Agriculture Business

Grazing among grains yields ecological, economic benefits

By Sylvia Kantor, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – You generally don’t find livestock among the hills in the Palouse region of eastern Washington where grain is grown. But wheat farmers Eric and Sheryl Zakarison are changing that – and making a profit.

Probiotic toxin fights coldwater disease in rainbow trout

By Rebecca Phillips, University Communications PULLMAN, Wash. – The rainbow trout is a work of art and diner’s delight. But when the freshwater fish falls prey to coldwater disease, its colorful body erodes into ragged wounds and ulcers. The bacterial infection can kill up to 30 percent of hatchery stock and costs millions of dollars […]

Feb. 27: Potato workshop highlights best practices, research

By Cathy McKenzie, WSU Mount Vernon MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – Diseases and weeds that afflict potatoes and best practices for growing them in western Washington are among the topics at a potato workshop 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the Washington State University Mount Vernon Research Center, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon.

Conservation buffers please the eye, protect the landscape

By Seth Truscott, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – Researchers know that adding natural buffers to the farm landscape can stop soil from vanishing. Now a scientist at Washington State University has found that more buffers are better, both for pleasing the eye and slowing erosion.

Winter soil testing, research aid spinach seed growers

By Cathy McKenzie, WSU Mount Vernon MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – Soil from area growers is being tested through mid-February at Washington State University Mount Vernon to determine field suitability for planting spinach seed in spring. Meanwhile, related spinach disease research recently was accepted for publication.