Announcements
Vine to Wine: Successfully Establishing a Vineyard and Winery
April 12-13, 2008
WSU Extension presents a wonderful opportunity for potential and beginning vineyard owners and winemakers! This two-day event will feature speakers from WSU and the wine and grape industry, speakiing on a number of topics with the goal of enhancing your chances of success in this premier wine industry. Please check the website for more information and information on how to register.
WSGS Memorial Scholarship Open
Every year, the Washington State Grape Society offers a scholarship to a deserving person who engages in a field of study relating to the growing of grapes. This scholarship is targeted towards graduate students, but under-graduate students may also apply. The deadline for receiving applications is April 15th. We would like to encourage students to apply for this scholarship by downloading the application form from this email, WSGS website at www.grapesociety.org or by contacting a professor in the viticulture/enology program at WSU.
Thank you for your help in getting this information into the hands of potential candidates. Questions regarding the scholarship may be addressed to Scholarship Chair – Dr. Russell Smithyman russell.smithyman@ste-michelle.com 509.786.2104 or by contacting the Washington State Grape Society office deb@grapesociety.org or 509.786.7888
Survey SAYS: Great Grapes!
The results of a 2005 survey show that, for Washington State wine and juice grape growers, the glass is empty on pesticide use and full on integrated pest management. That's grape news for producers, consumers, and the environment!
Short Shoot Syndrome in Oregon
This is a brief alert about the short shoot syndrome that has been affecting Oregon grapes, and has started to affect grapes in the Walla Walla region. Be sure to read carefully and please contact WSU or OSU extension for more information
Download Short Shoot Alert Here
Below-Market Loans to Beginning Farmer/Ranchers in Washington
The Washington State Housing Finance Commission in partnership with Northwest Farm Credit Services is offering low-interest loans to beginning farmers and ranchers. The loans may be used to purchase land and improvements (up to $250,000), purchase of new, depreciable equipment (up to $125,000), and used depreciable equipment (up to $62,500). Borrowers must directly manage and work the farm/ranch, but off-farm income is okay.
Contact Tia Peycheff about the program at: (206) 287-4416 or (800) 767-4663 (toll free within state), or email tia.peycheff@wshfc.org.
For downloadable forms, visit www.wshfc.org/FarmRanch/index.htm
New Building Pictures