03/17/05 Wheat, water and marketing

With short water supplies looming over many fields this year, planting small grains that mature earlier and use less water is particularly tempting. The rub is that Pacific Northwest hard wheat doesn't consistently reach protein levels that the marketplace will reward. A new 16-page publication by soil scientists from four Pacific Northwest land-grant universities will help growers minimize the uncertainties associated with producing high-protein hard wheat. And speaking of water, the first three months of this year may prove to be the driest start to any year on record. As a result, some irrigators may be tempted to turn on their pumps a little early. The Department of Water Resources reminds them that it is against the law to start utilizing the resource until water right authorizes it. Irrigators who water early could end up paying civil penalties of up to $300 per acre. Farmers who want to improve their ability to market directly to customers will benefit from the Small Farm Conference this Friday and Saturday on the University of Idaho campus. The conference will focus on family farms, with an emphasis on strategies that can help family farms survive by connecting directly with consumers. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott