September 2002

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UI Bluegrass Study Plots Burned To Test Effect On Seed Production By Bill Loftus, University of Idaho A University of Idaho study seeking alternatives to conventional field burning advanced another step this week on the Coeur d'Alene Tribe's reservation near Plummer. Bluegrass grower Chris Ramsey led a volunteer crew of 10 that burned approximately 4 of 8 acres in a long term UI study intended to reduce the dependence on fire to stimulate Kentucky bluegrass production. Some of the research plots burned by the crew had been raked, and the grass residue baled and hauled away. On some of the plots, all of the residue that normally remains after grass harvesting was burned. Three of the eight research plots were left untouched by flame. The plots burned measured roughly a half acre apiece. Ramsey carefully burned a buffer at the downwind edge of each plot to prevent the fire from jumping a tilled fireline. Four pickups equipped with water tanks and pumps patrolled the edges of the research plots to ensure the fire stayed within the lines. In all, a crew of 10 shepherded the burn. The modest scale of the research plots generated relatively little smoke during the short time each block actually burned. In all, the burning took less than an hour. "We want people to know that we are trying to find ways to avoid burning our bluegrass fields," Ramsey said. His family has long ties to the area. "My grandmother's homestead was over that way about three miles," he said, motioning toward nearby Lake Coeur d'Alene. Marvin Sonder, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe's lease compliance officer, oversaw the test burns. The UI research was the only burning planned on the tribe's reservation Monday. An Idaho field burning plan had allocated the available burning rights for the day to farmers on the Rathdrum Prairie farther north. The tribe is interested in helping growers to find a way to continue to produce bluegrass, Sonder said, because it virtually eliminates soil erosion and resulting water problems. A bluegrass field can remain productive for seven to 10 years with burning, but is viable for a much shorter time without burning, producers say. "People who are against burning don't have much to say about the water quality benefits," Sonder said. The tribe, like Ramsey, is a partner in the bluegrass research project. The work is funded by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, the USDA-CSREES Grass Seed Cropping Systems for Sustainable Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Other cooperators include the Nezperce Prairie Grassgrowers Association, the Nez Perce Tribe, Jacklin Seed Co. and grower David Mosman of Nezperce. Donn Thill, the UI weed scientist leading the effort, said the research team has already learned a lot about bluegrass and ways to minimize or eliminate burning that might work, or might not. On Ramsey's farm, the research plots will be monitored closely in coming years to document differences between those that were burned and those that weren't. "If you look around, you see there is a lot of commitment on the part of these growers to getting the best information possible," Thill said. This season on Mosman's farm, Thill explored the use of different herbicides to suppress grass growth. The Mosman plots will not be burned to test the possibility of switching bluegrass production to an alternate year harvest system. Although some of the results were promising, it was also clear that Roundup, a widely used herbicide, would not work on bluegrass because it worked too well, killing a grass field unexpectedly. "We were surprised, but we had enough plots that used other herbicides to cover that loss and still gain some valuable information," Thill said. Photos of the research are available at www.ag.uidaho.edu/news Web Survey Collects Farm Opinions On Biosecurity Tom Karsky, UI Extension Farm Safety Specialist Do agricultural producers think a bioterrorist attack might strike water, livestock, crops or the U.S. food supply? How can they prepare for, or respond to, such incidents? Starting Sept. 1, a Web-based survey will ask producers across the country for their opinions on such biosecurity and agroterrorism topics. The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) received USDA funds to provide homeland security education for farm and non-farm industries and individuals. The producer survey results will guide what types of educational programs should be offered on agricultural biosecurity. To take the survey, producers may visit the EDEN Web site at http://www.agctr.lsu.edu/eden/HomelandSecurity/Surveys.asp and click on "Survey of Ag and Horticultural Producers" at the bottom of the page. The survey is anonymous and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. It can be completed anywhere producers have access to the Web, including libraries and