Bob Stefanski

So farmers rely almost entirely on mid-summer storms that surge up from the tropics into the eastern third of the country, says Bob Stefanski, meteorologist with USDA's World Agricultural Outlook Board.

Stefanski explains that you can draw a dividing line north through the countryfrom the western shore of the South China Sea along the coast of Vietnam.West of the line doesn't get rain.East of the line does--except when the jet stream stays too far south and blocks the storms.Then no one gets rain.

Throughout history, China routinely suffered drought and flood deadly beyond comparison or even comprehension in the Western world.Yet China has persisted as a continuous culture for 5,000 years and as a nation for more than 2,000 years.

Department meteorologist Bob Stefanski has the numbers. (more)

Export promotion money is available in Idaho. October 30, 2001

Small companies and agriculture cooperatives are missing out on a lot of money that can help promote their products in overseas markets.The Western U-S Agricultural Trade Association is willing to pay half of the promotion cost. (more)

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However, USDA meteorologist Bob Stefanski says Washington and Oregon could use some rain. (more)

Crookham Seed Company, alive and well after 90 years. September 18, 2001

CROOKHAM -"Any time you consume sweet corn, there's a good chances we are involved in some form or another."(more)

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Department meteorologist Bob Stefanski, says the percentage of the crop in good to excellent condition, increased from 43 to 45 percent. (more)

UI Cropping Systems Focus of Field Day in June MOSCOW - New research developments in crops and cropping systems technologies will be featured at the University of Idaho's Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences Department Field Day on June 26 at the UI Parker Research Farm east of Moscow. (more)

Wheat crop concerns April 16, 2001 Wheat futures closed sharply higher last Thursday, the last day of trading..
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USDA meteorologist Bob Stefanski, says the percentage of the crop rated in the good to excellent category dropped one percent, down to 43.That compares to 61 percent this time last year. (more)

Struggling with the farm bill, and payments for farmers and ranchers

April 9, 2001 - Congress is wrestling with agricultural issues this session, with both long and short term measures being considered to stimulate the ag economy.While there would appear to be a real need to reform the current farm bill, the first priority is budgeting money for another farmer bail out this crop year.