Ag News Roundup

In today’s Ag News Roundup, study proves salmon use geomagnetic fields, stricter mercury limits coming to Oregon, new livestock district postponed in Umatilla County, wolf-livestock projects get grant funding, and fairs recognized as economic drivers in Washington state.

Researchers Discover Salmon Use Geomagnetic Field as Hatchlings

Scientists with the Oregon Hatchery Research Center, a collaborative project with Oregon State University, have confirmed that newly hatched salmon use the Earth’s geomagnetic field to guide their migrations. The study found that a salmon’s magnetic sense can be used as a way to find direction.

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Stricter Mercury Pollution Limits Could Affect Oregon Farmers

New environmental regulations for Oregon’s Willamette River Basin may affect rules around agricultural erosion. The new rules were created to limit mercury pollution due to soil erosion where the element can be found.

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New Livestock District Postponed in Umatilla County

Commissioners in Umatilla County have postponed creating the Salmon Point Livestock District until further research can be completed. Disputes over land use and legal boundaries have made this a talked-about issue in the region.

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Washington Legislature Awards Grants for Wolf-Livestock Projects

In an attempt to deter wolves from impacting livestock in Washington’s Okanogan, Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille Counties, the Northeast Washington Wolf-Livestock Grant Board have awarded grants to five projects that propose nonlethal management methods.

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Washington State Bill Recognizes Fairs as Economic Drivers

Two bills are making their way through the state’s House of Representatives that could help local fairs stay afloat. HB 2725 and 2765 could make operating expense funds available to fair managers across the state.

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