Extension offices. "We would like to get feedback from the West to help determine the perceptions and needs for the region. This will help determine program needs and direction in this area," said Tom Karsky, University of Idaho Extension farm safety specialist and EDEN delegate. Survey organizers say experts debate the degree that farming and the food supply are threatened or at risk to bioterrorism. But whether the threat is real or not, even the perceived risk brings up issues that society must deal with. The EDEN project will help measure agricultural producers' perceptions about biosecurity issues on the farm. Media coverage since Sept. 11 inevitably raises questions and highlights issues that can only be addressed with educational programs. The survey will help match those programs to public needs. This producer survey will help Extension staff, nationally and in each state, determine what direction educational programs should take. EDEN specialists will use the information to identify educational materials and make them available to producers. U.S. Ag Exports To Surge In 2003 The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced U.S. agricultural exports for fiscal year 2003 are forecast at $57.5 billion, a $4 billion increase over the expected $53.5 billion for fiscal 2002. Export sales at this level would be the highest since 1997, only $2.3 billion below the 1996 all-time record of $59.9 billion. "This forecast for next year is very encouraging," said Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman. "We will continue to aggressively use our market development and expansion programs to increase exports in the next few years, while at the same time pursuing an ambitious trade liberalization agenda to grow markets for U.S. food and agricultural exports." Veneman said that passage of Trade Promotion Authority for President Bush greatly facilitates the broad range of negotiations now underway to open markets internationally under the WTO, in this hemisphere in a Free Trade Area of the Americas and bilaterally with key countries. "A free and competitive global market for food and agriculture products could mean $13 billion a year in economic growth for America's farmers and consumers, and that is why the Bush Administration has intensified its trade policy initiatives on behalf of our farmers and ranchers," Veneman said. The 7.5 percent increase in the forecast value for exports is a substantial gain over 2002 and is mainly due to higher prices for grains and oilseeds. Bulk commodity volume, however, is forecast to be down 4.6 million tons largely because of reduced soybean shipments coming off record export levels. For the major field crops&emdash;corn, rice and cotton&emdash;export volumes are expected to be higher. USDA also is forecasting modest increases in the value of livestock and poultry products of $500 million and a $300 million gain for horticulture. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service, the Foreign Agricultural Service, and the World Agricultural Outlook Board release agricultural trade projections quarterly. The summary and full report of USDA's Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Exports may be accessed from the ERS web site (http://www.ers.usda.gov). The next quarterly report will be issued in December. Biotech News By Tami Beville, Far West Agribusiness Association, Far West This Week/8-30 Canada's Biotechnology Advisory committee reported this past week that biotech-derived foods are as safe as conventional foods. The group did say there needs to be improved management of the regulatory system and that the public needs to be better informed. This report is similar to the one issued earlier this year from the National Academy of Sciences.  2002 Loan Rates For Lentils, Small Chickpeas & Dry Peas The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) has announced loan rates for 2002 crop lentils, small chickpeas and dry peas. This is the first time these crops have been covered under CCC's marketing loan program. The 2002 Farm Bill created a new marketing loan program for these crops and established fixed national rates for each "We continue to implement the 2002 Farm Bill in a timely and effective manner," said Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman during a press briefing from USDA's radio studio. "This announcement today (Sept. 3, 2002) is another important step in our program implementation." Lentil Loan Rate The lentil loan rate of $11.94 per cwt will apply uniformly to #1 grade quality lentils throughout all counties in the United States. Low-quality lentils also will be eligible for a nonrecourse loan at a reduced loan rate. The loan rate discounts per cwt for grades lower than #1 are: $0.75 for grade #2; $1.25 for grade #3; and $4.00 for sample grade. All grades will receive the same loan deficiency payment rate. Small Chickpea Loan Rate The small chickpea loan rate is $7.56 