

Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) Plans of Insurance

2011-11-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

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

2011-11-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

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).

The videos will run from Nov. 14 through Dec. 25, under a partnership between U.S. Farmers &Ranchers Alliance and Discovery Networks. The project will include three, 60-second videos and one long-format video, which will run from 4 to 7 minutes. The program will be promoted through a targeted online banner ad campaign on Discovery Communications' online properties as well.

Along with real-world farmers and ranchers, the videos will feature U.S. consumers - not actors- to talk about how food is grown and raised. Discovery identified and secured the consumers. "These individuals are real consumers, who have real questions and make real decisions about the healthy choices they make for themselves and their family every day," say USFRA officials.

Full text: http://tinyurl.com/88zda43

Evidence Supports Ban on Growth Promotion Use of Antibiotics in Farming

2011-11-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

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.

"The United States lags behind its European counterparts in establishing a ban on the use of antibiotics for growth promotion. For years it was believed that giving low-dose antibiotics via feed to promote growth in cows, swine, chickens and the use of antibiotics in fish farming had no negative consequences. Today, there is overwhelming evidence that non-therapeutic use of antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance, even if we do not understand all the mechanisms in the genetic transmission chain," says Levy, MD, professor of molecular biology and microbiology and director of the Center for Adaptation Genetics and Drug Resistance at Tufts University School of Medicine.

For the past 70 years, humans have relied on antibiotics to combat bacterial infections such as streptococcus, meningitis, tuberculosis and urinary tract infections. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics, however, has contributed to antibiotic resistance, making antibiotics less effective at saving lives. Levy and co-author Bonnie Marshall summarize and synthesize the findings of a large number of studies assessing the link between antibiotic resistance and the use of non-therapeutic antibiotics in livestock and fish farming.

Full text: http://tinyurl.com/bq4w6tk

Barley Commission Sponsors Free Webinar Nov 9th on Cereal Contracting

2011-11-08T07:04:00.002-07:00

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

GROWING AGRITOURISM IN IDAHO DECEMBER 8th

2011-11-03T15:27:00.000-06:00

If you are involved in any sort of agricultural tourism, you won’t want to miss this one day workshop!

Featuring relevant topics, speakers with real world experience, and plenty of networking opportunities – there is truly something for everyone!

DATE: Thursday, December 8, 2011
LOCATION: Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture, 2270 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712
TIME: 8:30-4:00
DEADLINE: Register by December 2. SPACE IS LIMITED.

Find complete registration information at the link below.
http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/Marketing/Documents/registrationAGRITOURISM.pdf

AGENDA:
8:30 Registration
9:00 Welcome and group introductions
9:15 Making the Most of Agritourism Opportunities on YOUR Operation
Lacey Menasco, Idaho State Department of Agriculture
9:45 Making the Connection – Adding Agritourism to the Visitor’s Itinerary
Diane Norton, Idaho Department of Commerce Division of Tourism
10:15 Break
10:30 Sharing Agritourism Success
Farm Dinners: Josie Erskine, Peaceful Belly Farms
Entertaining Guests on the Farm: Ron Bitner, Bitner Vineyards
U-picks and Farm Stands: Fred Schreffler, The Berry Ranch
Diversifying the Experience to Increase Profits: Sherrie and Randy Feist, Linder Farms
11:30 Planning and Zoning
Diana Sanders, Ada County Development Services
12:00 Networking Lunch
Jim Toomey with the UI Food Tech Center will be available to discuss value-added food processing
The four “Success Story” speakers will each be hosting round table discussions
1:00 Getting the Right Insurance Coverage and Minimizing Risk
Stewart Hyndman, Hyndman Insurance
2:00 Introduction to Farm Loops
Lacey Menasco, Idaho State Department of Agriculture
2:15 Break
2:30 “Loop” Break-out Discussions by Region
(Sunny Slope, Emmet, Meridian/Kuna, other as needed)
3:30 Wrap Up and Evaluation
4:00 Adjourn

Find complete registration information at the link below.
http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/Marketing/Documents/registrationAGRITOURISM.pdf

Lacey Menasco
Idaho State Department of Agriculture
Trade Specialist
2270 Old Penitentiary Rd.
Boise, ID 83712
(208)332-8538

