- Stripe Rust Forecast Still Indicating Severe Epidemic Stripe rust has been found in winter wheat fields in Whitman, Lincoln, Adams, Franklin, and Walla Walla Counties.
- Emerging Technologies for Making Nitrogen Fertilizer On-Farm USDA’s Claire Phillips provides insights into emerging technologies for self-producing nitrogen fertilizer.
- Beginning the 2026 Winter Wheat Variety Trials: Maps, Plot Schematics The maps and plot schematics for the 2026 WSU Variety Testing Program winter variety trials are available.
- Be on the Lookout: Winter Grain Mite Spotted in Fields Wheat grain mites are causing damage this warm, wet winter.
- Upcoming Local Educational Events from the Dryland Cropping Systems Team Register to attend our educational events in January and February.
- Stripe Rust May Reach Epidemic Levels in 2026 USDA-ARS’s Dr. Xianming Chen predicts that stripe rust may result in significant yield losses in 2026.
- Aphids, Weevils, and Beetles—Oh, my! As canola acreage in central and eastern Washington continues to increase, so does the threat of crop damage caused by common canola insect pests.
- The performance of canola varieties at field scale in 2025 Results from the 2025 WSU canola variety testing trials are now available online.
- Results of the 2025 Weed Control Field Studies Conducted Across Eastern Washington The 2025 WSU Weed Control Report summarizes field studies across eastern Washington in winter wheat, pulse crops, spring canola, Kentucky bluegrass, chemical fallow, and winter wheat cropping systems.
- Managing Smooth Scouringrush and Field Horsetail in Eastern Washington Smooth scouringrush and field horsetail can be troublesome in no-till dryland cropping systems. A new factsheet that draws on over a decade of research is now available.
- As Seen in the WSU Plant Diagnostic Clinic in 2025 Observed in the lab in 2025 were Physiological leaf spot, soil compaction-related issues, nutrient imbalances, Fusarium foot rot, Septoria leaf blotch, eyespot, and more.
- Hello from Your New SE Washington Extension Agronomist Introducing Morgan Menaker, the new SE Washington regional extension agronomist.
- Where are the decision support tools? Dr. Rich Koenig gives an update about why several decision support tools are unavailable.
- WSU Wheat Academy Returns to Educate Wheat Growers and Crop Consultants Registration for the sell-out education program is now open.
- Determining the ROI for Precision Spray Investments Drew Lyon passes along a new tool created at Montana State University.
- Dryland farmers benefit from local gene seedbank Dryland producers toured the gene seedbank in Pullman and learned how they benefit from the cultivars bred from WRPIS material.
- It Is Not Powdery Mildew Dr. Arron Carter quells rumors that powdery mildew is to blame for field fires this season.
- Feral Rye Extension Publication Updated with New Information PNW660 was recently updated to include new information about the use of the CoAXium wheat production system and Aggressor AX herbicide for the management of feral rye.
- Low Falling Number Project Launches Webpage and New Rapid Test Instructional Video Announcing a new webpage and instructional video for the low falling number detection and management project funded by FFAR.
- Develop an action plan now to control field bindweed Managing field bindweed requires a sustained long-term effort. Although little can be done now to control field bindweed in pulse crop fields, this is a good time to make note of the problem areas and develop a long-term action plan to keep field bindweed under control.
- Halfway Through Plot Tour Season The PNW Crop Tour continues through July 1. Visit with us at a tour near you!
- Favorable Conditions for Stripe Rust Limit HTAP Effectiveness Stripe rust is actively developing in Washington, with recent observations in Franklin (commercial field), Adams (commercial field), Whitman (experimental field), and Garfield (experimental field) counties. While initial incidences in commercial […]
- Metalaxyl-resistant Pythium species found in Palouse chickpea production In chickpea production in the Palouse, metalaxyl-resistant Pythium species have been found. It is vital that we be aware of developing resistance so that we can manage these populations and slow further development.
- Watch the Wheat Grow Anyone with an internet connection can now watch wheat grow in eastern Washington.
- Stripe Rust Found in Whitman County, Increase Expected Stripe rust observed in experimental winter wheat and barley fields around Pullman indicated the early stages of spore production.
- PNW Farmers’ Network launches second season of On-Farm Trials podcast The PNW Farmers’ Network’s On-Farm Trials podcast releases new episodes twice per month.
- AgWeatherNet Launches Weather-Based ‘When to Spray’ Guidance Tool for Washington Growers AgWeatherNet launched a spray guidance tool to help growers and the farming community optimize spray applications.
- It’s Time to Scout for Blackleg in Winter Canola Collect suspicious leaves, stems, and/or residues and send them to the WSU Plant Pest Diagnostic Clinic for assessment.
- Fungicide Application Recommended if Active Stripe Rust Is Observed While stripe rust has not been found around Pullman, the disease has been identified in experimental fields in Walla Walla, Lind, Mount Vernon, Hermiston, and Central Ferry. Read more for fungicide application recommendations.
- PNW Crop Tours May 29th Through July 1st The 2025 PNW Crop Tour schedule is available.
- UI’s 2024 Washington Pulse Crop Variety Trial Data Is Posted University of Idaho’s Kurt Schroeder shares results from their 2024 Washington pulse crop variety trials.
- Spring on the Palouse: Soil Erosion This year saw extreme soil erosion and flooding. See how our region’s fields fared.
- Nitrogen Fertilizer Management for Spring Wheat Planting Use the Spring Wheat Nitrogen Fertilizer Calculator to assist with fertilizer management, which is critical for profitable production.
- Positive Outlook for Stripe Rust Pressure in 2025 Given the low disease pressure and lack of observed stripe rust, early season fungicide application at herbicide timing is currently not recommended for winter wheat in the region.
- Herbicide Resistance Is Getting More Complicated Dr. Drew Lyon introduces non-target-site resistance, an emerging and complicated form of herbicide resistance in the PNW.
- Winter wheat variety trial data for 2024 now available The newly released data includes soft white winter trials, the CL/AX trials containing soft white lines with herbicide resistance due to the Clearfield (CL) or the CoAXium (AX) genetics, and the hard red winter wheat trials.
- 2024 Spring Wheat and Barley Variety Trial Summaries Available Results of the 2024 WSU wheat and barley variety trials are now available in a new format.
- First Stripe Rust Forecast of 2025 Review spring wheat stripe rust resistance ratings when choosing varieties and fungicide programs.
- Falling Numbers Rapid Immunoassay Completes First Field Season of Testing An update about the first season of testing the new falling numbers immunoassay rapid test expected to be commercially available in early 2025.
- Agriculture Can Be Stressful – You are not alone Dr. Rachel Wieme provides resources for Washington farmers.
- In-Field Soil pH Meters–a User-Friendly Diagnostic Step Toward Addressing Soil Acidity Videos, resources, and events about soil acidification and soil testing with an in-field pH meter.
- Need pesticide label information? Don’t get in a “pickle”–use PICOL! The WSU Pesticide Information Center OnLine (PICOL) has a new look and better functionality.
- Enhancing Soil Health and Cropping Systems Innovation with Conversations at the Soil Health Coffee Hour Upcoming Soil Health Coffee Hours brought to you by the PNW Farmers’ Network connect producers, researchers, and anyone else interested in soil health and cropping systems innovation.
- From the Field: 2024 Preliminary WSU Variety Trial Summaries (Pullman, Bickleton, Creston) Dr. Clark Neely shares the preliminary results of the 2024 WSU wheat trials.
- From the Field: 2024 Preliminary WSU Variety Trial Summaries (Anatone, Colton, Moses Lake, Douglas, Harrington) Dr. Clark Neely shares the preliminary results of the 2024 WSU wheat trials.
- The Importance of Lime Application in Wheat Farming: Insights from ‘No-Till Farmer’ Interview In a video interview with ‘No-Till Farmer’, Dr. Joao Antonangelo discusses why understanding and applying the right lime strategies is vital for maximizing wheat production.
- From the Field: 2024 Preliminary WSU Variety Trial Summaries (Ritzville, Walla Walla, Dusty, Lamont) Dr. Clark Neely shares the preliminary results of the 2024 WSU wheat trials.
- Fire Prevention and Safety Tips During Harvest Be prepared for possible fires during harvest.
- Canola: Cabbage Aphid Assessment Aphids can be problematic in winter canola.
- The State of the Soils Assessment and Planting Season Soil Health Resources Dr. Rachel Wieme shares resources for planting season soil health.
