Pacific Northwest Ag Network

April and May combined for the 4th wettest on record for Oregon.  But that doesn’t mean the region is done with drought.  Dr. Joe Casola, NOAA’s Western Regional Climate Services Director, said all of that moisture helped. “Streams had a lot of ...

The Food and Drug Administration recently concluded it has no further questions regarding the safety of drought-tolerant HB4 wheat, developed by Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp.  In response, U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers issued a joint statement this week.  The gro...

What do parents need to know when it comes to scholarships, grants and paying for college?  EOU's Danny Bailey takes a look. If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com...

What will be the effects of higher interest rates be on farmers and the agriculture industry? "I'm almost gun-shy of making strong predictions in the environment we've been in, in the last couple years." But USDA Chief Economist, Seth Meyer, said classic economics would say that normally: "Rising interest rates in the United States strengthens the dollar, makes us a little less expo

What impact did mid-April's snow have on the Northwest pear crop.  We put that question before PBNW's Jeff Correa.   If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com...

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Market Basket Survey, the average cost of a summer cookout for ten people is $69.68, which breaks down to less than $7 per person. AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan said the overall cost for the cookout is up 17% year over year, for a variety of reasons. “One o...

Creighton University’s June Rural Mainstreet Index sank into negative territory for the first time since September 2020.  Dr. Ernie Goss is co-creator of the RMI. “Inflation is a really big concern, of course, with the accompanying interest rate hikes. The Federal Reserve,...

In May, the U.S. Trade Representative’s office initiated the second USMCA dispute regarding Canadian dairy tariff-rate quota policies.  The TRQs deny allocation access to eligible applicants, including retailers, food service operators, and other types of importers, and impose new conditions on the allocation and use of the TRQs. Wiscon...

The Supreme Court this week denied R-CALF’s lawsuit against 13 state beef councils and the Beef Checkoff.  The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said the ruling effectively ends “yet another R-CALF attack on the Beef Checkoff and prevents the activist attorneys at Public Justice, from further diverting Checkoff and beef industry resources.” NCBA intervened in the...

Earlier this week, the National Chicken Council announced findings from a recent national survey of Americans regarding consumer attitudes about chicken and plant-based ‘chicken’ alternatives.  Survey participants included individuals who consume meat and animal products, along with flexitarians, vegetarians and vegans.  The results indicat...

Crop producers have until July 15th to submit their crop acreage report to their local USDA Farm Agency office.  And as FSA Deputy Administrator Scott Marlow notes, there is also a new option available for producers to access their farm records and acreage maps. "If p...

Every year has challenges for farmers across the Pacific Northwest.  But, 2022 has put more challenges before Idaho producers than typical, that according to Idaho Farm Bureau Federation President Bryan Searle.  He said weather has been more difficult than normal, with an extremely dry winter and early spring, giving way to wet and cool conditions, with some locations experiencing flooding. In ad.

A variety of political and economic factors, including the increased reliance on tariffs and ongoing tensions with China, have negatively impacted the growth of international trade in Washington over the past couple of years.  A new report released Tuesday by the Washington Council on International Trade, details the affect these factors have had on the state’s economy.  The repo...

June is National Homeownership month.  As part of this nationwide celebration, Rural Development is highlighting programs that can help in the effort to buy, build and repair affordable homes.  Trudy Teter with RD Washington said many people are not aware of the programs they offer.  Two tha...

Dan Pehan with Monty's Plant Food explains how they can help alfalfa growers rebound from the challenging spring.

Friday's USDA Cattle Feedlot Report provides more evidence that the cattle market is tightening up.  USDA livestock analyst Shayle Shagam said that as of June 1st, the nation's feed lots with 1000 or more head capacity, had an inventory of 11.8 mi...

Trade officials from the U.S. and Taiwan met Monday for the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade.  U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi said, "This initiative will unlock market opportunities, promote innovation and create inclusive economic growth for our workers and businesses." The trade...

The American Farm Bureau Federation announced late last week the selection of a new Executive Vice President.  Joby Young will take the role in mid-July following the retirement of Dale Moore.  Young will serve in a chief of staff role at AFBF. It's a f...

BASF Agricultural Solutions North America will donate $50,000 to The Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund's Seed A Legacy pollinator habitat program.  The donation is part of BASF's annual Living Acres #MonarchChallenge initiative. The Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund will use BASF's donation to expand its Seed A Legacy pollinator habitat program with the goal of restoring high-quality pollinator habitat

What will be the effects of higher interest rates on farmers and agriculture? "I'm almost gun-shy of making strong predictions in the environment we've been in, in the last couple years," noted USDA Chief economist Seth Meyer.  But he went add, "Rising interest rates in the United States strengthens the dollar, makes us a little less export competitive." ...

In an effort to strengthen the Washington farm workforce and encourage people to seek jobs and in ag labor, and stay in ag labor, the state recently rolled out a new program designed to improve managers.  Ofelio Borges with the Washington State Department of Agriculture said currently many of the people in supervisory roles were not given the leadership training needed to ensure workers are treate