Ag News Roundup

In today’s Ag News Roundup, sun nets boost orchard health, stream health has improved thanks to well-constructed forest roads, two more wolves killed by Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, farms in Asia are fighting a wheat fungus, and OSU develops exercises for rural kids.

Orchard Health Increases with Protective Netting

Shade netting is helping create better crops throughout much of the Yakima Valley, according to the Washington State Farm Bureau. The polyethylene material is used to cover cherries and apples. While these nets usually protect fruit from birds or weather, damage from the valley’s relentless summer sun can also pose issues.

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Stream Health Improved with Proper Logging Road Construction

Oregon State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences has found that properly constructed logging roads have a profoundly positive impact on stream health, including fish and aquatic insects. The study found that current forest road building practices are helping streams thrive.

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Two Wolves Killed for Repeated Cattle Attacks.

The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife has killed two members of the Harl Butte Pack. The thinning of the pack comes after multiple attacks on cattle in Wallowa County. The department said it will take additional action if there are more attacks in the coming weeks. Some ranchers have proposed that the department kill the entire pack to ensure cattle safety and rancher investments.

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Wheat Disease Threatening Asia Could Affect Other Regions

Wheat blast is currently affecting crop yields in the north Indian plan. The disease can kill off 20-percent or more of a crop. The same disease was spotted in Kentucky back in 2011, but was quickly quarantined. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, any threat to wheat can affect the “global dinner table.”

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OSU Develops Tools to Help Rural Kids Get More Exercise

According to a recent Oregon State University study published in the Journal of Extension, children in rural Oregon may be more at risk for becoming obese than previously thought. The results prompted the creation of an OSU Extension Service physical activity program called Balanced Energy Physical Activity Toolkit. The kit is aimed at elementary age children.

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