02/04/05 Idaho bean seed test is a big success

Nearly 150 growers, dealers and Mexican government officials wanted to see the first test of Idaho bean seed. During three days of meetings and seminars hosted by the Idaho Bean Commission the Mexicans got to see the benefits of planting certified Idaho seed. University of Idaho foundation seed manager Kathy Stewart-Williams says the seed quality was phenomenal. STEWART-WILLIAMS "We were excited to be able to see differences but there was also a field day in conjunction with this project. And the people who came to the field day they were amazed and so excited to have the opportunity to look at varieties that were totally new to them to get out, to walk through them." After seeing the fields in Sinaloa growers in other areas of Mexico are eager to plant test plots and Stewart-Williams says that offers some interesting climate and production variations. STEWART-WILLIAMS "At one point excess rainfall was a concern in this test. When you move into Zacatecas and Durango there are some areas that are totally dry land and then there are some irrigated production areas." Next week a complete report on the Mexican bean testing will be given to the Treasure Valley and Magic Valley bean schools on Thursday and Friday, February 10th and 11th. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott