16 CapitalPress.com
June 5, 2015
Crop scientists warn Idaho spud
growers to expect bad weed year
By JOHN O’CONNELL
Capital Press
No-spray buffer
requirement added
to pesticide bill
By MATEUSZ PERKOWSKI
Capital Press
ABERDEEN, Idaho —
Crop scientists expect severe
weed pressure in Idaho this
season, especially in potato
fields, following a prolonged
wet period throughout the
state’s southern and eastern
regions.
“All of the rain we’ve had
may have compromised some
of our pre-emergence herbi-
cides. That’s the main thing
I’ve noticed so far,” said Jeff
Miller, a crop scientist with
Rupert, Idaho-based Miller
Research.
Miller said he’s also seen
commercial fields with signs
of herbicide damage in spud
plants.
Miller explained heavy
moisture has carried some
herbicides, such as Matrix,
Metribuzin and Outlook,
deep into the soil — below
germinating weed seeds but
in contact with spud roots.
University of Idaho Ex-
tension weed specialist Pam
Hutchinson expects weeds
will begin to emerge in the
coming days. She also con-
siders it likely that growers
will encounter signs of her-
bicide damage — both from
herbicides leaching into po-
tato root zones or soil lad-
en with the pre-emergence
herbicide Chateau splashing
onto potato stems.
However,
Hutchinson
said growers shouldn’t wor-
ry about herbicide damage,
as a turn to warmer weather
should enable plants to eas-
ily metabolize the chemi-
cals without hurting yields.
She said post-emergence
applications of Matrix un-
der cloudy conditions could
also contribute to temporary
mottled yellowing of leaves
due to slowed metabolism.
Hutchinson has received
several recent phone calls
from growers seeking ad-
vice on how to respond to
various weed scenarios.
John O’Connell/Capital Press
University of Idaho Extension weed specialist Pam Hutchinson holds a scoop of dirt with hairy night-
shade plants within an experimental field at the Aberdeen Research and Extension Center. Hutchinson
believes recent storms will contribute to a bad season for weeds in her state.
‘All of the rain we’ve had may have compromised some of our pre-
emergence herbicides. That’s the main thing I’ve noticed so far.’
— Jeff Miller
Crop Scientist, Rupert
In fields in which both
spuds and weeds have al-
ready emerged, including
fields in which the recent
storms may have rendered
prior herbicide applications
ineffective, Hutchinson ad-
vises growers to spray Ma-
trix or Metribuzin, which are
post-emergence foliar herbi-
cides.
American Falls grower
Kevin Ramsey, for example,
had already applied herbi-
cide with irrigation on more
than half of his acres prior to
the storms and is concerned
weeds may still emerge. If
that happens, he’ll spray
Matrix post-emergence.
Hutchinson said growers
shouldn’t irrigate for a few
days after applying Matrix
or Metribuzin, which are
effective against emerged
weeds including hairy
nightshade, and warned ad-
ditional rainfall could wash
them off plants. Hutchin-
son said some specialty and
white-skinned, short-sea-
son potato varieties, such
as Shepody, are known to
be sensitive to Metribuzin.
In fields in which pota-
toes have emerged but weeds
haven’t, she said additional
herbicides that work in the
soil to prevent new weeds
from germinating, including
Prowl, Eptam and Dual Mag-
num, are also an option.
Prior to row closure of po-
tatoes, she said the products
Poast Plus and Select are ef-
fective against grasses.
According to Hutchin-
son’s research, a single hairy
nightshade plant per meter
in a commercial Russet Nor-
kotah field can reduce spud
yields by 20 percent.
Many growers have
been delayed from spray-
ing fields and now must
deal with emerged weeds
because of the rains. Amer-
ican Falls grower Kamren
Koompin sprayed Matrix
for post-emergence weeds
during a break between
storms.
American Falls grow-
er Kasey Poulson said he’s
more concerned about the
rains rotting seed potatoes
than weed pressure, though
he doubts rot will cause ex-
tensive damage.
Lawmakers are adding a
no-spray buffer requirement to
Oregon pesticide legislation that
also increases enforcement fund-
ing, doubles fines for violations
and creates new requirements for
applicators.
Controversy over Oregon’s
pesticide laws was ignited by
an off-target application of her-
bicides that affected residents in
Curry County in 2013, prompt-
ing a multitude of proposals
during this year’s legislative ses-
sion.
Those concepts were distilled
into a single piece of legislation
— House Bill 3549 — that ini-
tially focused on better training
for applicators and a greater ca-
pacity for state regulators to in-
vestigate complaints and enforce
existing laws.
During a May 21 work ses-
sion on the bill, the House Rules
Committee adopted an amend-
ment that will require 60-foot
no-spray buffers around homes
and schools for aerial pesticide
applications in forestry.
Farm and forestry groups
will continue to support the leg-
islation despite the buffer amend-
ment, said Scott Dahlman, poli-
cy director of the Oregonians for
Food and Shelter agribusiness
group.
“In the legislative process,
there is compromise along the
way,” he said.
Eric Geyer, manager of busi-
ness development for Roseburg
Forest Products, said the industry
isn’t thrilled with the no-spray
buffer amendment but the change
isn’t enough to sink its support of
the overall package.
Earlier bill proposals that
died in committee would have
imposed greater restrictions on
pesticides, including an outright
ban on aerial spraying and cer-
tain classes of chemicals.
The amendment adopted by
the committee does not include
stricter notification and reporting
requirements for pesticide appli-
cations, which the timber indus-
try has opposed as impractical.
“Real time” notification of
sprays is challenging time-wise
due to changes in the weather,
particularly if a company must
alert numerous people, said Jake
Gibbs, director of external affairs
at Lone Rock Timber.
The timber industry is also
concerned about the potential
for sabotage by eco-terrorists if
specific sites and dates are an-
nounced for spray applications,
said Rep. Brad Witt, D-Clats-
kanie.
Proponents of more stringent
notification requirements claim
it’s necessary in case aerial ap-
plicators violate rules against
off-target spraying.
Advance notification would
allow neighbors to prepare for
pesticide sprays by staying in-
doors or leaving the area, said
Rep. Ann Lininger, D-Lake
Oswego.
“There are real people get-
ting hurt and they need our
help,” she said.
Kathryn Rickard, a Curry
County resident affected by the
2013 incident, said it took state
regulators six months to notify
her which chemicals were found
on her property, which hindered
adequate medical treatment.
The situation would be differ-
ent with advance notice and better
reporting, she said. “Our physi-
cians would have known how to
treat us in a timely manner.”
While the no-spray buffer
amendment to HB 3549 was
adopted, the overall bill has not
moved out of committee for a
vote on the House floor, which
means it’s still subject to further
hearings.
Apart from the no-spray
buffers, the bill would increase
registration fees on pesticide
distributors to raise up to $2.4
million for enhanced pesticide
enforcement, complaint re-
sponse and investigation.
Aerial applicators would be
required to undergo 50 hours of
special training a year and ob-
tain a specific license.
Farm Market Report
California Egg Reports
Hay Market Reports
Compiled by USDA Market News Service • Des Moines
Compiled by USDA Market News Service • St. Joseph, Mo.-Portland
Hay prices are dollars per ton or dollars per bale when sold to re-
tail outlets. Basis is current delivery FOB barn or stack, or delivered
customer as indicated.
Grade guidelines used in this report have the following relation-
ship to Relative Feed Value (RFV), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF),
TDN (Total Digestible Nutrients), or Crude Protein (CP) test num-
bers:
Grade
RFV
ADF
TDN
CP
Supreme 185+
<27
55.9+
22+
Premium 170-185
27-29
54.5-55.9
20-22
Good
150-170
29-32
52.5-54.5
18-20
Fair
130-150
32-35
50.5-52.5
16-18
Utility
<130
36+
<50.5
<16
WASHINGTON-OREGON HAY
(Columbia Basin)
(USDA Market News)
Moses Lake, Wash.
May 29
This week FOB
Last week
Last year
4,900
12,520
9,475
Compared to May 22: New crop Premium/Supreme Alfalfa steady.
