Pacific Northwest Ag Network

The numbers are in, and Washington wine grape growers reported a sizeable jump in tonnage last year.  The Washington State Wine Commission’s annual Grape Production Report, showed 240,000 tons of wine grapes were harvested last season, a year-over-year increase of 34%.  The state Win...

Finding veterinarians in rural communities, especially vets that work with large animals is becoming more and more difficult.  Because of this growing problem, several western schools have teams up to try to address the problem for farm country.  Michael...

Dan Pehan with Phyco Terra talks about their products and how you can help wake up your soil's microbiome. If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com 

Soil health is so important for a successful farm operation.  Jessica Schultz, senior agronomist at Sound Ag talks about Source and what separates them from the other products currently on the market.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsqu...

We are weeks away from the 93rd Washington FFA Convention and Expo, which will take place in the Tri-Cities again this year.  And while May 11th through the 13th is weeks away, Dany Payne, Executive Director of the Washington FFA said they need your help, now.   “...

A Congressional Review Act, or CRA, put forward by both Idaho senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, cleared the Senate Thursday, challenging the Biden administration’s Waters of the United States rule, which grossly expands federal regulatory authority over water.   “...

What is the relationship between the Washington wine industry and the National Grape Research Alliance?  Donnell Brown takes a look.   If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsqu...

R-Calf USA is warning of catastrophic consequences if the 2023 Farm Bill doesn’t include reforms.  CEO Bill Bullard said the future important infrastructure components to remain competitive such as participants, cattle and markets are in jeopardy.   “And f...

New research finds that increasing vegetable consumption has a positive effect on how happy a person feels.  USDA’s Agricultural Research Service said that holds true for adults who consume the daily amount of vegetable servings recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.  Researchers a...

Global hunger and malnutrition pose significant threats to U.S. national security, according to a new report commissioned by Farm Journal Foundation.  The report, authored by researchers from Texas A&M University, examines how global food insecurity is linked to numerous geopolitical risks. Increasing i...

A bipartisan effort is underway in the U.S. Senate to change labeling guidelines for cheese. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, along with Idaho senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo have co-sponsored the Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions, or CURD Act...

Governor Tina Kotek has issued two more drought declarations in Central Oregon.  The emergency declarations for Deschutes and Grant counties clear the way for state coordination of resources in an area now in its fourth year of drought.  ...

The rural lifestyle may not be for everyone, but as Dr. Shari Carpenter explains, for those that embrace it, a rural way of life helps young people prepare for the challenges ahead.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsqu...

A group of state attorneys general recently asked Congress to pass expansive Right-to-Repair legislation targeted at cars, farm equipment, and digital electronics.  In a letter to the House and Senate Commerce Committee, the group says, "The Right-to-Repair is a bipartisan issue that impacts every consumer, household, and farm in a time of increasing inflation.”   ...

March is National Ag Month.  To mark the occasion, 2nd Harvest, which provides food to food banks across the Inland Northwest, is touting its relationship with the local farming community.  Eric Williams is the Community Partnership Director at 2nd Harvest.   "We say it...

X-disease is a deadly disease creating problems for cherry growers across the Pacific Northwest.  OSU Extension's Ashley Thompson talks about what's being done to better understand how this disease travels from tree to tree.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.c...

The outlook for agricultural retailers is generally favorable for 2023, following a year of record profits in 2022.  However, the sector faces emerging risks that could depress profit margins and challenge traditional business models in the years ahead.  Lower l...

The Department of Ag seeks nominations for individuals to serve on the Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers.  The committee will recommend solutions to challenges faced by minority farmers and ranchers and is part of USDA's commitment to advance equity for all, especially for farmers and producers in underserved communities.  The com...

On Capitol Hill last week a word of warning from the USDA's chief scientist.   “Once the world leader the United states now trails far behind other major nations and public agriculture research investments," noted USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics Dr. Chavonda Jacob...

It's looking more and more likely that COVID vaccinations will be similar to flu shots.  Oregon State Health Officer Dr. Dean Sidelinger said the COVID vaccines are effective.   "The current COVID-19 bivalent booster that we got, it seems to be holding up and offering effective protection against severe disease and death."   Side...

Rail service in central Washington is expected to improve thanks to a $14.5 million inclusion in the 2023-2025 Transportation Budget.  The funds will be used for the Connell Rail Interchange project north of the Tri-Cities.  The $14.5 million includes ...