Livestock Reproduction Management Class Dec. 1-3

2011-11-03T15:17:00.003-06:00

Click on the Poster to Enlarge

NEVADA CATTLEMEN GATHER TO CELEBRATE 76 YEARS NOV 14-16

2011-11-02T09:42:00.000-06:00

2010 Cattlemen from all over the state of Nevada will gather at the Annual Convention to be held at the Carson Valley Inn, Minden, Nevada November 14 -16. The joint convention will bring together Cattlemen, CattleWomen and Woolgrowers to discuss issues of importance and establish policy. In past years over 250 cattlemen have attended the annual convention, which this year celebrates the 76th year for the event.
During the three day event, the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association’s five policy committees will meet to establish policy on private lands, public lands, livestock issues and animal health, taxation, and research and education.

In addition to reviewing and establishing policy, this year’s convention has an excellent roster of speakers lined up. Pfizers Cattlemen’s College will feature Dr. John Linhart. Dr. Linhart, DVM, Dipl. ACT, is a senior veterinarian with the Pfizer Animal Health Beef Veterinary Operations team. With 20 years of private practice experience and board certification in theriogenology, Dr. Linhart combines significant technical knowledge with an exceptional ability to communicate and work with cattlemen. Based in Boise, Idaho, he supports cow-calf producers, working primarily in beef cattle reproduction and herd health to help improve reproductive efficiency. His talk will focus on reproductive strategies to improve your bottom line.

The second part of Cattlemen’s College will focus on feed efficiency. Matt Spangler and Alison Van Eenennaam will discuss recent collaborative efforts to develop genomic selection tools for feed efficiency. Background information will be provided including differing definitions of feed efficiency, what is known about the genetic components of feed efficiency, and how they are genetically related to other production traits. Challenges related to development of genomic tests for traits of this type will be discussed along with rapidly developing tools/methods that will aid in overcoming them. Matt is an Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska, and Allison is Cooperative Extension Specialist at UC Davis.

See the latest ranching products and technology in the tradeshow, Monday 1:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and Tuesday 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. We also invite you to attend the Trade Show Reception Monday night starting at 6:30 p.m.

Joan Guilfoyle, Chief of the BLM's Wild Horse and Burro Division will be attending the Public Lands Committee Meeting to engage with the membership of the association on issues they feel are important to the wild horse and burro program. She is interested in learning more about the issues that Nevada faces relating to wild horses and their management.

Therese A. Ure, Managing Attorney, Schroeder Law Offices PC, Reno will be presenting on vested water rights. Coming from a farming background, at Schroeder Law Offices, PC, Therese has focused her law practice on water rights and public lands laws. These areas include agriculture water use permitting, extensions, transfers; groundwater interference and connection, critical and limited areas; special patron rights and responsibilities, public lands (easements, permitting uses and grazing permits BLM, USFS, and compliance issues), agri-business and litigation.

The final presenter during the Public Lands Meeting will be Andy Rieber, Journalist: Western Livestock Journal and Staff: Oregon Cattlemen's Association Public Lands Committee. Andy will speak to the association about the Department of Interior economic report and analysis commissioned by PLC, Wild Lands, "Crown Jewels," and wilderness inventory, and give an update on sage grouse litigation.

With the increase in demand for renewable energy and projects such as pipelines on public lands, there is increased pressure on private landowners to negotiate easements across their land. Franklin J. Falen, along with his wife Karen Budd-Falen, own Budd-Falen Law Offices, L.L.C. located in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Frank’s practice includes litigation regarding zoning and land use issues, public and federal lands issues, environmental laws, and negotiation of wind contracts and oil and gas leases on behalf of landowners. His presentation during the Private Lands Committee Meeting will focus on easement negotiations and ensuring that the future needs of private landowners are planned for.