- New Publication: Italian Ryegrass Management in Dryland Check out our new publication “Italian Ryegrass Management in Inland Pacific Northwest Dryland Cropping Systems.”
- Canola: Cabbage Seedpod Weevil Scouting Is cabbage seedpod weevil lurking in your canola fields, waiting to impact yields?
- What You Need to Know About Pesticides and the Endangered Species Act You should be aware of a major regulatory change for pesticides use.
- Nurturing Soil Health: The Importance of Liming for Optimal Yields Dr. Joao Antonangelo shares the benefits of managing soil pH with liming.
- Those are NOT cutworms or armyworms in my wheat, so what type of “worm” are they? Larval stages of crane flies have been found in the Waterville area. Here’s how to identify the pest and treat an infestation.
- Stripe Rust is Widespread in Eastern Washington There is continuing concern for potentially severe stripe rust on highly susceptible varieties in the 2024 growing season.
- Another Year Detecting Soilborne Wheat Mosaic Virus in Eastern Washington Be on the lookout for Soilborne Wheat Mosaic Virus as more fields near Walla Walla have been showing symptoms this spring.
- Making Sense of the New EPA Mitigation Requirements for Pesticide Applicators The EPA has new mitigation requirements for pesticide applicators. Here are tips and step-by-step instructions for how to comply.
- Stripe Rust Threat Increases for the 2024 Season Dr. Tim Murray provides recommendations to consider for the most recent stripe rust forecast.
- Assessing Freeze Damage to Winter and Spring Wheat Using a Crown Viability Test A WSU Extension publication explains how to perform the crown viability test to help determine if your wheat survived freezing temperatures.
- Washington Grain Commission Provides Over $2 Million for Wheat and Barley Research The WSU projects that received funding from the Washington Grain Commission in fiscal year 2024 are summarized in the 2023-2024 WSU Wheat and Barley Research Progress Report.
- From the Field: Southeastern Washington Cold Injury Notes Dr. Clark Neely shares his observations of cold injury in Southeastern Washington.
- From the Field: Cold Injuries Around the Region Dr. Clark Neely shares cold injury observations in wheat and barley from frigid temperatures in January 2024.
- First Stripe Rust Forecast of the 2024 Season The first forecast of the 2024 crop year is predicting stripe rust to be severe.
- From the Field: 2023 Cereal Variety Performance Trials Report Dr. Clark Neely has released the final report of the 2023 cereal variety performance trials.
- Report on 2023 Weed Control Studies Is Available Results of field studies conducted by WSU researchers to help dryland farmers in eastern Washington manage weeds of concerns are now available in the 2023 Weed Control Report.
- WSU researchers to study feasibility of organic Inland Northwest wheat Scientists will study the best ways to shift to organic wheat farming through a new $1 million grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Organic Transitions Program.
- 2023 Plant Diagnostic Clinic Wrap-up In anticipation of the next growing season, Cassandra Bates shares an overview of what small grains problems were diagnosed in 2023 by the WSU Plant Pest Diagnostic Clinic.
- New Compliance Requirements Coming to Pesticide Labels New Endangered Species Protection Requirements are coming to pesticide labels. This article shares how applicators can comply with the new rules.
- A Reminder About EPA Safety Requirements for Paraquat A reminder for applicators that paraquat has a closed-system container requirement.
- Post-Harvest Nitrogen Assessment: If You Don’t Measure It, You Can’t Manage It Utilize the Post-Harvest Nitrogen Use Efficiency Calculator to assess your nitrogen management program and help guide future applications.
- A new project aimed at combating low Falling Numbers Dr. Amber Hauvermale discusses a new FFAR-funded project aimed at combating low Falling Numbers in wheat.
- New Publication Provides Benefits to Pea Weevil Management With a new WSU Extension publication, producers will benefit from learning how to identify pea weevil, when and how to best sample for it, and the control options if outbreak numbers are detected.
- Getting the Most from On-Farm Trials Carol McFarland (PNW Farmers’ Network) announces the new On-Farm Trials podcast, explains the on-farm experimentation continuum, and discusses how cropping systems co-innovation can bring abundant opportunities.
- Volunteer Wheat Control Controlling volunteer wheat is important to minimize the survival of various insects and diseases from one season’s wheat crop to the next.
