11/21/08 Falling numbers

Some grain growers in northern Idaho have had some sprouting problems this year. In southern Idaho other farmers report falling numbers, again because of the weather this past growing season. Grain Producers Association president Matt Gellings says anything shipped to Portland for export is facing some heavy discounting. The falling number is a measurement of incipient sprout in the kernel that is not visible. Gellings says many growers don't understand it. He calls it 'kind of a tricky deal.' GELLINGS "I think that I would recommend is if growers are still hanging onto some of their wheat to maybe get that tested so there's no surprises. Kind of see where you're at. We have heard that there are some domestic millers maybe within the state of Idaho, maybe Oregon, maybe some other little millers or something might be able to use that so you won't be able to get those discounts. So get a test of that wheat. Kind of know where you are at." On the Friday after Thanksgiving and the Friday after Christmas you'll find someone at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture offices, probably the top three officials which includes director Celia Gould. They'll man the phones and provide services on what are normally slow work days. All other ISDA employees get the two days off but without pay as part of Governor Butch Otter's budgetary holdback. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott