Demand for organic grain has outpaced actual US grain production in recent years. Yet little is known about organic grain production in the Palouse, likely because it comprises a small portion of total crop production. This study takes a closer look. It examines crop productivity under reduced-tillage conditions, provides estimates of field-scale costs, determines the benefits of crop rotation, and describes the principal factors that determine profitability within cropping systems. The verdict: organic grain and forage production can be a profitable niche enterprise within a traditional Palouse nonorganic wheat farm.
In this Extension bulletin, we describe the ecology of jointed goatgrass at various stages of its life cycle, and then relate these characteristics to the effectiveness of cultural practices used for managing jointed goatgrass.
Jointed goatgrass and wheat have a close genetic relationship and share many traits. Understanding the genetic relationship between wheat
and jointed goatgrass will help with the development of management strategies. Current herbicide-resistant wheat technology will provide
producers with a tool to control jointed goatgrass in the crop.