Trade slow on new crop. Thunderstorms this week caused a lot of
rain damage to new crop supplies in the windrows. Demand good
for new crop high testing Alfalfa light to moderate on other grades.
Retail/Feedstore steady in a light test. Demand remains good.
Tons Price
Supreme
400
$230
Alfalfa Large Square
Fair/Good 1000 $140
1400 $150-170
Alfalfa Mid Square
Good/Prem. 900
$200-215
Good
1000 $170
Orchard Grass Small Square Premium
200
$185
OREGON AREA HAY
(USDA Market News)
Portland, Ore.
May 29
This week FOB
Last week
Last year
999
1,862
524
Compared to May 22: Prices trended generally steady compared
to the same quality last week. Trade activity and demand was slow
this week. Most producers are sold out for the season.
Tons Price
CROOK, DESCHUTES, JEFFERSON, WASCO COUNTIES
25
$250-260
Orchard Grass Small Square Premium
Five Way Mixed Grass Small
Square
EASTERN OREGON
Alfalfa Large Square
HARNEY COUNTY
Alfalfa Large Square
KLAMATH BASIN
Alfalfa Small Square
LAKE COUNTY
Alfalfa Large Square
Premium
10
$290
Good
400
$190
Good/Prem. 200
$195
Premium
$220
$220
130
70
Supreme
35
$250
Good/Prem. 65
$200
Fair
34
$168
Small Square
Premium
30
$240
IDAHO HAY
(USDA Market News)
Moses Lake, Wash.
May 29
This week FOB
Last week
Last year
3,600
4,700
3,000
Compared to May 22: New crop Premium high moisture Alfalfa
steady, other grades steady. Trade slow this week as heavy thun-
derstorms the last two weeks halted trading on new crop supplies.
Demand moderate to good. Retail/feed store/horse not tested this
week.
Tons Price
Alfalfa Large Square
Premium
1300 $150-160
Fair/Good 2000 $105
Oat Large Square
Fair/Good 300
$80
CALIFORNIA HAY
(USDA Market News)
Moses Lake, Wash.
May 29
This week FOB
Last week
Last year
7,430
15,722
26,300
Compared to May 22: All classes traded active on good demand.
Milk prices in the mid-teens are shifting the demand from dairies to
the export market. Quality is dropping off in Region 6 and Sudan
is being knocked down this week and a lot of rain damaged hay is
stacked and waiting for a buyer. Orchard grass in region 1 is in high
demand with growers receiving calls before it’s cut.
REGION 1: Northern Intermountain
Includes the counties of Siskiyou, Modoc, Shasta, Lassen and
Plumas.
No new sales confirmed.
REGION 2: Sacramento Valley
Includes the counties of Tehama, Glenn, Butte, Colusa, Sutter,
Yuba, Sierra, Nevada, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Solano, Sacramento.
Tons Price
Alfalfa
Good
150
$210
Fair/Good 150
$160
Fair
25
$150
Orchard Grass
Premium
25
$320
Brome Grass
Good
55
$140
Rye Grass
Good
50
$120
Oat
Good
150
$125
REGION 3: Northern San Joaquin Valley
Includes the counties of San Joaquin, Calaveras, Stanislaus, Tu-
olumne, Mono, Merced and Mariposa.
Tons Price
Alfalfa
Supreme
600
$260-265
Premium
200
$230
Good/Prem. 500
$200
Oat
Good
300
$160
200
$196
Wheat
Good
700
$110
REGION 4: Central San Joaquin Valley
Includes the counties of Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and Inyo.
Tons Price
Alfalfa
Good
500
$206
Oat
Good
1200 $165
REGION 5: Southern California
Includes the counties of Kern, Northeast Los Angeles, and West-
ern San Bernardino.
Tons Price
Alfalfa
Supreme
300
$253
Fair
100
$135
REGION 6: Southeast California
Includes the counties of Eastern San Bernardino, Riverside and
Imperial.
Tons Price
Alfalfa
Premium
75
$215
Good/Prem. 1200 $190-200
200
$125
175
$190
50
$190
325
$208.46
Bermuda Grass
Premium
200
$205-210
Cattle Market Reports
Compiled by USDA Market News Service • Oklahoma City-Des Moines-St. Joseph, Mo.-Moses Lake, Wash.
Cattle prices in dollars per hundredweight (cwt.)
except some replacement animals per pair or
head as indicated.
NATIONATIONAL FEEDER AND STOCKER
CATTLE
(Federal-State Market News)
St. Joseph, Mo.
May 29
This week
Last week
Last year
162,400
204,700
145,500
Compared to May 22: A light holiday test of
yearlings and calves sold fully steady to $5 high-
er. The official start to the summer grilling season
was followed by continued good demand for all
classes and in many cases no signs of top-side
pressure. Many major early-week auctions were
idle this week, including the Oklahoma National
Stockyards and the Joplin Regional Stockyards
but buyers picked up where they left off at mid-
week sales, as demand remains very good for
calves and yearlings.
Calf markets continue to trade on limited sup-
plies with enough localized demand to offset
supplies. The best advance continues to be on
the heavier yearlings over 800 lbs. as demand
remains very good on yearlings with farmer/feed-
ers in the Corn Belt having plenty of corn from
last year’s record crop and looking at another
good start to the 2015 crop.
Several sales took the opportunity to hold
special sales, including the one in Russell, Iowa,
which sold over 4,200 head including near 250
head of steer calves weighing from 500-550 lbs.
averaging 528 lbs. sold with a weighted average
price of $301.46 and a pot load of steers averag-
ing 817 lbs. selling at $234.25.
A little farther south at the Unionville Livestock
Auction in Unionville, Mo., on May 26 sold over
240 head of yearling steers averaging 885 lbs.
sold with a weighted average price of $224.60.
The previous week’s Cattle on Feed Report
released May 22 was bullish with April re-
placements coming in significantly lower than
expected at 95 percent. One bullish aspect to
this number would be smaller slaughter numbers
going into the fourth quarter of this year and also
that heifer retention is still very active for herd
expansion.
Boxed-beef values after a stellar performance
took a breather late last week while attention will
turn to weekend clearance. Boxed-beef prices
continued to hold together till mid-week trading
mostly above $260 level for Choice product, then
dipping below the $260 mark on May 28 closing
at $259.25. May 29 boxed-beef values turned
sharply lower, with Choice down $4.26 closing
at $254.99.
Boxed-beef values are due for a seasonal
decline and correction after topping out around
the Memorial Day period, as the long hot days
of summer set in. Beef demand so far has been
generally unaffected by pork and poultry sales.
On May 28, Live and Feeder Cattle futures had
impressive triple-digit gains, trading at some of
their highest levels since the first part of January.
Wet weather persisted across much of the
country with flooding conditions in the South-
ern Plains from Texas up through Kansas. With
widespread rains supporting excellent grazing
throughout much of the country is a trend that is
expected to continue.
Corn planting is now 92 percent completed,
with the first 2015 corn planting crop conditions
out at 74 percent rated good to excellent; itís a
long growing season and a long way from being
in the bin, but the corn season is off to one of the
best starts in years. Auction volume included 54
percent weighing over 600 lbs. and 40 percent
heifers.
AUCTIONS
This week
Last week
Last year
104,000
168,000
111,800
WASHINGTON 1,300. 63 pct over 600 lbs. 66
pct heifers. There were not enough feeder cattle
sales to report.
DIRECT
This week
Last week
Last year
36,700
29,900
24,500
SOUTHWEST (Arizona-California-Nevada)
1,800. 10 pct over 600 lbs. No heifers. Holsteins:
Large 3 325 lbs. $301-305 October Del; 450 lbs.
$244 June del.
NORTHWEST
(Washington-Oregon-Ida-
ho) 2,100. 52 pct over 600 lbs. 38 pct heifers.
Steers: Medium and Large 1-2 Current FOB
Price 850-900 lbs. $194 Washington. Future
Delivery FOB Price: 550-600 lbs. $245-247 for
October-November Idaho; 750-800 lbs. $210 for
September-October Oregon; 900 lbs. $200 for
July Oregon. Holstein Steers: Large 2-3: Current
FOB Price: 350 lbs. $268-269 Washington. Heif-
ers: Medium and Large 1-2: Current FOB Price:
Future Delivery FOB Price: 550-600 lbs. $235 for
October-November Idaho; 700-750 lbs. $202 for
September-October Oregon.
NORTHWEST DIRECT CATTLE
(USDA Market News)
Moses Lake, Wash.
May 29
This week
Last week
Last year
2,100
2,500
3,550
Compared to May 22: Feeder cattle steady in
a light test. Trade slow this Holiday shortened
week. Demand light to moderate. The feed-
er supply included 62 percent steers and 38
percent heifers. Near 52 percent of the supply
weighed over 600 lbs. Prices are FOB weighing
point with a 1-4 percent shrink or equivalent and
with a 5-10 cent slide on calves and a 3-8 cent
slide on yearlings. Current sales are up to 14
days delivery.
Steers: Medium and Large 1-2: Current FOB
Price: 850-900 lbs. $194 Washington. Future
Delivery FOB Price: 550-600 lbs. $245-247 for
October-November Idaho; 750-800 lbs. $210 for
September-October Oregon; 900 lbs. $200 for
July Oregon.
Holstein Steers: Large 2-3: Current FOB Price:
350 lbs. $268-269 Washington.
Heifers: Medium and Large 1-2: Future De-
livery FOB Price: 550-600 lbs. $235 for Octo-
ber-November Idaho; 700-750 lbs. $202 for
September-October Oregon.
Replacement Heifers: Medium and Large 1-2:
Current FOB Price: 800-850 lbs. $197 Wash-
ington.
Shell egg marketer’s benchmark price for negotiated egg sales of USDA Grade AA and Grade AA in
cartons, cents per dozen. This price does not reflect discounts or other contract terms.
DAILY CALIFORNIA SHELL EGGS
(USDA Market News)
Des Moines, Iowa
May 29
Benchmark prices are steady. Asking prices for next week are 33 cents higher for Jumbo, 39 cents
higher for Extra Large, 37 cents higher for Large and 35 cents higher for Medium and Small. The under-
tone is steady to higher. Offerings are light to moderate, mostly light. Retail demand continues light to
moderate with food service movement usually moderate. Supplies are light to moderate. Market activity
is moderate to active. Small benchmark price $2.28.
Size
Range
Size
Range
Jumbo
304
Extra large
285
Large
277
Medium
248
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Prices to retailers, sales to volume buyers, USDA Grade AA and Grade AA, white eggs in cartons,
delivered store door.
Size
Range
Size
Range
Jumbo
296-308
Extra large
266-278
Large
262-271
Medium
228-237
Livestock Auctions
Cattle prices in dollars per hundredweight (cwt.)
except some replacement animals per pair or head
as indicated.
California
SHASTA
(Shasta Livestock Auction)
Cottonwood, Calif.
May 29
Current week Last week
898
2,389
Compared to May 22: Slaughter cows and bulls
generally steady. No large numbers of feeders in
any one weight class. Market softer than last week’s
special sale. Off lots and singles $30-$70 below top
offerings.
Slaughter cows: Breakers $103-109, $110-120
high dress; Boning $95-102.
Bulls 1 and 2: $110-135; $135-145 high dress.
Feeder steers: 450-500 lbs. $87.50; 550-600
lbs. $230.00-250.00; 600-650 lbs. $217.00-237.00;
650-700 lbs. $215.00-237.00; 700-750 lbs. $210.00-
225.50; 750-800 lbs. $200.00-225.00; 800-900 lbs.
$193.00-203.00.
Feeder heifers: 450-500 lbs. $235.00-250.00;
500-550 lbs. $255.00; 550-600 lbs. $200.00-223.00;
650-700 lbs. $195.00-212.00; 700-750 lbs. $185.00-
201.00; 750-800 lbs. $180.00-189.50; 800-900 lbs.
$182.00-185.75.
Calvy cows: Full-mouth $1900-2200; Bro-
ken-mouth butcher price $1650.
Washington
TOPPENISH
(Toppenish Livestock Auction)
(USDA Market News)
Moses Lake, Wash.
