Oilseed crop workshops planned for region

A series of free workshops on oilseed crop production will be at three locations in eastern Washington next month.

Registration begins Dec. 10 for three one-day workshops focusing on oilseed crop production in Washington State.

Washington State University and USDA Agricultural Research Service researchers will offer sessions from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Armory in Okanogan, Jan. 26 at the community building in Reardan, Wash .; and Jan. 27 at Hill Ray Plaza in Colfax.

WSU professor of soil science Bill Pan said the workshops will supply the latest information and provide a forum for growers and industry members to share their experiences, he said.

Through grower interviews and field and laboratory research, researchers have narrowed their focus to key opportunities in the major growing regions to find where oilseeds will best fit into crop rotations and production systems.

In 2009, the Farm Service Agency indicated there were 7,400 acres of the oilseed crops, less than 1 percent of farmland. That number hasn’t changed much since 2009, said WSU crop scientist Dennis Roe.

Following the workshops, Pan plans to continue research and outreach activities promoting oilseed production in Washington, publishing grower case studies and management guidelines.

Oilseed research plots in Pullman, Ralston and Okanogan will continue, Roe said.

The workshops include a hosted lunch at noon.

Contact Roe at 509-335-3491.