The following is a press Release for the Chelan High School Agriculture Education Department and the Chelan FFA. We would appreciate any and all coverage of our events and student successes. For more information, contact our Chapter Advisor, Rod Cool, or Chapter Reporter, Kacie Rahm at (509) 682-4061 ext 129 during school hours.

Thank you for your time and consideration and for your continued support of the Chelan FFA and high school agriculture education.

Chelan High School

Agriculture Education Department/Chelan FFA

News Release

For Immediate Release—Attention Fruit Growers, the Chelan FFA has a possible solution to your bird damage problems. Whether you are receiving bird pecks to your cherries, apples, pears or other soft fruits, biological control might be the answer. The American Kestrel is a bird of prey that feeds on mice, voles, insects, bats, spiders and small birds. The Kestrel might be just what you need as the last piece of your integrated pest management program. And the best part is that it’s easy and relatively inexpensive. The Chelan FFA is constructing Kestrel nest boxes for sale to area soft and stone fruit producers. These nest boxes need to be installed in your orchard above the tree tops to attract nesting pairs of Kestrels and needs to be in place around the first of April. To Order your Kestrel Nest Boxes for $22.50 from the Chelan FFA contact FFA Advisors Rod Cool or Paul Quick or production assistant Curtis Pusey at (509) 682-4061 or at ffa@chelanschools.org.

Photo Caption: Curtis Pusey of the Chelan FFA holds a Kestrel Nesting Box. The Agriculture Manufacturing Class at Chelan High School will be constructing and selling these boxes to area fruit growers to help reduce bird damage to their crops.