Earlier drought planning needed, Ag Director says. Ag Minute for Aug 6, 2015

The state was caught "flat-footed" in drought planning this year and needs to do a better job next year, the director of the state Department of Agriculture says. Click here for full story.

PCN water supply forecasts mixed - AgMinute for January 30, 2015

Irrigation water supplies for Washington and Idaho are shaping up to be adequate overall for the coming growing season. Oregon's outlook is yet uncertain, however, and California is again facing deficits. Click here for the full story

Idaho irrigators expect prolonged natural flows - AgMinute for May 13, 2014

Cold and damp spring weather appears to be leading toward an ideal snowmelt situation in Idaho. Click here for the full story

Winter storms ease water concerns - AgMinute for March 6, 2014

A series of storms over the last 2 weeks have dumped much needed snow and rain across the northwest easing, but not eliminating, concerns that water supplies will be tight this summer. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

Rain and drought — AgMinute for Sept. 9, 2013

Heavy early September moisture has come at an opportune time for southern Idaho agriculture. Most of the region, however, was dryer than normal during August.

Irrigation rules threaten specialty crops — AgMinute for Aug. 20, 2013

Opposition to the Food and Drug Administration's proposed produce safety rule has been led by the Idaho-Oregon onion industry and FDA officials' recent visit to the Pacific Northwest centered around that sector. But onions are only one of an estimated 200 commodities that would have to meet the proposed standards, which include limits on how much bacteria could be detected in irrigation water.

Can't stop the water — AgMinute for Aug. 15, 2013

Food and Drug Administration officials visited farms, packing sheds and irrigation systems in Idaho, Oregon and Washington this week to get a first-hand look at how their proposed produce safety rule could impact farmers.

Read about how farmers are confronting controversy over biotechnology in "Surviving a Biotech Backlash," available at http://bit.ly/BiotechBacklash

Between a rock and a dry year — AgMinute for June 24, 2013

The dim outlook for the irrigation supply this season has brightened somewhat. But many farmers in the Pacific Northwest will still have to get by on a lot less and the tight situation has already altered many planting decisions.

"Western Innovators" is free this week at http://bit.ly/WesternInnovators

Saving lives — AgMinute for May 29, 2013

Farm groups have teamed up with Gov. Butch Otter to create a canal safety campaign designed to help prevent the canal-related deaths that occur in Idaho each year.

Low flow — Idaho AgMinute for April 8, 2013

Farmers and irrigation companies in southwestern Idaho are closely monitoring the water situation and expect supplies to be tight this season. The weather forecast calls for some major storms during the first part of April and farmers hope it's accurate.

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Canada water — AgMinute for April 3, 2013

U.S. officials will have a series of public meetings before they draft a recommendation on whether to continue the Columbia River Treaty with Canada. The treaty is designed to manage flood control and power generation on the river.

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An eye on the rain gauge — AgMinute for Feb. 11, 2013

Just a month ago, snowpack was abundant and irrigators had every reason to expect a banner water year, but after a dry January, they're crossing their fingers for a wet spring to deliver close to an adequate supply.

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Pumping and power — AgMinute for Jan. 8, 2013

A group that represents irrigators is concerned about proposed changes to Rocky Mountain Power's program that pays them to shut off pumps during times of peak demand.

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Juicing up an aquifer - Idaho AgMinute for Oct. 8, 2012

A new private aquifer recharge program could lead to the first new irrigation development within the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer since the state issued a moratorium on expanding water rights in 1992.

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AgMinute for Sept. 6, 2012

A string of recent deaths in Idaho canals, including the fatal electrocution of three people on Aug. 30, has Idaho irrigation district officials reminding the public that canals are not safe places for anyone other than employees.

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