Strong Flu Season Expected & T-40

Strong Flu Season Expected & T-40 plus Food Forethought. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report.

Cooler weather is arriving in the northwest and with it will come flu season. The Washington State Health Department is preparing for a stronger flu season than normal. Officials say more people are exhibiting symptoms already this year. Getting a flu shot is recommended for most people 6 months and older. Thousands of people in the United States die every year from the flu. There is a great deal of anxiety this year from the latest Ebola scare but doctors say it is important to note that Ebola is not airborne and is not readily transmitted like the flu.

Tilth Producers are celebrating their 40th year with their T-40 Anniversary Conference, November 7-9 here in the northwest. Michele Catalano is Tilth's Executive Director.

CATALANO: We're intentionally in Vancouver, Washington so as to draw from our neighbors to the south. We've alway had out tenth anniversary conference, our 20th and 30th were also near Portland to allow us to better partner and better reach growers in both states. We actually do kickoff on Friday with a new event, a meet the experts and that's open to anyone who's looking for information from regulatory agencies that might help their farm business so we're partnering with the WSDA Organic Food Program.

Now with today's Food Forethought, here's Lacy Gray.

Nearly every day of the year is dedicated to at least one specific cause, if not several. Today, October 15, is no exception. Today has been dedicated to cake decorating, grouches, fossils, and hagfish, just to mention a few. It is also International Day of Rural Women, a day dedicated to celebrating and honoring the important part rural women play in enhancing agriculture and rural development around the world. While the idea of honoring rural women with their own special day was originally put forth in 1995, it wasn't until 2008 that October 15 became officially observed by the UN as a day for honoring rural women. Fortunately here in America women are being recognized more and more for their importance, dedication, and achievements. The same cannot be said for women everywhere. As numerous International Day of Rural Women celebrations transpire around the world today remember to take the time to thank the special rural woman or women in your life.

Thanks Lacy. That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.