A new tool developed by the University of Idaho Extension aims to assist farmers in managing crop health and pest control by utilizing temperature data to assess growth stages of crops and pests. The Growing Degree Day Calculator, created by Canyon County Extension educator Jemila Chellappa, provides predictions on when crucial growth phases occur for key crops and insect pests.

This calculator offers farmers insights on optimal timings for pesticide application, irrigation, and fertilization, moving beyond traditional reliance on calendar dates. Chellappa emphasized the tool’s capability to provide real-time information based on actual weather conditions, enhancing decision-making for farmers, researchers, and agricultural advisors throughout the Pacific Northwest.