In brief
for Idaho on March 12, 2010
Updated: Saturday, March 13, 2010 10:09 AM
Idaho investigates wolf hunter
POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) -- Idaho Fish and Game officials say they hope to use DNA evidence to determine whether a wolf kill actually took place in the hunting zone in which it was reported.
Fish and Game Conservation Officer Lauren Wendt said there is no evidence anything illegal occurred, but that the reported kill is suspicious because there have never been any wolf sightings near where the hunter reported the kill.
The kill was reported Dec. 28 in the Southern Idaho Zone, in a hunting unit that stretches from Rexburg down past Ririe, Ucon, Rigby and Roberts.
The Idaho State Journal reports that the hunting zone where the hunter lives had already reached its wolf kill quota and was closed at the time of the reported kill.
Privacy for feedlots approved
BOISE (AP) -- Cattle feed lot operators are hoping lawmakers will restrict public access to manure management reports, comparing their waste handling strategies to trade secrets worthy of protection from competitors.
The Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee approved a measure, 6-2, on March 9 that would keep the curious from routine feedlot inspection reports. The reports by the Department of Agriculture are done once or twice a year and available to the public upon request.
Idaho Cattle Association representative Rick Stott said information like the number of cows owned or how manure is disposed or treated could become a competitive advantage to other operators.
The Idaho Conservation League's Courtney Washburn opposes the bill. She says making inspection reports confidential would prevent the public from tracking the state's efforts to regulate the industry and protect the environment.
Classes set for farmers' markets
Training is available for farmers who want to take advantage of the growing number of farmers' markets in Idaho.
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is partnering with the University of Idaho extension, College of Southern Idaho, Three Rivers RC&D and local markets to provide training for marketing, promotion and business planning.
The number of farmers' markets in Idaho has more than doubled since 2006.
Workshop times and locations include:
* Moscow, March 13, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., 1912 Center;
* Twin Falls, March 27, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., College of Southern Idaho.
Pre-registration is required. Cost is $20 per person, including lunch.
For more information contact Menasco at 208-332-8538 or lacey.menasco@agri.
idaho.gov
Crews remove derailed train
WILSON CREEK, Wash. (AP) -- A rail line that closed in Eastern Washington after a 24-car derailment has reopened.
Burlington Northern Santa Fe spokesman Gus Melonas says the line reopened at 5 p.m. March 7.
No one was hurt when the 110-car train traveling from Florence, Minn., to Seattle derailed Saturday morning near Wilson Creek, about 18 miles north of Moses Lake. However, it blocked the single track, used by about 20 freight and Amtrak trains daily.
The train was carrying corn, which was taken to a nearby grain elevator.