PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION

WSU Urban IPM and Pesticide Education recertification courses will be held via webinars during the 2021 training season.

• Five 3-hour webinar courses available in 2021

• Washington, Oregon, and Idaho approved each of the webinar courses in 2021 for THREE credits

• Each webinar course is $30

• Webinar courses will be held 8:30 am to 11:30 am

• WSU is offering a Group Viewing option

January 21 Integrated Weed Management

January 28 Pesticide Laws and Compliance

February 11 Pesticides and the Environment

February 18 Integrated Pest Management

Visit: www.pep.wsu.edu for more information.

Announcements

JANUARY

11 WSU Farmer's Network Online Workshops. The WSU Farmer’s Network is transitioning its Winter 2020/2021 workshops online: http://smallgrains.wsu.edu/event/soil-health-measuring-and-managing/.

18-22 WSU Tree Fruit Days Webinar. Information on key horticulture and pest management topics, including management of fire blight and apple mildew, new varieties, apple and pear IPM, labor, rootstocks and scions, an much more. Visit: http://treefruit.wsu.edu/event/tree-fruit-days/ for more information.

22 Family Foresters Conference. WSU and University of Idaho Extension foresters will host an Online Family Foresters Conference. Details will be posted at forestry.wsu.edu.

25-28 WA/OR Potato Conference 2021 Virtual Tradeshow. Includes a Spanish language program with pesticide credits. For more information or to register, call 509-766-7123 or visit www.potatoconference.com.

28 Weed Board/ WSU Cereal Grain Virtual Program ( a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Virtually on Zoom, link will be available on January 15th. 5 WSDA and 5 ODA credits pending. Topics include: Use of Biological Controls and Insects as part of an Integrated Weed Management Program; WA State Noxious Weed Board Update. Contact the Extension Office for more information.

FEBRUARY

8-12 Soil Con, Washington Soil Health Week. This week long virtual event will cover all aspects of soil health in Washington State and beyond. Visit: https://pheedloop.com/wasoilcon/site/home/

24– 28 Virtual Sewing & Stitchery Expo. Registration starts January 12th. Download a class catalog at: https://sewexpo.com/teachers-vendors/teachers/2021-class-catalog/.

January 2021 Volume 2021, Issue 1

328 West Poplar, Walla Walla, WA 99362 Phone: 509.524.2685 Fax: 509.524.2695 http://extension.wsu.edu/wallawalla

Newslet ter

Updates

WASHINGTON RECEIVES $4.65 MILLION IN SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT FUNDS

Leisa Schumaker, WSDA SCBG Program Manager

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has received $4.65 million in federal Specialty Crop Block Grant funds to support projects that increase the competitiveness and demand of the state’s specialty crops.

Specialty Crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture. WSDA will fund 21 projects with the money, with awards ranging from $61,000 to $250,000 going to non-profits,

government organizations, universities and community colleges, and agricultural commissions.

WSDA selected projects through a competitive two-phase process with Phase I focusing on the concept behind the project and Phase II expanding on the project with much more detail.

These projects focus on areas of plant health and pest management, small farm operations, domestic and international marketing, food safety, training and education, as well as new innovative technologies.

You can review the 2020 Specialty Crop Block Grant projects on our website. For more information, visit agr.wa.gov/grants and click on the Specialty Crop Block Grants link.

For those interested in applying for 2021 SCBG funds, review the 27-page Request for Proposal document for details on the application process and deadlines.

WSU LAUNCHES WATER MANAGEMENT SURVEY IN OKANOGAN, METHOW, WALLA WALLA, YAKIMA BASINS

WSU CAHNRS News

Washington State University scientists and collaborators will survey owners of irrigated farms this winter in the Okanogan, Methow, Walla Walla, and Yakima river basins. Insights from irrigators will help researchers develop innovations to foster water use efficiency for Northwest residents, agriculture, and the environment.

The survey will help scientists better understand farmers’ views about how water is and should be managed, why more active water markets have not developed, and how new technologies for water use might be used.

2

MG PLANT CLINICS

Master Gardeners are

available for plant issues

and identification through

our virtual clinic. Visit our

website at: https://

extension.wsu.edu/

wallawalla/gardening/ to

find the clinic forms. Email

the form along with photos

to: becki.green@wsu.edu.

POSTMASTER send address

changes to:

WSU EXTENSION

328 WEST POPLAR

WALLA WALLA, WA 99362

WSU EXTENSTION NEWSLETTER

PUBLISHED 4-6 TIMES ANNUALLY

VOLUME 2021 NO. 1

WSU EXTENSION

WALLA WALLA COUNTY

328 WEST POPLAR

WALLA WALLA, WA 99362

The WSU Walla Walla

County Extension Office is

currently closed due to the

COVID-19 virus. We

anticipate returning to the

office when Walla Walla

County moves into Phase

3. Appointments will still

need to be made prior to

visiting our office. We

appreciate your patience

while we work through the

current restrictions. You

can contact us at 509-524-

2685 or email

becki.green@wsu.edu.

3

The survey is part of a larger project funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and led by the State of Washington Water Research Center, which focuses on developing new technology and practices that could provide better information to support water use decisions for people and the environment.

“We hope that over time, results from this survey might improve growers’ yields and increase the value and security of water rights,” said survey lead, Joe Cook, scientist with WSU’s School of Economic Sciences.

The survey asks people about their use of weather forecasts and how they might best be improved, basic information about their operations, their views on water management policies, and their views and experience with water markets.

The survey will be conducted on behalf of the research team by Pacific Market Research during December 2020 and January 2021. The survey does not ask any questions that would put anyone’s water right at risk of relinquishment. All responses will be kept confidential.

Cook and project extension lead Georgine Yorgey, both with WSU, will host a series of virtual community meetings in December and January for community members who would like to learn more and ask questions. These meetings are currently scheduled for:

• 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, January 5

• 8-9 a.m. Thursday, January 7

Registration for the meetings is required. To register, see the survey questions in advance, or learn more about the overall project, visit the Washington Water Research Center’s survey webpage: https://tinyurl.com/WRCsurvey2020.

Eligible water rights holders and irrigation district growers will be chosen at random to receive an invitation letter to participate. Invited participants can complete the survey on paper, or online using their personal access code at WaWaterSurvey.com (for water rights holders) or WaWaterResearch.com (for irrigation district growers). Anyone who is not randomly selected to receive an invitation but

would like to participate is welcome to do so and should contact Professor Cook at joe.cook@wsu.edu or by phone at (509) 335-3817.

Researchers will prepare a short report on survey results in spring 2021. This report will be posted publicly and shared with local community leaders and water managers. Please contact the team to receive a

copy of the report when it is published.

For questions or more information on the survey, contact Joe Cook at joe.cook@wsu.edu or by phone at (509) 335-3817.

4-H News

On November 15, 4-H

youth and adult volunteers

were honored at the 2020

virtual 4-H Achievement

Night. Awards were

presented to 4-H

members, clubs, and

volunteers in recognition of

their 4-H accomplishments

during the past year.

Sarah Bergman received

recognition as the

Outstanding 4-H Volunteer

Leader of the Year.

Robin German received

the Inspirational Leader of

the Year award and has

been a 4-H leader for 20

years.

Walla Walla Toastmasters

received the 4-H

Appreciation Award for

their continuing support of

the 4-H program and its

members.

Two outstanding 4-H

Members from Walla

Walla County were

selected in each age

division based on the

quality and growth of their

4-H project, leadership

skills, and their active

involvement in the county

4-H program. The junior

division outstanding

members were Marlaina

Kreger and Tucker Wicks;

the intermediate division

recipients were Maggie

Phelps and Jacob

Brouillette; and the senior

division winners were

Annie Neal and Sam

Brouillette. Joe Cook,

Professor, WSU

School of

Economic Sciences

4

Forcing Bulbs Steps

• Add enough potting media to make sure the bulbs are placed at the correct level. Tulips and Hyacinths should be planted so just the tip of the bulb is above the soil line. Daffodils should be planted so about half of the bulb is above the soil line. Smaller bulbs such as crocus, grape hyacinths and snowdrops should be potted one inch below the soil line.

• Plant 4-8 bulbs in the pot depending on the size of both the pot and the bulbs.

• Label each pot with bulb variety and potting date.

• Add water until it drips from the drainage holes.

• Keep the bulbs between 35 and 48 degrees Fahrenheit. Some places that may work are a basement, outdoor trench, refrigerator or cold frame. Forty degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.

• Keep slightly moist.

• After 12-14 weeks the bulbs can be brought in the house to begin forcing. It is a good idea to keep in a cooler area of the house for the first week or two, 60 degrees is preferable at this stage. Avoid placing near a heater or direct sunlight.

• After the flower buds are almost fully developed, the bulbs may be moved to where they will be displayed and enjoyed.

• The flower life can be extended by placing in a cool area at night.

• Enjoy!

FINDING HAPPINESS ONE BLOOM AT A TIME

Dixie Sandborn, Michigan State University Extension

Stuck at home? Bring a little bit of happiness to your life with flowers this winter.

Many of us have been safe at home for many months. One way to make your homestay a little cheerier is to add flowers. A recent study published by Jeannette Haviland-Jones, PhD, reports that research now proves flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. A professor of psychology at Rutgers University, Haviland’s study reported participants felt less depressed, anxious and agitated around flowers. This confirms a

long–held belief about flowers, as Haviland noted, “Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy.” In other studies, it is also noted that workspace is positively affected when flowers are present, to which Haviland commented, “Flowers bring about positive feelings in those who enter a room.”