per cwt and applies only to chickpeas of a size that can drop through a 20/64 grading screen. This loan rate also will apply nationwide. Low-quality small chickpeas will be eligible for a nonrecourse loan at a reduced loan rate. Loan rate discounts per cwt for grades lower than grade #1 are: $1.00 for grade #2; $2.25 for grade #3; and $3.50 for sample grade. All grades of small chickpeas will receive the same loan deficiency rate. Dry Pea Loan Rates The dry pea loan rate of $6.33 will apply nationwide. Low-quality dry peas will be eligible for a nonrecourse loan at a reduced loan rate. The loan rate discounts per cwt for grades lower than grade #1 are $0.50 for grade #2; $1.00 for grade #3; and $2.50 for sample grade. All grades of dry peas will receive the same loan deficiency payment rate. Production and pricing data for the pulse crops are incomplete for areas with known production. Therefore, USDA will hold stakeholder meetings over the coming months to help refine regional repayment rates and loan rates for the coming year. Until these meetings are complete and appropriate data are collected, USDA will use national loan rates for the pulse crops. Further program information is available from Tom Tice, (202)720-2891; E-mail address: Tom_Tice@wdc.usda.gov. Note: Farm Service Agency (FSA) news releases and media advisories are available at FSA's home page: http://www.fsa.usda.gov. Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) By Jean Smith, WSU Cooperative Extension, Benton & Franklin Co. The latest news of the equine infectious anemia (EIA) from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is all the equines located within the 1/2 mile radius of the two EIA positive horses in Benton County have been tested and were all negative. A second round of testing by WSDA will include horses located as far as 1 mile or more from these index animals and should be completed by the time this newsletter is printed. The two EIA positive asymptomatic (showing no clinical signs of the disease) reactors were moved out of the county in late July to an approved quarantine facility under strict requirements, surveillance and inspection. The other 2 horses on the premises that tested EIA negative will be kept under quarantine pending a 2nd test, 60 days after the removal of the positive reactors. EIA is a viral disease that only affects horse, mules, ponies and donkeys. The EIA virus is transmitted by infected blood transferred by blood-sucking insects, such as horse flies, deer flies, and mosquitoes. Insects carry the virus in the residual blood on their mouth parts. The risk of spread from these two positive reactor horses found in Benton County is extremely low. Concentrations of EIA virus in the blood of horses that are asymptomatic is very low. It is likely only 1 out of 6,000,000 horseflies would pick up a virus and transmit it to another horse. Some HomeWise Q and A's From U of I READERS: Do you have a question about your home, yard or garden? Send it to HomeWise, University of Idaho Ag Communications, Moscow, ID 83844-2332 or e-mail it to homewise@uidaho.edu. Mention of proprietary products or firms does not constitute endorsement by University of Idaho Extension or imply approval to the exclusion of other suitable products or firms. Banded Alder Borer Or California Laurel Borer Q. What is the beautiful black beetle with powder blue spots that I see this time of year in my yard? It's about an-inch-and-a-half long. A. It goes by two names, the banded alder borer and the California laurel borer, and it is very striking, agrees Bob Stoltz, University of Idaho Extension entomologist. Not only is the beetle black and baby blue, but its antennae are striped in those colors, too. "You'll find them on the sides of buildings, on flowers and on trees," he says. "They're actually beneficial. They don't kill living trees but they do help break down dead ones." Banded Garden Spiders Q. I was weeding in my perennial border and came across a big black-and-yellow spider that was hanging on a huge web between my shrubs. What is this? Is it harmful? A. Sounds like you met up with a banded garden spider, says Bob Stoltz, University of Idaho Extension entomologist. "It'll scare the heck out of gardeners, but it's virtually harmless." Fully extended, the banded garden spider reaches a couple of inches. It builds flat, circular webs up to 2 feet wide in open areas between trees, shrubs, corn plants and so forth. Unlike the tan-colored hobo spiders, which move very quickly, banded garden spiders "don't move real well," says Stoltz. "They'll be hanging head-down in their webs, just like you see in Charlotte's Web." "Don't smash the webs," he says. "Go around them." Banded garden spiders use their webs to catch insects, some of which are potentially harmful to your garden. But even though they also feed on beneficial insects, Stoltz recommends leaving them be. "They're beneficial themselves and are part of the natural food web," he says. Chilling Out Your Buying Impulse Q. I don't want to cut up my credit cards, but leaving them at home doesn't slow me down much. If I really want something, I just go back and get them. Any tips? A. Try putting that impulse spending on ice, says Marilyn Bischoff, University of Idaho Extension family economics specialist. That's right. Cover the cards with water and freeze them. Because of the magnetic strip, you won't be able to thaw them in the microwave. You'll just have to cool your jets &emdash; and hopefully get a grip on your spending&emdash;while you wait for the ice to melt. Here's another tip: Type up a series of pointed questions and tape them to the backs of your cards. The questions should include: • Do I need this, not just want it? • Is this the lowest price for this item? • Have I compared three prices? • Can I buy this used instead of new? • What will the total price be, after interest? Grapes, Raisins And Sick Dogs Q. What can you tell me about the safety of dogs eating grapes or raisins? I understand that some dogs have died from this. A. As of May 2001, the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center had recorded 10 cases of dogs that had become ill after eating large amounts of grapes or raisins, says Patricia Talcott, University of Idaho veterinary toxicologist. Two dogs died, three were euthanized and five survived after aggressive treatment for kidney disease. In the four cases in which dosage could be determined, the estimated amount of raisins or grapes the dogs had eaten ranged from 9 ounces to 2 pounds. The fruit in question included fresh grapes from stores or vines, grape crushings, fermented grapes and commercial sun-dried raisins. In three of the five cases involving grapes, the dogs had eaten red seedless varieties. Symptoms in the dogs included vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, decreased urination and lack of interest in food. Blood tests revealed elevated calcium, phosphorus, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine&emdash;all suggestive of kidney disease&emdash;within one to several days after consumption. All testing for toxins has so far proved negative, leaving the cause of the problem a mystery. "The bottom line is that veterinarians are now recommending that dogs not be fed raisins or grapes&emdash;certainly not in large amounts," Talcott says. If Fido gets into excessive amounts anyway, take him to the vet for aggressive decontamination and prevention of kidney damage. If you can't reach your vet, call the ASPCA at 1-888-426-4435; a $45 consulting fee will apply. If your dog just snatches a few grapes, don't worry, says Talcott. "One grape or one raisin will not cause problems." Keeping The Weight Off With The "Undiet" Q. I lost 20 pounds by drinking a liquid meal for breakfast and lunch and eating low-fat, low-calorie foods for dinner. But as soon as I got off this diet, the weight came right back on. I am tired of this yo-yo dieting. How can I keep the weight off next time? A. It turns out that the best diet to follow is an "un-diet," says Martha Raidl, University of Idaho Extension nutrition specialist. This includes: (1) cutting back on portion sizes and on sugar and fat intake; (2) eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains; and (3) exercising three to four times a week. You've probably heard this before, says Raidl, but researchers have found that the key to being successful on a weight loss diet is to follow these three recommendations consistently. Tooth And Gum Care Q. Do I really need to wipe down my baby's gums after feeding her? A. Yes, the American Dental Association recommends wiping babies' teeth and gums with a damp washcloth or gauze pad after each feeding. Continue doing this until her baby teeth have come through, says Diane Demarest, University of Idaho coordinator of the Parents as Teachers demonstration project. Then switch to a baby-sized toothbrush. "Your baby's teeth can start to decay as soon as they appear," says Demarest. "It's important to protect them right from the start." Other tooth-saving tips for parents: • Never allow your baby to fall asleep with a bottle. Sugars in the drinks fuel the acid-producing bacteria that attack tooth enamel. • Give them a clean pacifier&emdash;one that your dentist or pediatrician recommends for extra sucking&emdash;and never dip it into any sweet liquid. • Don't fill the bottle with sugar water, pop or sweet fruit-flavored drinks. • Start dental visits before your child's second birthday. Many pediatric dentists offer "get-acquainted" visits so children can familiarize themselves with the dentist in a friendly, relaxed way. Some Notes On Marriage In the beginning, God created earth and rested. Then God created man and rested. Then God created woman. Since then, neither God nor man has rested. Young Son: Is it true, Dad, I heard that in some parts of Africa a man doesn't know his wife until he marries her? Dad: That happens in every country, son.

