Coastal Ag News Roundup

In today’s Ag News Roundup, pear production at historic levels, scientists received $1.8 million in funding to study evaporation, USDA disputes misleading article, growers watching closely for western yellow-striped army worm, and historic Oregon farms honored.

Pacific Northwest Pears on the Rise

According to harvest forecasts, Pacific Northwest fresh pear production is up 1.3 million, 40-pound boxes from estimates in June. The Pear Bureau states that if this new estimate is accurate, it will be the fourth largest crop in history.

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OSU-Utah Collaboration Receives $1.8 in Funding

The National Science Foundation has given $1.8 million to scientists at Oregon State University and University of Utah for their continued work into transpiration. This is the study of evaporation of water from plant leaves. While this form of evaporation accounts for half of the global transfer from the continents to the atmosphere, more needs to be known to fully understand the process.

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Beef Industry and USDA Dispute Misleading Article

An article by Consumer Reports titled “What’s Really in Your Meat” has drawn criticism from the USDA and the beef industry. Both say the article is filled with inaccurate and misleading information about testing standards and enforcement.

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Hay Growers Watching for Western Yellow-Striped Army Worm

Those growing timothy and alfalfa in Washington state are being asked to watch for western yellow-striped army worm. Washington State University issued the request. The university says it will make recommendations for spraying based on harvest needs and timelines.

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12 Historic Oregon Farms Honored

The Oregon Century Farm and Ranch Program, administered by the Oregon Farm Bureau Foundation for Education honored 12 Oregon farms for their legacies, operations, and ongoing commitment to farming. These included Mullen Farms in Saint Paul, Robinson Stillwell Taggart farm in Dayton, Howard-Allstott Ranch in Umatilla County, Rockwell-Doherty Farm near Pilot Rock, Brown Farm in Marrow County, and Sandoz Farm in Wasco County.

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