Biofuels Cropping Systems
Research and Extension Project

WINTER CANOLA FIELD TOURS in May

Winter canola is flowering in eastern Washington, the market is still very favorable ($28.39/cwt as of May 10), and it's time to get out see what's happening in the field. Come join us at one or both of the following tours:

MAY 17 - 9:00 a.m. - Okanogan

We will begin at Edd Townsend's farm to see a winter canola variety trial evaluating winter survival, followed by Jerry Henton's farm for an herbicide efficacy study comparing Roundup, Assure II and Select 2EC for feral rye control. Complete information here.

MAY 24 - 10:00 a.m. - Reardan

We will walk through and discuss large scale winter canola variety trials set up by AgVentures NW at Paul & Lorri Williams' farm north of Reardan, hear a canola market update, WSU research and outreach update, and more. Lunch included. Complete information here.

*** Additional field days and regional oilseed events this summer can be viewed on the calendar of events.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Irrigation Scheduling - now online and mobile

Troy Peters, WSU extension irrigation specialist, partnered with AgWeatherNet director Gerrit Hoogenboom, and AgWeatherNet web developer Sean Hill to develop Irrigation Scheduler Mobile, a free online irrigation scheduling tool for doing simplified check-book style irrigation scheduling.  It is optimized for use on a smart phone and works on any platform including iPhone, Android, MS Windows Phone, or Blackberry. Desktop manual can be accessed here.

History of Biodiesel Testing at University of Idaho

Joe Thompson, Biodiesel Lab manager at UI Biodiesel Education Program, recently posted a summary on 30 years of engine testing, both on test stands and in vehicles, with biodiesel, straight vegetable oil, and a variety of blends with petrodiesel. Read the entire article here, and browse the rest of the website for comprehensive information about biodiesel.

NEW Publications from WBCSR Scientists:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BIODIESEL 2012 National Webinar

The National Biodiesel Board presented a webinar recently that covered the following: 1) current state of the industry, 2) RFS2, and 3) key components to maintaining fuel quality in the supply chain from production through distribution. View the slides here.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Soil pH data from farms in WA and ID requested by WSU researchers

WSU researchers would like to create a database of soil pH from fields throughout the wheat growing regions of eastern WA and northern ID. Information collected will be confidential, and will help provide information to direct future research and management tools.
Please click here for complete information, including how to submit your data.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oilseed Production Workshops

Presentations available here. VIDEO available soon!

Sponsors and Supporters

Presenters

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canola production and multi-agency partnership in northcentral WA featured in June/July issue of U.S. Canola Digest

USDA-ARS scientist Dr. Frank Young explains how a multi-agency partnership evolved from a few rows of spring canola planted in 2006 on Colville Confederated Tribes tribal land to larger scale research projects that are ongoing. Read more details about the partnership here. Click on the June/July 2011 link and scroll to page 18 of the article.

Oilseed Production Case Studies online

The first set in a series of case studies featuring growers across the state of Washington who have produced oilseed crops for a number of years is now available online. The five growers profiled in the first set farm in the high rainfall, eastern WA area, and oilseed crops include spring canola, winter rape and mustard. Click here for a link to the document.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest update

Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest (SAFN) has released a full report entitled "Powering the Next Generation of Flight." The vision is based upon regional industries producing fuels from sustainable regional biomass, including oilseed crops. Access the key recommendations, executive summary and full report here.

WSU Biofuels Project director designated as WSU Innovator

Dr. Bill Pan, WSU-Pullman, has been selected as an 2011 WSU Innovator. Information about the program, along with a video highlighting Dr. Pan and Dr. Su Ha's vision of the future of renewable biofuels can be found here. CONGRATULATIONS, Dr. Pan!

 

 

 

 

 

The Washington State University Biofuels Cropping Systems Research and Extension Program, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Agriculture, is committed to supporting the grower and industry-based movement to diversify cropping system agronomics and markets through increased adoption and production of oilseed crops. 

 

 

Quick Overview

This presentation provides a quick review of the Biofuels Cropping Systems Research and Extension Project (pdf).

News, Legislation and Perspectives

new! iconFamily Produces Camelina as a Rotation Crop and for Edible Oil
April 25, 2012
The Greenwalt family farms between Ritzville and Odessa and has discovered the value of camelina as both a broadleaf crop in their wheat rotation, and a healthy edible oil they sell in markets across the PNW.

Gov. Gregoire cites Inland Empire Oilseeds in a Washington Post supplement
April 18, 2012
Gregoire discusses the idea of a 'clean energy future' in the state of Washington, and cites IEO in Odessa as an example of one of more than 400 clean energy technology companies in Washington..........

Planting Intentions for 2012 Canola Acreage Show Increase in Washington and Idaho
March 30, 2012
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service has released Prospective Plantings data for major U.S. crops. Washington and Idaho acreage is expected to increase more than 50%. See full report here.

Aviation Biofuels Bill Signed by Governor Gregoire
March 23, 2012
House Bill 2422 helps complete the supply chain for the aviation biofuels industry in Washington from research to market.

Oilseed Production Boundaries in Willamatte Valley to be Reviewed
March 16, 2012
The Oregon Department of Agriculture will meet with farmers March 22 to review current restrictions in place to protect specialty seed industry.

WSU Farm Named Long-Term Agroecosystem Research Site by USDA-ARS
March 12, 2012
WSU's Cook Research Farm is one of just ten sites chosen in the country. Long-term projects include oilseed crops such as winter and spring canola, camelina, and mustard.

USDA-RMA Announces 2012 Crop Year Projected Prices for Commodities
March 1, 2012
Announcement includes Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) Common Crop Insurance Policy Projected Prices and Volatility Factors, commodity additional price elections and Malting Barley Additional Value Prices pertinent to PNW and Alaska.

Sen. Cantwell Calls for Biofuels Center at WSU Tri-Cities
February 26, 2012
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell toured the Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory at the university's Richland campus, and talked about how a new aviation biofuel research hub could be in the Tri-Cities.

Energy, Transportation, and Climate Legislation
February 25, 2012
Current summary of legislation from Olympia related to energy, transportation, and climate; and associated economic development measures.

University of Idaho Creates Energy and Renewable Energy Curriculum
February 21, 2012
The Biodiesel Education Program has a 7-lesson curriculum for 4-H clubs and children ages 8-12. Biodiesel is the focus of renewable energy.

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More news.

Heading using the h3tag

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, PO Box 646420, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6420 USA
Phone: 509-335-3475,  Fax: 509-335-8674