- New grant to help grain farmers find low falling numbers sooner Washington State University will develop a new test that could save wheat growers millions of dollars thanks to a grant from the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR).
- A review of new winter wheat varieties for Washington Dr. Clark Neely summarizes results from 2022-23 new winter wheat variety trials.
- Fire Prevention and Safety Tips During Harvest With harvest happening across much of eastern Washington, WSU Extension’s Dale Whaley shares some tips for preventing fires.
- Grasshoppers and the Jump to Canola Grasshoppers have moved into canola fields from nearby maturing wheat fields and are amassing in large numbers.
- Step-By-Step Guide for Conducting a Bioassay to Assess Herbicide Carryover Risk Growers who want to move away from using Beyond in Clearfield wheat after multiple years of using the technology, may want to consider testing for soil residues before planting a non-Clearfield wheat variety. Use this step-by-step guide to test for herbicide residues by conducting a bioassay.
- From the Field: Video Variety Descriptions for High and Low Rainfall Regions Videos with winter and spring wheat variety descriptions are available.
- Developing Integrated Herbicide Strategies With the WSU Herbicide Resistance Screening Program The Herbicide Resistance Screening Program helps farmers determine if the lack of efficacy of herbicides in their fields is due to herbicide resistance.
- Soil management in Washington’s dryland wheat: WSDA survey responses A new WSDA white paper sheds light on the “how and why” of soil management in Washington’s dryland wheat.
- Can Drones Really Be Used to Map or Spray Weeds? Using drones to control unwanted vegetation has many benefits and also requires licensing and planning.
- Is Something Besides Flea Beetle Eating My Spring Canola? Reports of Diamondback moth have been coming in and the amount of damage is alarming!
- From the Field: Stands, Snow Mold, and Mites An update from Dr. Clark Neely about the spring planting season and early observations in the Variety Testing Program.
- Scouting for flea beetle in spring canola The arrival of warm, sunny weather after planting brings with it the possibility for flea beetle damage to young canola plants, and therefore the need to be regularly scouting canola fields.
- New Find of Soilborne Wheat Mosaic Virus in Northcentral Washington Soilborne Wheat Mosaic Virus was recently confirmed in a new location in Grant County, Washington.
- Good News for Stripe Rust Outlook Dr. Xianming Chen’s (USDA-ARS Plant Pathologist) brief stripe rust update from May 1, 2023, states stripe rust pressure is currently low, similar to last year at this time.
- Canola to the Rescue Relying only on glyphosate for Italian ryegrass control in glyphosate-resistant canola is effective; however, this approach is likely to quickly result in the selection of Italian ryegrass biotypes that we can no longer control with glyphosate.
- Am I Safe to Seed Any Spring Wheat Variety I Want? If you are looking to plant spring wheat, there are some things you should consider…
- From the Field: Douglas County snow mold Snow mold observations during Clark Neely’s trip to Douglas County the week of April 22, 2023.
- Identifying Soilborne Wheat Mosaic Virus Because of its preference for wet soil conditions, it is advisable to check symptomatic plants in low spots in the field for yellowing, speckling, or mosaic-like patterns developing.
- Understanding Glyphosate Acid Equivalents When comparing glyphosate products, it is recommended to look at the amount of “acid equivalent or ae” rather than the amount of “active ingredient” that is listed on the label.
- How to submit a sample to the WSU Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic Follow these simple steps when submitting a sample to the WSU Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic.
- Moderate Stripe Rust Forecast for 2023 Dr. Xianming Chen’s (USDA-ARS Plant Pathologist) March 10, 2023, stripe rust forecast says that stripe rust will be in the moderate range for the 2023 growing season.
- From the Field Updates: Week of March 30, 2023 From the Field updates from Dr. Clark Neely for the week of March 30, 2023.
- Parts of Eastern Washington May Be Looking to Reseed Wheat Come Spring The winter of 2022-23 is shaping up to be a bad snow mold year causing some growers to choose to reseed their fields this spring.
- It's Mustard Hunting Season Mustards need to be controlled by late winter or early spring, while they are still in the rosette stage of growth. Fields need to be scouted now, and treated as soon as possible if mustards are located.
- Variety Selection Tool: New ratings help growers with variety decisions The WSU Variety Selection Tool was recently updated with the newest yield and rating data available for all classes of wheat and barley.