Because we are in California, we have to be diligent because pests can hang on for a long part of our extended growing season compared to other areas.”
Ryan Huffman
Tulelake, CA
“Luckily, at our altitude, we have very few pests or diseases to have to deal with. We actually face more problems getting the hay to dry down before it either gets rain or starts to bleach out, lowering the visual quality of the hay. Because we supply dairies and other high-quality buyers, visual appeal has an impact on our sales.”
Jerry Bashaw
Picabo, ID
“My biggest pest problem is alfalfa weevil. When conditions permit, I spray for the weevil at the same time I spray for weeds in the spring.
This is generally done as a preventative measure, but I have found when I take the time to treat for them, we have fewer problems. Many times, when I know I have a problem, it is too late to do something about it.”
Rulon Fowers
Hooper, UT
“Pocket gophers are by far the biggest problem we have. We constantly are baiting and harrowing down hills. My secret weapons are the Jack Russell terriers we own.
They follow the tractors through the field on either side and very quickly eliminate any gophers stirred up as we work the hay. They take care of more gophers than any other method out there.”
Tammy Babcock
Bieber, CA
