In today’s Ag News Roundup, 4-H youth introduced to emergency preparedness curriculum, parts of Oregon extremely dry despite winter storms, new head of USDA understands farmer needs, blueberry harvesting gets new technology, and new PPP updates could work in favor for farmers and ranchers.
Emergency Preparedness Curriculum Developed for 4-H Youth
Professors with Oregon State University Extension Service have developed 4-H curriculum to teach youth how to help their communities during a disaster, especially if or when the Cascadia Earthquake occurs.
Read More
Oregon Still Dry Despite Winter Storms
According to Pacific Northwest Ag Network, nearly 87% of Oregon is abnormally dry, including 12% of the state that is labeled as being in extreme drought. Idaho is also dry for this time of the year.
Read More
New Head of USDA Good for Farming Community
According to the Chair of the Western Congressional Caucus, Tom Vilsack retuning as the head of the USDA is a good thing for farmers and ranchers throughout the Northwest. The new head is expected to be familiar with farming trade issues.
Wireworm Management Option Identified
Washington State University Extension Service says a new insecticide called Teraxxa may be effective at managing wireworm. The product could be available this spring with an effective rate of 99.1%.
Blueberry Industry May See Harvesting Improvements
An associate professor with Oregon State University Extension Service has developed a system to reduce the cost of properly harvesting blueberries. The machine could reduce costs from $12,000 per acre to just $3,000 over hand picking the delicate fruit.
Read More
More Farmers May be Eligible for PPP
According to the Pacific Northwest Ag Network, new legislation could make it possible for more farmers and ranchers to be eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Legislators are working to ensure farmers are not left out as they were with the first installment.
Read More