UI Bluegrass Seed Producers Earn Less Without Field Burning By Bill Loftus, University of Idaho Drought plays a role in determining whether Inland Northwest seed producers who grow Kentucky bluegrass can make a profit without burning as a production tool, a University of Idaho agricultural economist concluded in a recent study. Larry W. Van Tassell, professor and head of the UI Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology Department, reviewed economic data and past studies to assess bluegrass seed production without burning. Most of his analysis focused on the experience of bluegrass seed producers in eastern Washington where bluegrass field burning is banned. He interviewed four researchers, three seed company representatives and 12 producers to verify cost estimates. He found that yearly financial returns to growers varied between $22.58 per acre to $166.06 per acre between those who were able to burn their fields and those who weren't. The differences, he found, related to field productivity and other practices but in every instance grass seed producers were better off financially when field burning was a tool. The study was commissioned by the group Safe Air For Everyone. "SAFE was interested in buying the burn rights from producers to ease the transition to a no-burn grass seed production system," Van Tassell said. "They wanted to determine the economic difference between burn and no-burn production systems." The smallest difference, $22.58 per acre between burn and no-burn amortized values, occurred when producers could sell bluegrass residue for $40 a ton. The no-burn field produced identical yields for three years and then was replanted in his scenario. The burned field lasted another four years, yielding a total productive life of seven years. The highest difference in value per year occurred when the producer received nothing for the bluegrass residue and had to replant the field after four years of grass seed production. Van Tassell said the wide range of economic benefits of burning resulted mostly from three factors: The different values of bluegrass residue, from nothing to $40 a ton Variance in the productive life of the bluegrass field Actual yields differed, with the amount of grass seed produced varying most in later years. Van Tassell said more precise data is not available. Bluegrass seed producers have very little experience growing the crop in northern Idaho's dryland farming conditions without burning. "Currently we are undertaking research trials to look at various no-burn production systems, but it will be several years before anything is available," Van Tassell said. "Some producers are experimenting on their own. It's basically just trial and error. Where we're at right now is people have some ideas about how to grow bluegrass without burning but they haven't been doing it long enough to have the details worked out." The economic difference between burning and no-burning in Van Tassell's study was particularly striking in areas where growers attempted to leave bluegrass fields intact over several years. Growers cite the long-lived nature of the crop as the key to its ability to control erosion and water pollution. The drought effect comes into play, Van Tassell said, because in the past two years Montana livestock producers bought bluegrass hay, the residue left after seed harvest, to supplement feed supplies for $30 to $40 a ton. When drought conditions ease in Montana or a surge of additional bluegrass residue from Idaho could swamp the market and lower prices, Van Tassell said. Without burning, removing the residue is a valuable practice to keep bluegrass stands healthy. Otherwise, growers say, the residue could act as mulch and discourages vigorous growth the following season. Remaining residue can also allows pests, weeds and disease to accumulate. Some groups have contended that Washington's ban on field burning had not inhibited bluegrass seed production there. Van Tassell analyzed data from the Washington Agricultural Statistics Service and found that a greater proportion of bluegrass seed was produced in the Columbia Basin after 1996 when field burning regulations began to take effect. Bluegrass is often grown in productive Columbia Basin irrigated fields for two years, then is alternated with other high value crops such as corn or potatoes. In this type of crop rotation, the ability to burn bluegrass residue is not a factor. Editor's note: A copy of Larry Van Tassell's publication will be available for downloading at www.ag.uidaho.edu/news. Alternative Farming Methods Reap Success In Oregon By Peg Herring, Oregon State University Onion growers in eastern Oregon are adopting a system that saves water and keeps topsoil in place, while producing the highest quality "super colossal" onions. Pear growers in southern Oregon have reduced