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2021

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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Sap Beetles, Nick Volesky, Zachery R. Schrumm, Kalen Taylor Dec 2021

Sap Beetles, Nick Volesky, Zachery R. Schrumm, Kalen Taylor

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Sap beetles are typically considered a secondary pest of corn and overripe fruits and vegetables. They are broadly identified by their small and ovular bodies and club-shaped antennae. Adult sap beetles often feed on corn silk, pollen, and tassels. Larvae feed on kernels inside the husk. This fact sheet reviews how to identify sap beetles and their hosts and damage. It also provides ideas on how to monitor for sap beetles and outlines the options for managing them.

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Managing Vegetation Around Fruit Trees, Teryl Roper Nov 2021

Managing Vegetation Around Fruit Trees, Teryl Roper

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Fruit trees thrive along the Wasatch Front and in many other locations in Utah. Backyard fruit trees are very common in Utah, and producers quickly become attuned to insect and disease pests that can swiftly spoil substantial amounts of fruit. They are typically less aware of the detrimental effect of competing vegetation around fruit trees. This fact sheet describes the nature of vegetation competition and proposes management strategies to reduce or eliminate competition.

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Lily Leaf Beetle, Ann Mull, Lori R. Spears Nov 2021

Lily Leaf Beetle, Ann Mull, Lori R. Spears

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The lily leaf beetle (LLB) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an important pest from Eurasia that threatens native and cultivated true lilies (Lilium spp.) and fritillaries (Fritillaria spp.). It is also known as the red lily leaf beetle or scarlet lily beetle. LLB was first reported in North America in Montréal, Canada, in 1945 and in the U.S. in 1992 in Massachusetts, likely arriving via European shipments of lily bulbs. LLB has been detected in nine of the 10 Canadian provinces and 14 U.S. states, including the New England states, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Washington (EDDMapS, 2021). Based on LLB’s native distribution …

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Evaluation Of Cold-Hardy Grapes On The Wasatch Front, Michael Caron, Taun Beddes, Michael Pace, Brent Black Nov 2021

Evaluation Of Cold-Hardy Grapes On The Wasatch Front, Michael Caron, Taun Beddes, Michael Pace, Brent Black

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Grapes can be an excellent addition to home gardens and a revenue opportunity for small-acreage farms. Utah’s Wasatch Front region, along with portions of Cache Valley, are well suited to grow grapes, particularly the more cold-hardy cultivars. Many new cold-hardy cultivars have been introduced over the last few decades, including both wine and table types. However, many of these newer cultivars have not been adequately tested in Utah’s unique climate. Utah State University Extension conducted a grape cultivar comparison planting in Lehi, Utah. This fact sheet reviews the outcomes of the study and offers information on tested varieties that have …

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Low Tunnels For Field Cut Flower Production, Shannon Rauter, Melanie Stock, Brent Black, Dan Drost Nov 2021

Low Tunnels For Field Cut Flower Production, Shannon Rauter, Melanie Stock, Brent Black, Dan Drost

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Cut flower production in Utah can be limited by cold winters, late-spring freezes, daily temperature fluctuations, canyon winds, and intense sunlight. For growers who lack the space to construct a high tunnel, low tunnels can advance, extend, and improve seasonal production. Temperature increases from low tunnels during winter and spring can increase emergence and yield compared to unprotected beds, but require venting to avoid heat damage. During summer, low tunnels easily transition into shade structures that provide cooling and protection from the sun. This fact sheet describes a simple and cost-effective low tunnel design with metal-conduit hoops that are tall …

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Breastfeeding: Tools For Success, Norah Ashby, Casey Coombs, Stacy Bevan, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos Oct 2021

Breastfeeding: Tools For Success, Norah Ashby, Casey Coombs, Stacy Bevan, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos

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Every mother has a unique breastfeeding experience. Breastfeeding is natural, but that does not mean it comes naturally to every mother. The benefits of exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months and supplemental breastfeeding through the second year of life are well documented (Lessen & Kavanagh, 2015). However, there are many barriers that may prevent mothers from breastfeeding, including discomfort or pain, milk supply concerns, or simply not knowing how to breastfeed (Lessen & Kavanagh, 2015; Westerfield et al., 2018). Fortunately, there are a variety of tools that mothers can use to create a successful breastfeeding experience (Dennis et al., …

