REACCH scientists contribute to National Climate Assessment

REACCH scientists highlighted Northwest agriculture perspectives in the National Climate Assessment. Sanford Eigenbrode, project director and University of Idaho professor, and Susan Capalbo and Philip Mote of Oregon State University contributed to the report. The White House released this document Tuesday. A 1990 law stipulates the climate assessments be published every four years.

The difference between weather and climate

If you were asked the question “What is the difference between weather and climate?” would you know how to answer it? Given the dependence of agriculture on weather and climate, it is important to clearly define both terms.

End-of-the-century climate and wheat production

"Climate change may increase wheat productivity in the Pacific Northwest." —Claudio Stöckle

New aphid damages wheat more than crops

A new aphid has been found in North America! was pronounced in July 2013.

Precision Agriculture Offers Exciting Conservation Opportunities for Farmers

High-tech tools help us better understand natural and human-managed ecosystems. —Troy Magney

When I began working with REACCH last year, it was interesting that no matter where I went or who I spoke to, the topic of precision agriculture came up. Not only were researchers studying it but farmers were using it, professors were teaching it, regional businesses were selling software and equipment, and conservation organizations were promoting and funding it. So exactly what is precision agriculture and why is everyone so interested?

Around the Web: Producers respond to climate challenges

The Farm Journal recently covered the precautions some producers are taking for variable weather, especially extreme weather events, in "Climate change creates new farming risks."

Exploring Field Scale Variability with Remote Sensing and EMI Sensors

Precision agriculture utilizes information technologies to modify land management practices in a site-specific manner as conditions change spatially and temporally for optimum profitability, sustainability, and protection of the environment.

Precision agriculture deals with 5 “R’s”:

Cover Crops, Soil Conservation, and Prevented Planting Acres

Each ton of soil eroded in the Pacific farm production region has a negative economic impact of $0.53. —David Steury

As many of you and your clients consider crop insurance purchases before the sales closing date, here is some REACCH research, conducted by Professor of Agricultural Economics Kate Painter and her 2013 University of Idaho REACCH summer intern David Steury, on the dilemma of prevented planting acres and soil conservation.

Analyzing Regional Climate Models for the PNW

Climate models are the most sophisticated tool we have to better our understanding of how our climate will change.

Climate models have proven their utility in accurately reproducing past, observed changes in our climate. They have also shown the ability to pick up on key physical and human influences on our climate, improving confidence in their accuracy.

U.S. Northwest feels the heat

REACCH scientist John Abatzoglou explains why July and August were so hot.

Aside from a few locations in mid-latitudes, July and August are the warmest months of the year. However, the northwestern US experienced extraordinary warmth over the past 6-8 weeks with most locations 2-3 degrees C (3-5 F) above normal adding to the crescendo of the hottest time of the year.

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Research