ir-4 in montana amy bamber montana department of agriculture march 2009
TRANSCRIPT
IR-4 in Montana
Amy Bamber
Montana Department of Agriculture
March 2009
What we’ll cover
Brief description of my role Current state of IR-4 in Montana How the 2009-2013 draft Strategic Plan
intersects with our needs Summary
Montana Department of Agriculture
Section Supervisor• Groundwater Protection Program
• Special Pesticide Registrations (18/24(c))
• Threatened and Endangered Species
• Vertebrate Pest Control
• Other duties…
IR-4 in Montana Reeves Petroff Gap Mary Burrows
• Inclusion of camelina in oilseed crop grouping• Request for transfer of canola tolerance to camelina
for Poast.
IR-4 is still not recognized as a resource by most people involved in agriculture in Montana at this time.
Minor Crops in Montana
Grains—some wheat, malt barley, feed barley, oats
Pulses—dry beans, dry peas, Austrian winter peas, lentils
Oilseeds—camelina, canola, flaxseed, mustard seed (juncea), safflower, sunflower
Other Crops—alfalfa seed, hay, seed potatoes, sugar beets, sweet cherries
2009-2013 Draft Strategic Plan
Three initiatives fit our needs very well: Global harmonization of MRLs Increased pest management capacity for
organic production Comparative performance trials
Global Harmonization of MRLs
In 2008, Montanans harvested approximately 5,470,000 acres of wheat, over 164 million bushels, valued at over a billion dollars.
80% of Montana’s grain is sold overseasMontana makes up at least 50% of all
PNW port’s Hard Red Winter Wheat Shipments.
MRL Harmonization
1 in 3 bushels of Montana wheat goes to Japan.
Our barley markets are expanding into Mexico, South America, and may soon include Cuba.
Biggest CURRENT issue is the use of paraquat on wheat.
Ornamentals
Another area of concern in Montana is export requirements for fumigation of plant parts and the loss of fumigation options in the US.
Ornamental pests of concern include European pine shoot moth, Emerald Ash Borer, and to a lesser degree light brown apple moth.
Organics
According to recent data, Montana ranks: 1st among states in the production of
certified organic wheat, and 2nd in organic production of all grains,
peas, lentils and flax. We also have certified growers of cherries,
apples, wine grapes, herbs, farmer’s market vegetables, mushrooms, sprouts, hard squash, livestock...etc.
Comparative Performance Trials
IMO, we are losing state expertise in this area.
Sweet cherries/ fruit fly management example
Small grains—seed treat; field applications; choosing pesticides when faced with limited practical application of Ag IPM/ loss of broad spectrum products/ new pests; loss of new product field trials.
Alternative Crops Many Montanans would like to see more
alternative crops available for use in small grain rotations• Disease, pest, nutrient, moisture management• Better able to respond to changing market economics
It is vital that pest management considerations are included in new crop development at an early stage, so that new crops are not marketed to our producers without appropriate pest management options.
Summary
Montana primarily grows minor crops Montana is a leader in production of some
organic commodities Many factors (i.e. geographical distance,
inputs, lack of major in-state processing, and pressure to convert land to non-ag uses) contribute to our need to add value to our agricultural productivity.
Some Montana Agriculture Photos
The end