Pacific Northwest

$2M electric weed control study pursued by OSU

Costs and resistance to herbicides are rising, so researchers are now revisiting a method first patented in the late 1800s – electricity for weed control. more »

Block grants to assist California, Oregon producers in Klamath River Basin

USDA is investing $15 million for a new drought pilot to assist those affected. The pilot is part of a broader suite of programs available to producers to help recover losses from drought. more »

Potential shown for bee-impersonating flies to help pollination

Bees are still the most common pollinators, but a large number of other pollinators include the bee-mimicking syrphid flies, other insects and spiders. more »

Almonds could be Idaho’s next cash crop

After seven years in trial in growing conditions very different from California's, Idaho researchers are seeing a new crop on the horizon. more »

Hazelnut stewardship initiative highlights Oregon’s sustainable practices

Ranked third in the world for production, Oregon's hazelnut industry hopes to step out strong with the Oregon Hazelnut Sustainability Program. more »

Drought affecting farms from the Oregon border to the Mexican border

The 2020-21 California drought has led to significant water cutbacks, compelling farmers to fallow ground and public officials to respond with legislation intended to address the state's chronic water... more »

Western Growers launches Global Harvest Automation Initiative

With specialty crops needing to solve labor issues by implementing automation, Western Growers is pushing for 50% automated harvest within 10 years. more »

New Oregon State hazelnut varieties expand production

After hazelnut varieties developed at Oregon State University saved Oregon’s industry from devastation by eastern filbert blight, hazelnut acreage in Oregon has nearly tripled, marking a full recove... more »