A laboratory analysis of dead honeybee samples taken from hives in Clackamas County this summer showed no detection of pesticides, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Officials said that other factors are likely to be responsible for the death of thousands of bees from colonies owned by four local beekeepers. In addition, Oregon State […]
Attend “Covering Your Assets” workshop on August 13
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Photo by Jason Faucera, Clackamas County SWCD Discover ways to save money, reduce pesticide use, and improve the results of pesticide applications at the “Covering Your Assets” workshop on Wednesday, August 13, from 3–9 p.m. at Hans Nelson Nursery (31020 SE Waybill Rd., Boring, Oregon). This hands-on workshop will cover sprayer care, manual and electronic […]
Smart sprayer demo set for August 14
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A team of researchers is developing a Smart Sprayer, which will be demonstrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 at Hans Nelson and Sons Nursery, 31020 S.E. Waybill Road, Boring, Oregon. The sprayer, which is still being tested, uses a laser to detect the height, width and volume of the plants in a row. With […]
House approves bill creating Pollinator Health Task Force
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As reported recently in the Capital Press (Salem, Ore.), a proposal to reclassify neonicotinoids as “restricted use pesticides” has been removed from a bill currently before the Oregon Legislature. The classification would have meant that only licensed applicators could use the class of chemicals. Instead, the bill calls for creation of a Pollinator Health Task […]
ODA to lift temporary dinotefuran rule, replace with label restrictions
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The Oregon Department of Agriculture plans to lift temporary restrictions on the use of the insecticide dinotefuran, effective Dec. 24. These rules will be replaced with new, Oregon-specific label restrictions. The decision was announced on Thursday (Nov. 21) at a meeting of the House Interim Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources. At that meeting, OAN […]
New version of intelligent sprayer arrives in Oregon
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USDA engineering technician Adam Clark drives the intelligent sprayer down a row of Japanese maples at Hans Nelson and Son Nursery Inc. in Boring, Ore. The machine detects where plant material is located and only sprays solution where it is needed. From where we sit, the intelligent sprayer being researched by the USDA Agricultural Research […]
Pesticide and waste collection event coming Oct. 22
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A free collection event for agricultural wastes, pesticides and empty containers will be held from 8 a.m.–noon Saturday, Oct. 22 at Clean Harbors Environmental Services, 12402 S.E. Jennifer St., Clackamas, Ore. An event flier can be downloaded here. The event is being sponsored by Clackamas River Water Providers, Clackamas River Basin Council, the Clackamas Soil […]
Handbooks deal with insects, diseases and weeds (oh my)
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Oregon State University has published three new handbooks, aimed at gardeners, which provide the latest ways of dealing with insect pests, weeds, and plant diseases. There are print editions that can be purchased from bookstores, from an online store, or by calling the OSU Extension and Experiment Station Communications at 800-561-6719. There are also online […]
New Products Showcase is added to the 2010 Farwest Show
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Looking for a way to help your target customers find your best and newest products? The 2010 Farwest Show in Portland, Ore. is adding a new feature this year – the New Products Showcase. Think of it as just like the show’s longstanding (and much anticipated) New Varieties Showcase, except that logically enough, this one […]
EPA plans more stringent evaluation of chemicals
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on Tuesday that it will strengthen its assessment of pesticide risks, particularly to farmworkers and children. Per the press release: Under the policy, EPA risk assessments for children, farmworkers and others, would consider aggregate pesticide exposures from all sources in addition to the cumulative effects from multiple pesticides that […]