In today’s Ag News Roundup, the Northwest drought intensifies, spotted lanternflies worry growers, grassland conservation signups to close late August, wolves attack livestock in Baker County, and OSU shares fertilizer tips for a mid-summer bounty boost.
Drought Intensifies in the Region
From the Pacific Northwest Ag Network, the Northwest is continuing to dry out. According to the USDA, parts of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho are experiencing exceptional or extreme drought conditions. Experts say that all three states are far drier than they should be for this time of year.
Spotted Lanternfly Sightings Worry Growers
Oregon State University Extension Service is reporting that spotted lanternflies were found in fall of 2020, in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The insect, native to southern China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, can affect wine grapes, nurseries, timber, small fruits and other tree crops.
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USDA Conservation Reserve Program Signups Close August 20
According to the Pacific Northwest Ag Network, the USDA will close the application process for the Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands, aimed at helping landowners as well as meeting climate and conservation goals.
Wolves Attack Livestock in Baker County
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has confirmed that a calf carcass that had been heavily fed upon was discovered in Baker County on public land in the Manning Creek area. A collared member of the Lookout Mountain wolf pack was believed to be at the location at the time of the attack.
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Give Vegetables a Mid-Summer Boost
Oregon State University has shared some mid-summer fertilizing tips designed to give gardens a boost.