12/10/07 Green manure cropping, potato conference

Two workshops are on the agenda for Idaho growers. The South Bingham Soil Conservation district is hosing a workshop tomorrow on soil building with green manures. This workshop gives growers a chance to learn about green manure crop management methods and the benefits of adding them to their crop rotation. Washington State University extension member will talk about his on-farm evaluation of mustard for use in Columbia Basin potato crops which he says improved water infiltration, reduced wind erosion and suppressed some pests. An NRCS representative will tell growers how EQIP funding can help them try green manure practices. The meeting at the Fairview Inn halfway between Aberdeen and American Falls starts at 9 am tomorrow morning. Next month agricultural sustainability, water supply status and the impacts of global warming are among the topics at the University of Idaho's 2008 Potato Conference. The 40th anniversary session will be held on the Idaho State University campus in Pocatello January 23rd and 24th. The Idaho Crop Improvement Association's Idaho Seed Potato Grower's Seminar will precede the conference on January 22nd, also in Pocatello. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott