Latest Extension Guides: Tree Fruit Crop Protection, Improving Genes in Beef Cattle

Feb 13, 2025

By Seth Truscott

Each month, scientists at Washington State University publish online guides aiding Northwest agriculture and our economy. The latest guides from WSU Extension include a primer on using genomic selection to improve beef cattle, as well as a revised look at protecting tree fruit orchards from diseases and pests.

New: Implementing Genomic Selection in Beef Herds (FS393E)

Genomic selection is a tool that can be used to identify superior heifers for breeding. Sharing information about the benefits and use of selection, this guide explores opportunities and costs, survey results of beef producers, and how to get started. Authors are Allison Herrick, doctoral candidate in the Department of Animal Sciences; Shannon Neibergs, director of the Western Center for Risk Management Education and Extension specialist; and Holly Neibergs, professor in the Department of Animal Sciences.

Revised: Crop Protection Guide for Tree Fruits in Washington (EB0419)

The 2025 edition of the Crop Protection Guide covers examples of registered pesticides used to stop orchard insect, disease, and weed pests in Washington, and includes efficacy and toxicity charts. Cost is $27.

View more original and revised guides online at the WSU Extension Publications website.

Source : wsu.edu

Video: CEO’s of the Industry with Patrick Joyce from Passel Farms

CEOs of the Industry, Jim Eadie sits down with Patrick Joyce of to discuss the rapid growth and evolution of one of the pork industry’s emerging large-scale operations.

The conversation explores the integration of Cactus Family Farms, the operational challenges of managing a multi-state farrow-to-finish system, and how Passel Farms is balancing scale with culture, leadership, and community impact through initiatives like Passel Provides.

Patrick also shares insights on Prop 12 repopulation projects, innovation in swine production, sustainability, animal welfare, and the future direction of the pork industry over the next decade.