May 29
This week
Last week
Last year
1,250
1,300
1,360
Compared to May 22 at the same market: Not
enough stocker or feeder cattle this holiday short-
ened week for accurate trends. Trade active with
very good demand. Slaughter cows steady to $3
lower. Slaughter bulls $5-6 higher. Trade active
with good demand. Slaughter cows 71 percent,
Slaughter bulls 5 percent, and feeders 24 percent
of the supply. The feeder supply included 34 percent
steers and 66 percent heifers. Near 63 percent of
the run weighed over 600 lbs. Replacement Cows:
Pre-tested for pregnancy, and age.
Feeder Steers: Medium and Large 1-2: 300-400
lbs. $317.50; 500-600 lbs. $252.50; 800-900 lbs.
$195.50; Medium and Large 2-3: 600-700 lbs. $183;
Small and Medium 1-2: 400-500 lbs. $250; 600-700
lbs. $215-233; Small and Medium 4: 600-700 lbs.
$180.
Feeder Holstein Steers: Large 2-3: 600-700 lbs.
$200; 900-1000 lbs. $169.
Feeder Heifers: Medium and Large 1-2: 400-500
lbs. $250-260; 700-800 lbs. $199.50; Medium and
Large 2-3: 500-600 lbs. $213; 600-700 lbs. $199;
Large 2-3: 100-200 lbs. $275, Per Head; 200-300
lbs. $360, Per Head; 300-400 lbs. $220; 400-500
lbs. $212; 800-900 lbs. $175; 1000-1100 lbs. $141-
154; 1100-1200 lbs. $140; Small and Medium 1-2:
500-600 lbs. $220-221.
Slaughter Cows:
Boning 80-85 percent lean 1500-1900 lbs. $99-
105; Boning 80-85 percent lean 1250-1600 lbs.
$110.50-116; Lean 85-90 percent lean 100-1400
lbs. $101-107; Lean Light 90 percent lean 900-1200
lbs. $93-96.
Slaughter Bulls: Yield Grade 1-2 1400-2300 $145-
156.
Cow/Calf (Per Pair): Medium and Large 1-2: Mid-
Aged 1300 lbs. $2300 with 150-200 lbs. calves.
Feeder Cows: Large 1-2: 1000-1100 lbs. $125,
Young; 1100-1200 lbs. $120, Young; 1200-1300 lbs.
$120, Young; 1300-1400 lbs. $120, Young.
Oregon
VALE
(Producers Livestock Market)
May 27
Total receipts: 542 head.
Comments: Butcher cow and bull market steady
to strong.
Steer calves: 300-400 lbs. $257-284; 400-500 lbs.
$264-297; 500-600 lbs. $245-273.
Heifer calves: 300-400 lbs. $237-258; 400-500
lbs. $232-247; 500-600 lbs. $228-247.
Yearling steers : 600-700 lbs. $226-240; 700-800
lbs. $207-221.
Yearling heifers: 600-700 lbs. $210-224.
Butcher cows: $96-110.
Thin shelly cows: $84-94.
Younger heiferettes: $122-139.
Butcher bulls: $126-141.
EUGENE
(Eugene Livestock Auction)
Junction City, Ore.
May 30
Total head count: 518.
Market conditions compared to last week: Cows
and bulls steady; feeders steady.
Cows: Top cows high dressers: $109-118.50, low
dressers: $90-108.50; Top 10 $112.55.
Top bulls high dressers $120-146.
Feeder Bulls: 300-500 lbs. $151-155; 500-700 lbs.
$125-195; 700-900 lbs. $127.50-166.
Choice steers: medium to large frame No. 1 and
No. 2: 300-400 lbs. $260-293; 400-500 lbs. $200-
259; 500-600 lbs. $200-251; 600-700 lbs. $200-226;
700-800 lbs. $200-225; 800-900 lbs. $180-192.50.
Choice heifers: medium to large frame No. 1 and
No. 2: 300-400 lbs. $250; 400-500 lbs. $200-232.50;
500-600 lbs. $190-217; 600-700 lbs. $190-200; 700-
800 lbs. $175-190; 800 lbs. and up $156-182.