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Evaluating Alternative Feed Sources During Drought, Matthew D. Garcia, Ruger P. Carter, Ryan Larsen, Eric Thacker, Jacob Hadfield, Reganne K. Briggs, Justen Smith Oct 2021

Evaluating Alternative Feed Sources During Drought, Matthew D. Garcia, Ruger P. Carter, Ryan Larsen, Eric Thacker, Jacob Hadfield, Reganne K. Briggs, Justen Smith

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During years of drought, it is important to critically evaluate alternative feed sources available for cattle. The traditional method for sustaining a herd through a drought is feeding extra stored forage to compensate for decreased forage production or decreased forage quality available on rangelands and pastures due to drought conditions. However, hay prices rise substantially, and availability decreases due to irrigation water limitations and increased demand from livestock producers. This fact sheet will evaluate why hay prices rise and what alternatives are available to compensate for forage reductions during drought.

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Size And Scope Of San Juan County Agriculture 2020, Reagan Wytsalucy, Ryan Feuz, Ryan Larsen, Paige Wray Sep 2021

Size And Scope Of San Juan County Agriculture 2020, Reagan Wytsalucy, Ryan Feuz, Ryan Larsen, Paige Wray

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Located in the southeast corner of the state with approximately 5.2 million acres, San Juan County (SJC) is the largest county in Utah. It makes up one of the four corner states bordered by Colorado on the east and Arizona on the south. Surrounding Utah counties include Kane, Garfield, Wayne, Emery, and Grand. The current population is estimated at 15,772. This fact sheet provides agricultural information on land ownership, crop, vegetable, and livestock production, county characteristics, and producer farm income for San Juan County.

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Gambel Oak Care, Shawn Olsen, Debbie Amundsen, Shital Poudyal Sep 2021

Gambel Oak Care, Shawn Olsen, Debbie Amundsen, Shital Poudyal

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Gambel oak is commonly called scrub oak, but other common names are Rocky Mountain white oak and Utah white oak. The scientific name is Quercus gambelii, after William Gambel, an American naturalist. This fact sheet reviews Gambel oak's usability in the landscape, its care, growth requirements, diseases and pests, and maintenance.

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Increasing Fiber Intake During Childhood And Adolescence, Madison Gunter, Stacy Bevan, Casey Coombs, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos Sep 2021

Increasing Fiber Intake During Childhood And Adolescence, Madison Gunter, Stacy Bevan, Casey Coombs, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos

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Fiber is an important part of a healthful diet that provides numerous benefits when adequately consumed. Yet, many individuals do not know what fiber is, let alone how to eat enough. Thus, it is no surprise that fiber has been a dietary concern among children and adolescents for over a decade, with less than 10% of youth meeting recommended fiber intakes (Finn et al., 2019; Kranz et al., 2012; McGill et al., 2015). In this fact sheet, we will discuss what fiber is, along with its health benefits, current recommendations, and strategies for incorporating fiber into your child’s diet.

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Sycamore Scale (Stomacoccus Platani), Marion Murray, Ryan Davis Sep 2021

Sycamore Scale (Stomacoccus Platani), Marion Murray, Ryan Davis

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Sycamore scale feeds on foliage of London planetree and California sycamore in urbanized areas throughout Utah. The insect is difficult to see with the naked eye, so we rely on the primary symptom of yellow-to-brown leaf spots. If needed, the timing of treatment is at bud break and involves oil application and/or a soil-applied systemic insecticide.

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Heat Stress And Reproduction In Beef Cattle, Reganne K. Briggs, Kerry A. Rood Sep 2021

Heat Stress And Reproduction In Beef Cattle, Reganne K. Briggs, Kerry A. Rood

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Reproduction could be considered the most important production trait on a cow-calf operation. Economic outputs are sustained when cattle rebreed and calve every year in a timely manner. However, when cattle are unable to rebreed efficiently, profits may decrease for producers. It is well known that heat stress can negatively impact reproduction in cattle (Jordan, 2003). The Intermountain West has been impacted by drought and increasing temperatures, both of which can impact reproduction rates in cattle. This fact sheet helps producers understand the consequences of heat stress on cattle reproduction and how they can manage reproduction during increasing temperatures.

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Powdery Mildews On Vegetables, Nick Volesky, Marion Murray, Claudia Nischwitz Aug 2021

Powdery Mildews On Vegetables, Nick Volesky, Marion Murray, Claudia Nischwitz

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Powdery mildew is one of the most easily recognized fungal plant diseases. It is categorized by spots or patches of white-to-gray powder-like growth on foliage, stems, or fruit. Roughly 700 species exist that infect grasses, ornamentals, weeds, fruit trees, landscape trees, shrubs, and vegetables. The closely related species of fungi that cause powdery mildew are host-specific, meaning they cannot survive without the proper host. Powdery mildew fungi spread in conditions of low rainfall and hot temperatures, making Utah’s climate the perfect environment. This fact sheet provides information on powdery mildew and its management.

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High Tunnel Pest Management - Caterpillars, Nick Volesky, Marion Murray Aug 2021

High Tunnel Pest Management - Caterpillars, Nick Volesky, Marion Murray

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In Utah high tunnel production, there are various caterpillar pests (larvae of moth and butterfly species) that cause economic damage to crops. Common caterpillar pest species found in Utah include hornworms, tomato fruit worms, imported cabbage worms, diamondback moths, cabbage loopers, armyworms, and cutworms. Various weed species growing inside or outside high tunnels can attract and harbor caterpillar pests. Managing caterpillar pests in high tunnels involves various mechanical, chemical, biological, and cultural control practices.

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Creaciones En La Cocina Curriculum, Celina Wille Aug 2021

Creaciones En La Cocina Curriculum, Celina Wille

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Este currículo es una interpretación al español y adaptación cultural basado en su mayoría en la publicación titulada CREATE FAMILY MEALS* de Food Sense del Programa de Extensión de la Universidad Estatal de Utah (USU).

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Mejore Su Salud, Celina Wille, Laura Licon, Laura Paola Johnson, Anny Galvin Aug 2021

Mejore Su Salud, Celina Wille, Laura Licon, Laura Paola Johnson, Anny Galvin

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Create Better Health/Mejore su salud es una versión cultural adaptada de Create Better Health evaluada por expertos y escrita en español, Create Better Health es un currículo del programa Create Better Health Utah SNAP-Ed originalmente adaptado de Creates: Essentials in Creating Family Meals por Debra Christofferson, M.D.A., R.D., C.D. Los miembros del equipo de publicación de la versión en inglés son: Casey Coombs, M.S., R.D., C.D., subdirectora de Create Better Health Utah; Jaqueline Neid-Avila, M.D.A., R.D., C.D .; y editores / colaboradores Heidi LeBlanc, M.S., directora de Create Better Health Utah.

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Fire Blight In Utah: An Annual Management Guide, Marion Murray Jul 2021

Fire Blight In Utah: An Annual Management Guide, Marion Murray

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Fire blight is a serious disease of apple and pear trees. Because this disease spreads rapidly and symptoms are not visible until two weeks after infection, it can catch growers off-guard. Having a well-executed and integrated year-round management program can reduce losses from fire blight.

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Corn Smut (Ustilago Maydis), Kalen Taylor, Nick Volesky, Claudia Nischwitz, Marion Murray Jul 2021

Corn Smut (Ustilago Maydis), Kalen Taylor, Nick Volesky, Claudia Nischwitz, Marion Murray

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Corn smut is caused by the fungus Ustilago maydis. Smut rarely occurs in Utah and is not considered economically important for grain production. For home gardeners and small farms, serious smut infections on sweet corn can cause ears to be inedible. U. maydis spreads from plant to plant by wind-borne or water-splashed spores onto silks or through existing wounds. Therefore, keeping corn plants insect- and disease-free reduces the number of entry points for infections. This fact sheet reviews the disease cycle, identification, and management.

