Ag News Roundup

In today’s Ag News Roundup, grains being brought west of the Cascades, new forms of barley being developed, PGG sells more sites, Washington honors its dairy industry, and OSU finds bears are spreading more plant seeds than previously thought possible.

Grain Production Promoted to West Side of Cascades

Washington State University Food Systems Program experts are hoping to bring grains, such as wheat, oats, rye, and barley, back to the west side of the Cascades. The well-received push came during the Cascadia Grains Conference in Olympia, Washington in conjunction with Oregon State University.

New Varieties of Naked Barley Being Developed

Oregon State University is leading the development of additional varieties of naked barleys. The college was awarded $2 million by the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiatives, a department of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. It’s hoped the research will provide growers with additional, profitable crops.

PGG Sells Surplus Sites

The Pendleton Grain Growers is selling two properties near Hermiston. Additionally, the group is selling its former central office in Pendleton. In a statement from PGG, the group says it is expanding into other forms of seed, including edible, organic and pulse crops.

Dairy Industry Honored by Washington State

Washington state Senate honored the state’s dairy industry during the annual Dairy Day events. Currently, Washington is home to more than 6,100 dairy jobs. The industry is second only to apples as an annual commodity.

OSU Study Finds Bears Spread Seeds better than Birds in Alaska

According to an Oregon State University study, bears are believed to be the primary seed dispersers in Alaska. The study was published in the journal Ecosphere, and suggests that bears may be responsible for much of the Pacific Northwest’s plant composition.