Agriculture

Senate Will Discuss Klamath Water Conflict As Irrigation Shutoffs Continue

Amelia Templeton — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:35:11 +0000

This week, water regulators are ordering dozens of ranchers along Southern Oregon’s Williamson River to shut down their irrigation pumps.

It’s the latest round of shutoffs near the headwaters of the Klamath River. The state says it is necessary to protect treaty rights of tribes who live downstream. But the water shut-off jeopardizes a multimillion-dollar cattle ranching industry.

For EarthFix, Amelia Templeton reports.

Study: Cheatgrass Severity Affected By Grazing

Courtney Flatt — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:18:22 +0000

A new study out of Oregon State University suggests that overgrazing could be helping an invasive grass to flourish. That differs from previous studies that have found grazing can better manage that plant -- cheatgrass -- which threatens rangeland habitat. For EarthFix, Courtney Flatt has more.

Washington Issues First Dairy Fine Under 2009 Law

Courtney Flatt — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:19:02 +0000

The state of Washington has fined a Yakima Valley dairy for spreading cow manure on an empty field. It’s not a big fine -- but it’s the first one issued under a 2009 law.

Moving 'Heirloom Chemicals' Out Of Farmers' Fields

Courtney Flatt — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:41:03 +0000

Year after year many pesticides farmers use expire or are banned. Often these chemicals pile up in barns and storage sheds until farmers can find a safe way to dispose of them. EarthFix reporter Courtney Flatt visited a pesticide collection center in Wenatchee to find out what exactly happens to the chemicals.

Testimony On Wolf Bill Includes Story Of Attack

Steve Jackson — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:23:08 +0000

A public hearing Wednesday on a bill to allow people the right to protect livestock and pets from wolf attacks included the story of a very close wolf encounter near the town of Twisp.

Oregon Takes Aggressive Approach To Water Pollution

Bonnie Stewart — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:47:35 +0000

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is taking a more aggressive approach to stop water pollution from farms. Instead of waiting for complaints to come in from the public, the state is going to begin looking for polluters.

Idaho Closer To Realizing Citizen Rangeland Firefighters

Aaron Kunz — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:33:14 +0000

An Idaho legislative committee Tuesday approved a bill to encourage teams of ranchers who would volunteer to fight rangeland fires. EarthFix reporter Aaron Kunz explains.

Keeping ‘Idaho Potatoes’ From Becoming ‘Brussels Sprouts’ No Easy Task

Jessica Robinson — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:27:43 +0000

You've heard of fake designer handbags and imitation Apple stores. Well, the state of Idaho is worried about knock-off potatoes. Idaho is trying to block a trademark on the word “IDAHO” in Turkey. The state sees it as a potentially costly threat. But as Jessica Robinson reports, controlling the global brand is no easy task.

Environmental Groups Seek Ban of Common Pesticide Chlorpyrifos

Amelia Templeton — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:54:09 +0000

The 9th circuit court of appeals will hear arguments Monday in Seattle in a pesticide lawsuit. Three environmental groups want to force the Environmental Protection Agency to ban a pesticide used on some Northwest crops. Amelia Templeton of EarthFix Reports.

Northwest Winemakers Hope To Whet-The-Whistle Of China's Emerging Middle Class

Anna King — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:20:34 +0000

Northwest winemakers are trying to whet-the-whistle of China's emerging middle class. Demand for wine is growing significantly there. And that’s drawn Chinese business delegations, restaurateurs and tourists to our region. There even may be a reality TV show that would feature Northwest wineries. Correspondent Anna King begins our story in Walla Walla, Washington.