Dryland

A team of Agricultural Research Service and university scientists released two new oat germplasm lines to shore up the crop’s defenses against the devastating fungal disease crown rust.  The team specifically created the oat lines so that they could be crossed with elite commercial varieties to fortify them with new genetic sources of resistance to crown rust.  The disease c...

A slight adjustment down in U.S. wheat production is just one of several contributors to lower global wheat production forecast in October.   “Down 2.8 million tons to 794.1 million tons, but that’ll still be a record high production," noted USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board chair Mark Jekanowski.  So, what does that ...

The sunny, dry weather we’ve seen across much of wheat country, not only here in the Northwest, but in the middle portion of the county, is great news for dry down and harvest, but it’s not great news for winter wheat emergence and establishment.  But, as m...

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden wants to increase consumer protections and regulations for hemp-infused beverages, and those in the industry appear to support the effort.  The Democrat spoke at the Pacific Hemp Beverage Industry Summit in Bend last week, telling the group federal regulations would ease the concerns of retail chains who have to deal with different rules in different states.  ...

USDA’s October crop production forecast show mixed numbers for Northwest crops.   Idaho is expected to harvest 93,000 acres of canola this year, resulting in 67 million pounds.  The yield is forecast at 1,800 pounds per acre.  Meanwhile, Wa...

Canadian canola producers are stockpiling their crop, hoping for improved pricing opportunities later this year or in the spring.  China’s anti-dumping investigation into canola seed imports is having a direct impact on farmer’s plans to ship their current inventory.  Agriculture Ca...

The 2024 season had its fair share of victories and struggles for canola growers.  Unfortunately, when it was all said and done, the struggles outnumbered the wins.  Karen Sowers, Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Canola Association said the yields were disappointing.   “You know ...

U.S. Wheat Associates is running a new campaign, promoting the high quality of American wheat and highlight how it reaches global customers.  Ralph Loos, U.S. Wheat Associates Director of Communications, said they created a video series project that will serve as a tool to educate and highlight American wheat to buyers worldwide.   “...

Last week, the 2018 Farm Bill extension expired, and while there is hope that a new Farm Bill can be passed during the upcoming lame duck session, there is concern in farm county that little if anything will be done during the remaining portion of 2024...

The U.S. winter wheat crop planting passed the halfway mark over the past week to reach 51% complete by Sunday October 6th, one point behind the five-year average.   “One thing we have noticed is that planting has been delayed in a few areas due to dryness," noted USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey.  "And so ...