Pacific Northwest Ag Network

Summer drought is spreading across the region and the nation. Idaho, Oregon, and Washington all reported significant drought classifications in August, with some areas hitting exceptional drought levels.

Across party lines, 164 Congress members are urging the Trump Administration to preserve the Roadless Rule, which has protected clean water sources and wildlife habitat across 44 million acres of national forest for the past 25 years.

As drought grips central Washington for the fourth straight year, reservoirs are depleted. Junior water rights holders face cuts to 60% of their normal supplies.

Farm finances are tightening in 2026, the USDA projects. While crop receipts are climbing faster than expected, livestock income is falling and farmers face steeper bills for fuel, fertilizer, and feed. Farm debt is hitting record levels.

A new state wastewater permit affects 42 livestock farms statewide, including six in Yamhill County, with some operations expanding their nutrient management practices.

Dr. Michelle Moyer at Washington State University is studying bunch rot in grapes, and local growers can join the research effort happening right here in the region.

Local farms and food businesses can get free help growing this fall with a five-session workshop series covering finances and planning.

The USDA has simple advice for parents packing school lunches. Hot foods need a preheated thermos, cold foods need an insulated bag, and brown paper bags just won't cut it.

Grain storage just got a technological upgrade. AI-powered cameras are now watching for insects around the clock, sending real-time alerts so farmers can catch infestations early and use only the pesticides they actually need.

While the House passed its Farm Bill version, the Senate still hasn't acted. Washington farmers are stepping up to make their case directly to lawmakers about the real costs of growing crops today.

September weather turned cooler, but growers know the heat could return. With crops weakened from summer's intensity, farmers are maintaining spray schedules to protect yields through harvest.

If you were planning on attending Cherry Institue in early 2027, you'll need to rethink your plans.

A new University of Idaho project uses artificial intelligence and sensors to help farmers breed crops that produce more grain while staying upright through wind and environmental challenges.

Drought and wildfire damage in southeast Oregon have created an urgent situation for wild horses. The BLM is stepping in this week to relocate roughly 500 animals from the Sheepshead Heath Creek area.

One-third of America's farmers and ranchers are women, quietly reshaping agriculture from the ground up with leadership that's finally getting its due.

Ranchers and land managers are gathering in Twin Falls and Blaine County this fall to learn new approaches for recovering rangelands after wildfires sweep through the West.

Seafood sustainability labels are facing a climate challenge. WSU researchers found that environmental shocks can price out smaller fisheries from certification while inadvertently creating conditions where fraud becomes more tempting.

Congress just blocked a government shutdown that would've cut off farm loans, rural hospitals, and food assistance right before the midterms.

Ranchers facing economic pressure now have new options through the USDA's Ranchers First Initiative. The package includes insurance for breeding stock, support for smaller beef processors, and relief on federal land use after disasters.

After years of farmers struggling with fertilizer shortages and rising costs, Louisiana is building a major ammonia plant with help from the Department of Defense and Energy. The facility will start operating in 2029.

Farm confidence is climbing. Purdue's latest agriculture barometer shows producers feeling more optimistic about their financial prospects and seeing new opportunities in export markets.