Salem-News.com Agriculture articles Page 33

Southern Oregon Site to be Treated for Gypsy Moths

Introductions of gypsy moths in Oregon can usually be traced to vehicles or outdoor household articles originating from infested areas of the northeastern U.S.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - The state's zero tolerance policy for gypsy moths is scheduled to be on display later this month as the Oregon Department of Agriculture conducts an eradication project in Southern Oregon against the non-native plant-eating insect pest.

With Spring Comes Increased Use of Pesticide Products in Oregon Homes

Oregon's Department of Agriculture offers advice on home-use pesticides.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Spring has officially arrived. Buds are breaking, birds are chirping, and homeowners are getting ready to work in the yard. That often means applying pesticides. The Oregon Department of Agriculture wants to make sure pesticide use this spring is proper and safe.

“People doing yard work and wanting to use pesticide products need to take a lot of consideration before using those products,” says Dale Mitchell, assistant administrator of ODA’s Pesticides Division.

Pacific Ethanol Closes $40 Million Equity Investment by Lyles United, LLC

Company Obtains Necessary Waivers on Credit Agreement.

(SACRAMENTO) - Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEIX) today announced that it has closed the transactions contemplated under its Securities Purchase Agreement dated March 18, 2008 with Lyles United, LLC.

The Company sold (i) 2,051,282 shares of its Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, all of which are initially convertible into an aggregate of 6,153,846 shares of the Company's common stock based on an initial three-for-one conversion ratio, and (ii) a warrant to purchase an aggregate of 3,076,923 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $7.00 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $40 million.

Nursery Industry Responds to Homeland Security No-Match Rule Proposal

Homeland Security strikes out at Oregon agriculture businesses.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Today, the Oregon Association of Nurseries responded sharply to the Department of Homeland Security's revised no-match letter policy, declaring that the proposal unfairly burdens labor-intensive employers with more onerous regulation.

They also say it creates an environment of suspicion in the workplace. The response came shortly after a conference call with 70 individuals representing employer groups from across the United States.

UN Says Agricultural Neglect in Asia Leaves Hundreds of Millions in Poverty

The 2008 survey, entitled “Sustaining Growth and Sharing Prosperity,” calls for revitalization of agriculture through a focus on improving agricultural productivity and market orientation.

(GENEVA) - Chronic neglect of agriculture in Asia and the Pacific has left over 200 million people in extreme poverty amid rising prices for foodstuffs and despite robust growth in other sectors, according to a United Nations report released today.

The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2008, produced by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), says that 218 million people – a third of the region's poor, largely living in rural areas – could be lifted out of poverty by raising agricultural productivity.

Oregon Wine Industry Comes Together to Support Active Wine Tourism

The five-day tour is unique because it gets people out of their cars, away from tasting rooms, and into the vineyards themselves.

(EUGENE, Ore.) - Wineries, wine-related businesses, and tourism associations in Oregon have rallied behind a new effort to promote active wine tourism in the Oregon wine country. So far, 14 organizations have signed up to sponsor the Oregon Wine Adventure, a new multisport wine tour in the area.

"This is a brand new concept in Oregon and, as far as we can tell, in the wine industry worldwide," explains Jeannine Heidenreich of the Convention & Visitors Association of Lane County, one of the original supporters of the concept.

Public Invited to Observe Spring Lambing at OSU Sheep Center

More than 180 Polypay and Suffolk ewes are expected to give birth to several hundred lambs in the barn.

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - The public is invited to view newly born lambs now through March 28 at the Oregon State University Sheep Center.

Each year, the sheep center draws thousands of school children and other visitors. There is no admission charge, but visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Linn-Benton Food Share.

Marion County Leads Oregon in Agricultural Sales

The state's number one agricultural commodity – greenhouse and nursery products – continued to do well in 2007, which boosted the economies of Marion, Clackamas, Washington, and Yamhill counties.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Thirty-one of Oregon's 36 counties reported an increase in agricultural sales last year according to preliminary statistics released by Oregon State University.

Many counties reported dramatic growth in 2007 buoyed by high prices and good yields. The latest figures continue to emphasize the importance of agriculture to both the local and state economy.

Fourteen Oregon Farms and Ranches Recognized for 150 Years of Family Operation

State sesquicentennial celebration starts with agriculture.

(SALEM, Ore.) - This past week, 14 family operations were officially recognized as Oregon's first sesquicentennial farms and ranches.

For more than 150 years, these families have made it through bad weather, crop and livestock diseases, an unpredictable marketplace, and many other hardships that would probably wipe out a number of past and present business enterprises. The sesquicentennial farm families adapted to changes and challenges.

Bipartisanship Needed for Farm Bill to Blossom

This Farm Bill still has many hurdles to clear.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Like many crops, the 2008 Farm Bill grows slow and steady. This legislation still has a few obstacles to overcome, but many members are working to find common ground on the bill for a much needed upgrade for America’s farmers. Let me tell you why the new Farm Bill is good for Oregon.

Farmers and ranchers face daunting regulations, heavily subsidized foreign competition, and lax environmental standards abroad. Foreign countries often ignore food safety requirements that this nation values.