Fax/email newsletter and Web site deliver timely news for California specialty crops

PCAs and others involved with California and Arizona high-value specialty crops can stay up-to-date with developments from across the area, thanks to Bayer CropScience. The company has announced the expansion of its Western Wire PCA resource, which was introduced in 2003. Western Wire includes five versions of a fax/email newsletter and Web site, each developed specifically for Western horticulture.

“Western Wire has evolved into an efficient and effective way to help Western PCAs stay tuned to current crop conditions around the area,” says John Smith, fungicide marketing manager with Bayer CropScience. “Although it’s primarily designed as a resource for PCAs, we encourage anyone involved with Western specialty crops to visit our Web site for the latest reports and to sign up to receive Western Wire by email or fax.”

Western Wire was introduced for the tree fruit, nut and vine (TNV) markets with bi-monthly issues of the newsletter. Last season, the company rolled out three additional monthly newsletters for vegetables, with specific issues for coastal, central valley and desert production areas. In 2006, the company also produced separate North and South issues for the TNV markets.

Throughout the crop season each issue strives to provide timely, relevant information about crop development, insect, weed and disease pressure and other pertinent information that PCAs can use to stay informed, Smith explains. “The in-field reports are collected from more than 40 crop professionals, including county farm advisers and University researchers, who work in the trenches of California and Arizona production areas,” Smith says.

Approximately 1,000 PCAs receive Western Wire each month, and response to date has been very positive.

Western Farm Service PCA Brad Brchan, Yuma, Ariz., says he pays close attention to Western Wire throughout the season. “I always read the newsletter when the fall produce season is going strong, mainly to verify that I am seeing what the other PCAs are seeing and that I’m not overlooking something. I look for the first occurrence of mildew and aphids, as well as worm, thrip and other insect pressures,” he says.

Independent PCA Rob Foster, owner of Foster-Gardner in Coachella Valley, says, “I read Western Wire because I find the material interesting and relevant to my situation. It’s nice to know what other PCAs are up against in other areas of the West.”

“I read Western Wire, even when I'm not a contributor on a particular issue,” says University of Arizona entomologist John Palumbo, Ph.D. “I'm interested what other PCAs are seeing, especially in Imperial Valley, relative to what I'm seeing. I particularly pay attention this time of the year when reports are coming in come from the coast. It can often give us a heads up to what we might see the next season.” 

In addition to the fax and email newsletter, Bayer CropScience has developed a Web site (http://www.bayercropwest.com), with additional information specific to California and Arizona agriculture. The Web site features an archive of previous newsletter issues as well as a host of

additional resources for PCAs and growers, including online training modules that allow PCAs to earn CEU credits from the comfort of their homes or offices.

Smith says Western Wire is an example of the company’s commitment to Western agriculture. “More than any other state, agriculture drives the economy of California. We recognize the challenges Western producers face, and we are dedicated to helping them meet these challenges year in and year out.”

To learn more about Western Wire, or to sign up to receive your own copies, talk to your Bayer CropScience representative, or visit their Web site at www.BayerCropWest.com.

Bayer CropScience LP is the U.S. business of Bayer CropScience, which has its global headquarters in Monheim, Germany. Bayer CropScience, a subsidiary of Bayer AG with annual sales of about EUR 6 billion, is one of the world’s leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds and plant biotechnology. The company offers an outstanding range of products and extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture and for non-agricultural applications. Bayer CropScience has a global workforce of about 19,000 and is represented in more than 120 countries, ensuring proximity to dealers and consumers.