There will be on-site registration costs for all three days of the meeting. Meal tickets will be available on-site, but quantity may be limited. For more information or to receive a registration form, contact the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association at 775-738-9214, or send an e-mail to nca@nevadabeef.org.
-------------------------------------------------
Meghan Brown
Executive Director
Nevada Cattlemen's Association
1-775-738-9214 (Office)
1-775-340-4486 (Cell)
1-775-738-5208 (Fax)
nca@nevadabeef.org

Passing on the Ranch Presentation November 16th

2011-10-31T10:47:00.001-06:00

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

2011-10-28T18:16:00.002-06:00

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

2011-10-28T17:40:00.002-06:00

Be a Good Neighbor! Destroy Volunteer Cereals

2011-10-28T11:52:00.002-06:00

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.”

In addition, bird cherry oat aphid WILL vector barley yellow dwarf virus! These fields had symptoms that to me, indicated infection by BYDV, but molecular testing will need to confirm this before we can say for sure.

General recommendations – CONTROL VOLUNTEER wheat and barley! Delay planting winter grain to reduce the potential for a green bridge. Cold temperatures should kill most of these insects.

Bird cherry-oat aphid populations are usually kept under control by a combination of predators and parasites (see APHIDS – GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS ). Before considering chemical controls, evaluate the activity and control potential of these natural enemies.

For additional information, contact your extension educator,
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/

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

2011-10-28T11:37:00.002-06:00

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.

This puts us in the same situation as we were in this time last year. However, the temperatures this morning in the Burley area were about 25 degrees F, and yesterday 21-22 degrees F. That MAY have killed the stripe rust. We will continue to keep an eye on things.

At this time, we are taking a wait-and-see approach. IF the stripe rust survives the winter, then it will be very important to spray susceptible varieties with a full rate of fungicides at the time herbicides are applied in the spring. Winter grain fields are already planted, so variety selection will be important in the spring wheat – consider planting resistant spring wheat varieties.

As this disease spreads so easily on the wind, be a good neighbor and destroy volunteer especially if that volunteer is Brundage or any other susceptible variety.

UNR Cattlemen’s Update 2012

2011-10-20T07:43:00.001-06:00

UNR Cattlemen’s Update 2012

Changing Markets and Animal Identification

The Changing Beef Market-Domestic and Foreign
Jim Robb, Director Livestock Marketing Information Center, Denver, CO

Animal Identification “Now What”
Dr. David Thain, DVM, State Extension Veterinarian

How Much Rain do Trees Capture? Rainfall Interception by Piñon and Juniper
Sam Lossing, Graduate Research Assistant, CABNR

The Impact of Bull Reproductive Behavior on Calf Output
Dr. Meeghan Gray, CABNR

USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer Rancher Program
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension

College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources Update
Ron Pardini, Dean, CABNR

Date	Time	Location
Jan. 9, 2012 Monday	Registration 10 a.m. Program 10:30 a.m.	UNR College of Agriculture Washoe County Extension Office Eureka Extension Office Caliente Extension Office Tonopah Extension Office Lovelock Extension Office Logandale Extension Office *Oregon Extension Sites
Jan. 9, 2012 Monday	Registration 6 p.m. Program 6:30 p.m.	Fallon (Multi Purpose Building)
Jan. 10, 2012 Tuesday	Registration 9:30 a.m. Program 10:00 a.m. Lunch noon	Western Nevada (Wellington Community Hall)
Jan. 11, 2012 Wednesday	Registration 5 p.m. Dinner 5:30 Program 6:30p.m.	Ely White Pine County Convention Center
Jan. 12, 2012 Thursday	Registration 12:30 p.m. Program 1 p.m.	Elko (Stockman’s Hotel and Casino)
Jan. 13, 2012 Friday	Registration 10:30 a.m. Program 11 a.m. Lunch noon	Winnemucca (Extension Office)

*Interactive Video sites are tentative. Call David Thain at 775-784-1377 for site confirmation.

Presented by

UNR College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension

Idaho Weed Conference February 1-2, 2012

2011-10-17T08:36:00.000-06:00

The 12th Annual Weed Conference is scheduled for February 1st and 2nd at the Boise Hotel and Conference Center. The program will include a State Agency Panel, Coordinated Weed Management Success Stories, Restoration and Rehabilitation, IPM Solutions and more. There is a pre-registration discount before January 16th.

The current draft of the program and preregistration is available on line at http://www.idahoweedcontrol.org/

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

2011-10-14T12:22:00.000-06:00

Idaho Barley Marketing Report

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