1997 Annual Report for FW97-049
Project Type: Farmer/Rancher
Funds awarded in 1997: $3,500.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/1999
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $1,401.60
Region: Western
State: Idaho
Principal Investigator:
Non-Irrigated Alfalfa Performance Trial, Benewah County, Idaho
Summary
Alfalfa, while valued at twice the price of local grass hay, has been difficult to grow in this area because of winter kill and pea aphid destruction. This project will test 10 varieties of alfalfa for their hardiness and resistance to pea aphids without using pesticides or herbicides. If a non-irrigated, hardy, disease-resistant alfalfa grown with sustainable practices shows success, many small farms could benefit by improving soil quality, reducing the use of chemicals, improving quality and yield and increasing their income.