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Fall 2004 PNWWATER 049 |
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In October, over 150 agricultural producers, educators, researchers,
and regulators gathered to exchange information, perspectives, and
the results of research and educational programs at the regional
Agriculture and Water Quality Pacific Northwest Conference held
in Boise, Idaho. This conference was designed to improve communication,
build understanding, and foster cooperation between people in agriculture,
the environment, and government. This conference was cosponsored
by many state agencies in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, the region’s
land grant universities, and the Far West Agribusiness Association.
This conference was held in conjunction with the Idaho Ground Water
Connections conference.
WIN2ME: Feed Management for the Agricultural Pro organized by Dr. Joe Harrison, WSU Extension Specialist, focused on developing a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) to meet the new guidelines for CAFO/AFOs. The workshop “provided information on feed management concepts and practices that minimize the import of nutrients to the farm and provide economic and environmental sustainability.” Participants received a training manual and learned to use software for balancing whole farm nutrients and economics. Living On the Land: Overview and Tour of a “Sustainable” Course for Small Acreage Landowners. Dr. Susan Donaldson and a team of Pacific Northwest Extension Agents and Specialists provided an overview of the “Living on the Land” curriculum, which addresses important water quality and stewardship issues. The extensive course targets future leaders and new-to-agriculture, small parcel landowners at the urban fringe. The curriculum is being used successfully in counties throughout the Pacific Northwest and is adaptable to any community by substituting local issues and regulations. Owners map their lands, set goals and objectives for potential uses, as well as learn how their actions affect community water quality and their own environment. Workshop participants received a CD of course materials and visited the farms of three graduates. |
VALUE ADDED PRECONFERENCE WORKSHOPS  |
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Quality Coordination Project Partners Land Grant Universities Idaho Oregon Washington Northwest Indian College Water Resource Research Institutes Idaho Water Resources Institute for Water and Watersheds State of Washington Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development, For more information contact |
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| CONFERENCE TOPICS The conference was packed with two panel discussions, twelve topical sessions, lunch speakers, and displays. Topics included TMDLs, government regulation, education, technology, water management, BMPs, technological advances in environmental measurement, water for housing developments, mercury contamination of wells, soil characteristics, water quantity issues, mapping, ground water monitoring, pesticides, research results, “pesticides, ESA and water quality, and the impact of global warming in the Pacific Northwest.” Displays featured new products and ag programs and research. Most conference attendees agree that a most valuable aspect of a conference is building awareness of issues and perspectives, and the networking opportunities. The new relationships that develop during the breaks and lunch table discussions can be invaluable to business and agencies. Often friends sit together at lunch but several participants said they gain more when they join tables where they can meet new people and broaden their perspective and professional networks. DID YOU MISS OUT?? Planning for the 2006 conference (likely in Washington State) is already underway. For more information, or to volunteer, contact the Far West Agribusiness Association, 111 E. Magnesium Rd., Ste. C, Spokane, WA 99208. Phone: 509-465-5055, Fax: 509-465-5155.  |
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The four land grant universities in the Pacific Northwest have aligned our water resource extension and research efforts with eight themes of the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
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907-786-6311
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cooperative program consisting of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture - a Regionally-Based National Network - |
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