their use of some of the most toxic pesticides by up to two-thirds, and are still producing top-quality pears. Range managers throughout the state have controlled the poisonous weed tansy ragwort with insect predators and saved the Oregon livestock industry up to $4.8 million a year. These are some of the results Oregon growers have achieved in collaboration with Oregon State University researchers, as they test new farming methods including integrated pest management (IPM). Nationwide, however, IPM has not delivered results comparable to those in Oregon. A recent U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) report indicates that while integrated pest management can result in dramatically reduced pesticide use, the federal government has been lacking in effectively promoting that goal and implementing IPM. The report notes that even though the use of the riskiest pesticides has declined nationwide, they still make up more than 40 percent of all pesticides used today; and national pesticide use has risen by 40 million pounds since 1992. "Our food supply remains the safest and highest quality on earth, but we continue to overdose our farmland with powerful and toxic pesticides and to underuse the safe and effective alternatives," charged Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, who commissioned the report. The GAO report notes that integrated pest management is capable of providing environmental and economic benefits for growers. It specifically highlights apple and pear producers in Oregon and neighboring states who have used insect traps to control the codling moth and subsequently reduced their need for pesticides by as much as 80 percent. Although Oregon is clearly ahead of the nation, scientists at OSU are taking the Government Accounting Office criticisms seriously. "We must continue to develop effective alternative practices that will reduce environmental hazards and produce high quality products," said Paul Jepson, a professor of entomology at OSU and new director of OSU's Integrated Plant Protection Center. The IPPC brings together scientists from OSU's Agriculture Experiment Station, OSU Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Oregon farmers to help develop agricultural systems that will save water and soil, and reduce pesticides. In response to the GAO report, the center is putting even more emphasis on integrating research and farming practices to improve Oregon agriculture environmentally and economically. "The GAO report criticizes agencies for not clearly communicating the goals of IPM," said Jepson. "Our challenge is to greatly improve the communication to and from growers, to learn what works and what doesn't. The work coming from OSU researchers must be adopted in the field, and not simply languish in scientific journals." In Oregon, growers have found that when they adopt more environmentally benign practices, they can have unexpectedly good results, according to Jepson. For example, a few years ago scientists at OSU's Malheur Experiment Station began testing a new drip irrigation system to replace old ditches that wasted water and washed soil and fertilizer into streams. The new system cut water and fertilizer use by half, kept topsoil in place and protected water quality. In addition, the new system produced crops of very large onions, rated "super colossal" and highly valued by the restaurant industry and food processors. OSU researchers in Malheur next tested straw mulch and found that it successfully held soil in place and kept the ground moist with less irrigation. In addition, and unexpectedly, the scientists found that the mulched soil created a home for beneficial beetles and spiders that prey on onion thrips - a notorious pest in commercial onion fields - a discovery that could reduce the need for pesticides. OSU researchers throughout the state have been working to reduce dependence on broad-spectrum chemical sprays that are toxic to many kinds of organisms, including humans. "Consumers are putting more and more pressure on the industry to change its reliance on chemical pesticides, but they still want a picture-perfect product," said Rick Hilton, entomologist at OSU's Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, where researchers help pear growers reduce the need for highly toxic pesticides. Picture perfect pears are an important industry in Oregon, and traditionally they have required lots of chemicals. In recent years, the industry has faced stiff competition from overseas producers, so any new methods that growers adopt must make sense economically as well as environmentally. Hilton is testing a growth regulator that interferes with the molting of codling moth larvae. Another study used pheromone dispensers to disrupt codling moth mating. These and other methods of integrated pest management have allowed pear growers to reduce their use of organophosphates by two-thirds and reduce all other synthetic pesticides by even more and still produce top-quality pears. "These and other studies around the state are part of the effort of the IPPC to find alternative farming practices that benefit both the economy and the environment," said Jepson. Security Still In The News By Tami Beville, Far West Agribusiness Association, Far West This Week/8-30 As reported in the last 2 editions of FWTW, it is expected that the US Senate will consider S. 1602, the Chemical Security Act. It is expected this bill will be attached to legislation that will create the new Department of Homeland Security. Far West has written letters of opposition to this bill to the PNW Senators. This bill gives broad authority for EPA to tell retail dealers what fertilizers and chemicals they can store and sell from their dealerships. A broad coalition of ag groups are joining forces in opposition. If you'd like a copy of the letter sent from Far West, contact Scott at the Far West office. In related news, ARA, CLA and TFI representatives met with EPA's security team. EPA is developing security guidelines, but are quite finished with the specifics at this time. In addition, it appears there are other agencies who believe they have jurisdiction are not liking EPA's authority in this area. Also, the administration has yet to take a position on S 1602. According to our Washington DC groups, with the administration not taking a position on S 1602, few senators in opposition, the bill's chances of seeing Senate floor action next month is highly likely. The question becomes if it will remain a stand alone bill or get attached to the DHS authorization.  Boaters & Weeds The latest noxious weed introduced to Idaho's noxious weed list was Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum Spicatum). This extremely aggressive non-native aquatic weed has invaded several northern Idaho lakes including Hayden Lake and Spirit Lake. Since it spreads rapidly and is difficult to control, the best control is prevention. Prevention Tips: Before launching into or leaving any body of water, all boaters should take several simple steps to prevent the spread of invasive weeds and animals: • Remove all plants and animals. • Drain lake or river water. • Dispose of unwanted live bait on shore. • Rinse your boat and equipment with high pressure hot water, especially if moored for more than a day. • Dry everything for at least 5 days. *Based on voluntary prevention guidelines developed by the Recreation Activities Committee of the Federal Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. For Canning Salsa, Use Tested Recipe Or Freeze It By Carol Savonen, Oregon State University If you are considering making a big batch of salsa with ripe tomatoes or tomatillos, make sure to follow a tested recipe if you are going to can it. And if you don't know whether the recipe has been tested for food safety, then the safe thing to do is freeze your salsa, according to Carolyn Raab, OSU Extension foods and nutrition specialist. "If you don't follow the recipe and procedure exactly for canning, then you run the risk of fostering growth of the bacteria that cause botulism, a deadly type of food-borne illness," said Raab. Freezing salsa does not run the risk of botulism, she said. The OSU Extension Service offers a 16-page booklet full of tasty and safe, tested recipes for green salsa, red salsa, tomato and green chili salsa and straight chili salsa, plus taco sauce. In all the recipes in "Salsa Recipes for Canning," red tomatoes, green tomatoes and tomatillos can be used interchangeably and safely. Since most salsa recipes are a mixture of low-acid foods, such as onions, peppers, and acid foods such as tomatoes, only laboratory-tested recipes like these should be used to make home-canned salsa. For more information on "Salsa Recipes for Canning," PNW 395, visit our on-line catalog. Our publications and video catalog at: http://eesc.orst.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat shows which publications are available on the Web and which can be ordered as printed publications. Home food preservers statewide can get answers to questions by calling the OSU Extension Food Safety/Preservation hotline from July 15 to Oct. 15 at 1-800-354-7319, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except holidays). OSU Extension Service volunteers and staff operate the hotline. West Nile Virus Probably Idaho Bound By Bill Loftus, University of Idaho The West Nile virus that has alarmed citizens and public health officials in other states in recent months probably will reach Idaho this summer or next, a University of Idaho entomologist says. Marc Klowden, a UI entomologist whose studies have focused on mosquitoes as carriers of malaria, said the threat posed by the disease is relatively low to people but caution is still advisable. "It's already in Wyoming, Colorado, and even Canada, so I'm sure it will be here this year or next," Klowden said. Idaho residents can protect themselves against the unlikely chance of exposure to the virus by avoiding mosquito bites. "If people are outside in the evenings and they're conscious of being bitten, they should put on repellent and a long-sleeved shirt and pants to protect themselves," he said. It is also important to eliminate mosquito breeding areas such as small puddles or standing water in outside containers. Beyond a hunch about when the virus will appear, however, Klowden said he doesn't have much to go on. Little is known about Idaho mosquitoes, such as what species are present and where, and when their populations peak. Nor is there any monitoring that he is aware of, Klowden said, to track when West Nile arrives, or if it is already present. Agencies in other states have maintained sentinel chicken flocks to draw blood samples from to trace the appearance of the virus. The virus often appears first in these animals before it shows up in humans. That samplingis expensive, Klowden said, and no program in Idaho has the expertise or the budget to carry out the necessary monitoring. The virus, which is carried by mosquitoes and spread by birds, has been found in Colorado and most recently in Wyoming. Both states found horses infected by the virus. The rapid spread of the disease across the country is hardly surprising with the amount of country that migratory birds cover, Klowden said. West Nile virus was first discovered in New York in 1999 after large numbers of dead birds were found. So far this year nationwide, 269 people have been diagnosed with the virus and 13 have died. "I don't want to panic anyone. It's not something that's going to sweep across the state," Klowden said. "The people who are most at risk are the very young and the elderly, so they should be most protected." Summer's end can be a time to pay attention to mosquitoes, Klowden said, particularly if the numbers of the pests have been building throughout the summer. "When the population gets huge, they will start feeding on everything that's available." Further information about the virus is available through the Internet at: Idaho Division of Health, www.2.state.id.us/dhw; Federal Centers for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.html USDA: www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/wnv/prv.html, www.ncpmc.org/NewsAlerts/westnilevirus.html Small Acreage Farming Class Enters Second Year, Expands By Bill Loftus, University of Idaho A University of Idaho class about sustainable farming and ranching on small acreages began Aug. 29 on the Moscow campus. The class is part of the Cultivating Success certificate program under joint development by UI, Washington State University and Rural Roots. The certificate will help those interested in small-scale farming gain the educational foundation to pursue their dreams and operate profitably. This fall's class will be held Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30. Students can take the class for academic credit by registering through UI or WSU. The class is also offered to community members who receive continuing education units as credit. "We really try to give the student's a real life view of small acreage agriculture," said Theresa Beaver, one of the course instructors and program coordinator. The course includes visits from those already growing crops or livestock on small acreages. The topics range from plant and animal production systems to marketing and business resources. The course was first offered a year ago and attracted 22 students, nearly two-thirds of them community members who registered for continuing education units. Field trips to local farms and businesses will also be part of the course. The tentative schedule includes tours of organic vegetable fields, a sheep farm and the Moscow Farmer's Market. "The students will be exposed to successful small acreage producers either as guest lecturers in the classroom, on farm tours or as case studies," said Cinda Williams, UI Extension sustainable ag coordinator and co-instructor. "It's more than a how-to produce crops or livestock class. It will give students the tools and the process to evaluate the potential success of a small-farm enterprise," she said. The class will also be taught through Washington State University's Puyallup Research and Extension Center by Marcy Ostrom there. A video conference is planned during the semester to link both classes, Williams said. In addition, students in both classes will have an Internet site to address topics and find resources from other states. The cost of the class for community members will be $120. Those who are interested are asked to contact Theresa Beaver, the program coordinator, before Aug. 29 by phone at (208) 885-7499 or by email at tbeaver@uidaho.edu. Students enrolled at UI or WSU may register for academic credit through either university.

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