Tailoring Extension Education Efforts to Region-Specific Oilseed Production Zones In Washington State.

Interest in oilseed and cellulosic crop production and processing is gaining momentum in Washington (WA) state, yet production information specific to the varied agroclimatic zones of the state is limited at best.  The Washington state Biofuels Cropping Systems Research (WBCSR) Project was initiated in 2007 with oilseed (canola, camelina, mustard, safflower) and cellulosic (switchgrass, giant reed, bamboo) crop research and extension projects based in four major cropping zones: 1) eastern WA annual cropping, high rainfall, 2) eastern WA wheat-fallow, low to intermediate rainfall, 3) central WA irrigated, and 4) western WA.  After four years, Washington State University and USDA-ARS research and Extension staff can transfer practical and scientific knowledge gained from research plots and laboratories to WA growers.  We are utilizing four primary means of disseminating information, all of which are region-specific: 1) case studies of experienced oilseed producers, 2) comprehensive oilseed production workshops, 3) a series of Extension publications, and 4) a website dedicated to the WBCSR project. Feedback from the various methods has been positive, particularly in regards to how information is presented by individual crop production zones.  The information is being used by not only growers, but also agribusinesses, agency personnel, legislators, and the general public. Extension education is a vital part of the WBCSR project, with relevant, timely and easily accessible materials key to increasing knowledge of oilseed and cellulosic crop production in WA state.