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Barrenador Grande Del Durazno, Marion Murray, Diane G. Alston, Celina Wille Jul 2021

Barrenador Grande Del Durazno, Marion Murray, Diane G. Alston, Celina Wille

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El barrenador grande del durazno (orden Lepidóptera, familia Sesiidae) es originario de América del Norte, donde las cerezas y ciruelas silvestres son sus huéspedes nativos. Es una plaga esporádica en los frutales de hueso o carozo de Utah, pero si no se controla, puede ser lo suficientemente grave como para causar la pérdida del árbol.

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What Is Biochar And How Is It Used?, Marion Murray Jul 2021

What Is Biochar And How Is It Used?, Marion Murray

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Biochar is a charcoal-like product that contains no petroleum. It is made by heating biomass such as herbaceous or woody crop residues, non-salvageable timber, and slash, or animal manure, in a contained system. There are many potential uses for biochar including water treatment, land reclamation, and carbon sequestration. Biochar may also be used as a soil amendment for two purposes – to improve plant health and to store carbon.

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Gusanos Canker, Marion Murray, Celina Wille Jul 2021

Gusanos Canker, Marion Murray, Celina Wille

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Los gusanos canker, también conocidos como gusanos pulgadas, pertenecen al orden Lepidóptera y a la familia Geometridae. Las polillas adultas geométridas tienen cuerpos delgados y alas anteriores relativamente grandes y anchas. Tanto los gusanos canker de otoño, Alsophila pometaria, como los de primavera, Paleacrita vernata, se encuentran en Utah, siendo el gusano canker de otoño el más común.

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Plagas De Orugas De Vegetales Del Género Brassica, Marion Murray, Diane G. Alston, Celina Wille Jul 2021

Plagas De Orugas De Vegetales Del Género Brassica, Marion Murray, Diane G. Alston, Celina Wille

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Los cultivos de Brassica albergan muchas plagas de insectos diferentes, inclusive varias especies de orugas. Los tres más comunes en Utah son la palomilla dorso de diamante (Plutella xylostella), la oruga de la col (Trichoplusia ni), y el gusano importado de las coles (Pieris rapae).

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Enfermedad De Los Mil Cancros Del Nogal, Claudia Nischwitz, Marion Murray, Celina Wille Jul 2021

Enfermedad De Los Mil Cancros Del Nogal, Claudia Nischwitz, Marion Murray, Celina Wille

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Mil cancros es una enfermedad recientemente reconocida de los nogales, causada por un hongo (Geosmithia morbida) que se transmite por el escarabajo de la ramita del nogal (Pityophthorus juglandis). El escarabajo es endémico de la región autóctona del nogal de Arizona (Arizona, Nuevo México y Chihuahua, México), y fue identificado por primera vez en Utah en 1988.

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Prácticas De Jardinería Y Paisajismo Para Anidación De Abejas Nativas, James H. Cane, Celina Wille Jul 2021

Prácticas De Jardinería Y Paisajismo Para Anidación De Abejas Nativas, James H. Cane, Celina Wille

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Utah es hogar de alrededor de 1,000 especies de abejas nativas identificadas, con varios cientos de especies viviendo en alguno de los valles y ábitats montañosos adyacentes. La urbanización causa daños a las abejas nativas, pero muchas especies pueden persistir con un poco de ayuda de jardineros y paisajistas. Al igual que las aves, las abejas tienen dos necesidades principales en la vida: alimento (para una abeja, polen y néctar) para alimentarse a sí mismas y a sus crías, y un lugar adecuado para anidar.

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Insectos Cara De Gato, Diane G. Alston, Marion Murray, Celina Wille Jul 2021

Insectos Cara De Gato, Diane G. Alston, Marion Murray, Celina Wille

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Hay una serie de insectos con el hábito alimenticio de perforar y succionar que pueden causar deformidad y lesiones del tipo cara de gato en los frutales de pepita y hueso, como la chinche ligus, la chinche hedionda y la chinche del boxelder. La lesión cara de gato es causada cuando la chinche se alimenta agujerando los botones florales y la fruta. El resultado son depresiones, deformidades y cicatrices desagradables en la fruta. El nombre “cara de gato” proviene de la forma distorsionada de la fruta que se asemeja a las mejillas fruncidas de un gato. Además de los insectos …

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Irrigation System Maintenance, Candace Schaible, Kelly Kopp, Jennie Hoover Jul 2021

Irrigation System Maintenance, Candace Schaible, Kelly Kopp, Jennie Hoover

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Irrigation system maintenance is necessary to ensure the most efficient use of the water that is being applied. Efficient irrigation is important because over two-thirds of the total water used in the average Utah home is applied to the landscape. With the natural drought cycles that occur in Utah and the growing population, efficient water use is critical. These maintenance recommendations will help you evaluate your irrigation system before using it each spring and also throughout the growing season.

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Chinches, Kelly Kopp, Ryan Davis, Ricardo Ramirez, Celina Wille Jul 2021

Chinches, Kelly Kopp, Ryan Davis, Ricardo Ramirez, Celina Wille

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Las chinches son “chinches verdaderas”. En Utah, la chinche común [Blissus leucopterus leucopterus (Say)] y la chinche occidental (Blissus occiduus) pueden alimentarse del césped, especialmente en condiciones de calor intenso y sequía. La falta de riego, junto a la radiación directa y la acumulación de material vegetal muerto puede elevar el número de chinches desde mediados del verano hasta principios del otoño.

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Outdoor Recreation Use And Indicators Of The Ecological, Physical, And Social Characteristics Of Recreation Settings In The Central Wasatch: Phase 1 Interim Report, Jordan W. Smith, Anna B. Miller, Chase C. Lamborn, Christopher Monz, Danya Rumore Jul 2021

Outdoor Recreation Use And Indicators Of The Ecological, Physical, And Social Characteristics Of Recreation Settings In The Central Wasatch: Phase 1 Interim Report, Jordan W. Smith, Anna B. Miller, Chase C. Lamborn, Christopher Monz, Danya Rumore

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The purpose of this study is to explore how outdoor recreation use and its associated impacts can be quantified and monitored over time within the canyons. Establishing indicators of the ecological, physical, and social characteristics of recreation settings throughout the canyons is an essential first step to quantifying and monitoring change. Our goal is to establish a set of indicators that are collaboratively generated and grounded in the best-available science and reflect the unique needs and concerns of the diverse stakeholders and interest groups who use, manage, and depend on the canyons. Through the work detailed below, the Central Wasatch …

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Wheat Miller And Distributor Organic Wheat Quality And Quantity Requirements, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis Jul 2021

Wheat Miller And Distributor Organic Wheat Quality And Quantity Requirements, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis

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This fact sheet summarizes the findings of a survey conducted with wheat buyers (millers and distributors) to assess their organic wheat quality and sourcing needs. We examine the importance of various quality measures in miller and distributor decisions to purchase organic wheat and their perceptions of organic and conventional wheat quality. We also discuss the issues wheat buyers face when purchasing organic wheat and what prevents them from buying organic wheat if not already doing so. Given the significant contribution of the Intermountain West’s production to domestic organic wheat supply, growers and breeders must understand the needs of organic wheat …

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Bakery Organic Wheat Flour Quality And Quantity Requirements, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis Jul 2021

Bakery Organic Wheat Flour Quality And Quantity Requirements, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis

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This fact sheet summarizes the findings of a survey conducted with bakery owners and managers to assess their organic wheat flour quality and sourcing needs. We examine the importance of various quality measures in bakery decisions to purchase organic flour and baker perceptions of organic and conventional flour quality. We also discuss the hurdles and issues that bakeries face when purchasing organic flour and what prevents them from using organic flour if not currently doing so. Given the significant contribution of the Intermountain West’s production to domestic organic wheat supply, growers and millers must understand the needs of organic wheat …

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