So how can you bring a little bit of happiness to your life with flowers this winter? Cut flowers are always great, but there are also many flowering plant options available for gardeners as well. Flowering plants tend to be a better value as they last longer, some for many years.

During winter months, forcing bulbs indoors is a great way to do some cold weather gardening. Easy winter favorites that are readily available now include are Paperwhites (narcissus sp.) and Amaryllis. Paperwhites and Amaryllis are tropical bulbs and do not require a cold period. Both types are a great addition to any holiday décor.

African violets are another all-time favorite that does well indoors and can be easily propagated by leaf cuttings. The stem of the violet can be placed in water or in soil for easy rooting and many violets can be started from just one stem cutting. Start several at a time and pass the happiness around by sharing with friends and family!

Orchids are another great indoor plant that has become very popular in recent years. Orchids are a very affordable option, these flowers last weeks at a time, re-flower, require little care and come in a variety of interesting colors, shapes and sizes. As a result, orchids have become an all-around “go to” plant for all occasions.

These recommendations are not the only plants that will flourish inside this

Home & Garden

African violet

Amaryllis are a great addition to any

holiday décor.

5

winter. Potted miniature roses, holiday cactus, kalanchoes, periwinkles and primroses are also good options and can be transplanted to a semi-shady outdoor location this spring. In addition, there are always interesting options at local grocery stores and box stores. Head to a retail location near you to see what new plants and varieties are available, as well as old favorites.

Let the inner gardener in you nurture a plant during these winter months. It will lift your spirits and bring happiness to those you live and work with!

WHAT ARE YOU WORTH” HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR NET WORTH

Beth Waitrovich, Michigan State University Extension

A net worth statement can help plan for future financial decisions.

Do you know how to determine your financial net worth? You may actually have more financial worth than you thought!

A net worth statement is a calculation of how much you are worth financially at a certain point in time. A net worth statement is a way to keep tabs on your families’ possessions. Experts suggest preparing a net worth statement every year.

Assets – Liabilities = Net Worth

To calculate your net worth the first time, it’s helpful to use a prepared worksheet. It will help to you to learn what assets and liabilities make up a financial net worth. You may have already calculated your net worth when you filled out an application for a mortgage or auto loan.

The first step is to calculate the value of your assets. This includes the value of your home, cash value of whole life insurance policies, savings accounts, United States Savings Bonds, annuity values, car values, value of household furnishings and appliances, value of collections, jewelry, gun collections, furs, etc. If you own mutual funds, stocks, or bonds, determine the value. This can often be found of the website of the brokerage firm on your personal account. Total the value of your assets.

The next step is to determine your liabilities or debts. This includes balances owed on loans, credit cards, principal balance on a mortgage or real estate loans including second mortgages or home equity loans. Add the sum of the balances.

Subtract the value of your liabilities from the value of your assets. This is your net worth. Remember this is just a snap shot in time. Preparing a net worth statement each year will give you a picture of how you are faring financially from year to year.

Family Living

THANK YOU!

for providing postage for this newsletter!

Net Worth Stock Illustrations Dreamtime.com

Actual Cash Value

In the property and casualty insurance industry, Actual Cash Value (ACV) is a method of valuing insured property. It is calculated by subtracting depreciation from the replacement cost. The depreciation is usually calculated by establishing a useful or expected life of the item and determining what percentage of that life remains.

Formula

The actual cash value (ACV) calculation formula is

as follows:

ACV = R × (E - C) / E

Where:

ACV = actual cash value

R = replacement cost or purchase price of the item

E = expected life of the item

C = current life of the item

Source: Miniwebtool.com

Celebrating 100 Years of Extending

Debbie M. Williams County Extension

Follow safe food handling practices when you are baking and cooking with flour and other raw ingredients:

• Do not taste or eat any raw dough or batter, whether for cookies, tortillas, pizza, biscuits, pancakes, or crafts, made with raw flour, such as homemade play dough or holiday ornaments.

• Do not let children play with or eat raw dough, including dough for crafts.

• Bake or cook raw dough and batter, such as cookie dough and cake mix, before eating.

• Follow the recipe or package directions for cooking or baking at the proper temperature and for the specified time.

• Do not make milkshakes with products that contain raw flour, such as cake mix.

• Do not use raw homemade cookie dough in ice cream.

• Keep raw foods such as flour or eggs separate from ready-to-eat foods. Because flour is a powder, it can spread easily.

• Follow label directions to refrigerate products containing raw dough or eggs until they are cooked.

• Clean up thoroughly after handling flour, eggs, or raw

dough.

Source: CDC Food Safety Website