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Ever wonder why the Herald does something? Or how? Or "what were they thinking?" Now you can find out. Executive Editor Ken Robertson and Managing Editor Rick Larson will do their best to explain what happens in the TCH newsroom - and why. |
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closeFriday, Jun. 26, 2009
Coming Sunday: Winged blueberry protectors
By Rick Larson, Herald Managing Editor
Washington blueberry growers are going to the birds.
Falcons, to be exact.
The unique program is featured in a Herald story to run Sunday written by farm reporter Ingrid Stegemoeller.
Ingrid’s story, and accompanying photos by photographer Paul Erickson, describe how a Walla Walla County blueberry grower has developed a fascinating method of controlling the pest birds that otherwise would feast on his valuable crop.
He's teamed with a falcon breeder and handler to produce an aerial squadron of winged hazers to protect crops from bird damage.
The program has proved to be so effective that grower Jim Lott has begun offering his birds’ services to producers of other high-value crops, such as cherry growers.
Not only does the story describe this innovative idea, it also details how Eastern Washington’s blueberry industry is exploding as more growers join the blue gold rush.
Rick Larson: 582-1522; rlarson@tricityherald.com
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