IR-4 in Montana

Amy Bamber

Montana Department of Agriculture

March 2009

What we’ll cover

Brief description of my role Current state of IR-4 in Montana How the 2009-2013 draft Strategic Plan

intersects with our needs Summary

Montana Department of Agriculture

Section Supervisor• Groundwater Protection Program

• Special Pesticide Registrations (18/24(c))

• Threatened and Endangered Species

• Vertebrate Pest Control

• Other duties…

IR-4 in Montana Reeves Petroff Gap Mary Burrows

• Inclusion of camelina in oilseed crop grouping• Request for transfer of canola tolerance to camelina

for Poast.

IR-4 is still not recognized as a resource by most people involved in agriculture in Montana at this time.

Minor Crops in Montana

Grains—some wheat, malt barley, feed barley, oats

Pulses—dry beans, dry peas, Austrian winter peas, lentils

Oilseeds—camelina, canola, flaxseed, mustard seed (juncea), safflower, sunflower

Other Crops—alfalfa seed, hay, seed potatoes, sugar beets, sweet cherries

2009-2013 Draft Strategic Plan

Three initiatives fit our needs very well: Global harmonization of MRLs Increased pest management capacity for

organic production Comparative performance trials

Global Harmonization of MRLs

In 2008, Montanans harvested approximately 5,470,000 acres of wheat, over 164 million bushels, valued at over a billion dollars.

80% of Montana’s grain is sold overseasMontana makes up at least 50% of all

PNW port’s Hard Red Winter Wheat Shipments.

MRL Harmonization

1 in 3 bushels of Montana wheat goes to Japan.

Our barley markets are expanding into Mexico, South America, and may soon include Cuba.

Biggest CURRENT issue is the use of paraquat on wheat.

Ornamentals

Another area of concern in Montana is export requirements for fumigation of plant parts and the loss of fumigation options in the US.

Ornamental pests of concern include European pine shoot moth, Emerald Ash Borer, and to a lesser degree light brown apple moth.

Organics

According to recent data, Montana ranks: 1st among states in the production of

certified organic wheat, and 2nd in organic production of all grains,

peas, lentils and flax. We also have certified growers of cherries,

apples, wine grapes, herbs, farmer’s market vegetables, mushrooms, sprouts, hard squash, livestock...etc.

Comparative Performance Trials

IMO, we are losing state expertise in this area.

Sweet cherries/ fruit fly management example

Small grains—seed treat; field applications; choosing pesticides when faced with limited practical application of Ag IPM/ loss of broad spectrum products/ new pests; loss of new product field trials.

Alternative Crops Many Montanans would like to see more

alternative crops available for use in small grain rotations• Disease, pest, nutrient, moisture management• Better able to respond to changing market economics

It is vital that pest management considerations are included in new crop development at an early stage, so that new crops are not marketed to our producers without appropriate pest management options.

Summary

Montana primarily grows minor crops Montana is a leader in production of some

organic commodities Many factors (i.e. geographical distance,

inputs, lack of major in-state processing, and pressure to convert land to non-ag uses) contribute to our need to add value to our agricultural productivity.

Questions or Comments?

Amy BamberMontana Department of

Agricultureabamber@mt.gov

406-444-3676

Some Montana Agriculture Photos

The end