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: Ice Makes Reorganizing & Moving Sheep Hazardous!

Ice makes reorganizing the sheep barns and moving sheep in preparation for lambing very hazardous - it looks more like sheep skating in an ice rink than walking in a barnyard! But, lambing season is quickly approaching, and we have the final group of ewes that require vaccinating prior to lambing, the last breeding rams need to be removed from breeding groups and tattooed, and the barns all need reorganizing to accommodate the new lambs that will be arriving shortly. So, in today’s sheep farming vlog at Ewetopia Farms, we can no longer wait for better weather conditions and must brave the treacherous ice and hope no one gets injured! This is Canadian sheep farming!