Pacific Northwest Ag Network

The 2025 Oregon Legislative Session gets underway next week in Salem.  And while the priorities for the farming community vary quite a bit, there will be several key issues discussed; water, regulation and overtime.  For Jeff Stone Executive Director for the Oregon Nurseries Association, overtime will be one of, if not the top issues.   “What we'r...

Lamb Weston has a new President and CEO.  Michael J. Smith, look over at the Idaho based potato products company on January 3rd.  He succeeded Thomas P. Werner, who stepped down as CEO, but will stay on in an advisory role through the end of August to ensure a smooth transition.   Smith join...

The Washington State Wine Commission will host a WAVEx webinar Wednesday January 22nd focused on smoke exposure.  The Commission's Melissa Hansen has a preview.   If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@to...

As Sugarbeet growers look ahead to the 2025 season, Vive Crop Protection is reminding growers to maximize those yields and sugar content.  George Huckabay with Vive Crop Protection said their latest lines of fungicides will help producers increase efficiency, reduce hassle and increase ROI.   “...

The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service announced a final rule amending the uniform pricing formulas applicable in all 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders.  The final rule will be published in the Federal Register on Friday, January 17th.  The amendment...

According to World Agricultural Outlook Board chair Mark Jakanowski, beef supplies continue to tighten.   “Year over year beef production is forecast to be down about 1.2 billion pounds.  Part of that reflects as of now, we're still forecasting continued restrictions on cattle imports from Mexico.”   Jakan...

In an effort to address fish passage and fish screening projects across the state, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has made approximately $11 million in grant funding available.  ODFW said completed projects will contribute towards the conservation and recovery of Oregon's native migratory fish.   ...

SNAP and conservation programs could be on the GOP chopping block as Congressional Republicans write a budget to pay for extending the Trump 2017 tax cuts.  Hill Republicans have circulated a list of possible budget savings including a reported $22 billion by reforming SNAP, something the House Ag Committee farm bill proposed last year.  That, b...

Compassion in World Farming U.S. has released its latest Egg Track Report, which highlights the evolving landscape of higher-welfare egg production in North America.  While the U.S. continues to lead at about 40% of egg-laying hens now in cage-free systems, Canada trails behind, with less than 19% cage-free.  Co...

The latest report on foreign ownership of U.S. ag land shows that 45.85 million acres of U.S. farmland were held by foreign investors in 2023.  That represents 3.61% of total privately held agricultural land in the U.S.  This marks a 1.58-million-acre (3....

On Wednesday, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture announced that applications are currently being accepted for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant.   ISDA anticipates receiving over $2 million from the USDA for projects that enhance the competitiveness of Idaho specialty crops.  Th...

Republicans representing rural districts say they are confident that a Farm Bill will be passed within the first couple months of the year.  So, why is the GOP so confident they will replace the 2018 Farm Bill well ahead of the September deadline?  Re...

On Wednesday, USDA’s Rural Development announced that it will invest $94 million in Yakama Power's Clean Energy Project.  The funds come via the Powering Affordable Clean Energy program, PACE, where rural electric cooperatives and communities can use funding to lower electricity costs for businesses and families, while reducing climate pollution.    Yakama Power said th...

Just because the weather is cold, doesn't mean things are at a standstill for the local pear industry.  CarrieAnn Arias talks about what's taking place at Pear Bureau Northwest this winter.   If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@to...

One year after the official watch was announced.   “During December, we finally saw the ocean reaching the threshold for La Nina in terms of cool water and we started to see the atmosphere respond to that," said USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey.  "When th...

The USDA announced the 2025 enrollment periods for key safety-net programs, including Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage, as well as Dairy Margin Coverage.  Producers can submit applications to USDA’s Farm Service Agency for ARC and PLC for the 2025 crop year from January 21 to April 15. DMC appli...

Working on the farm can be very dangerous, especially for some of the youngest workers and helpers.  In an effort to protect children across the nation the Childhood Agricultural Safety Network in kicking off its 25th year with a virtual meeting at 8 a.m. (PT) on Fri...

The Department of Agriculture published an interim rule Wednesday, that focused on technical guidelines for climate smart agriculture crops used as biofuel feedstocks.    “These standards could be adopted by clean transportation fuel programs, who incentivize the production of biofuel feedstock crops using climate smart practices," said USDA Head Tom Vilsack.  "If leveraged...

Late last week, the government released short-term guidance on accessing clean fuel tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.  However, the announcement fell short of finalizing the program’s details.  Farm Policy News said biofuel groups were hoping for more clarity on the tax credits for fuels that help combat climate change.  The groups are hopeful ...

According to NASS, all wheat stocks stored across the Northwest increased 5% from December 2023 to December 2024.   In Washington, wheat stored in all positions last month totaled 132 million bushels, up from 123 million bushels a year ago. Off...

A somewhat quiet January outlook on both U.S. and world wheat.   “Global consumption was reduced about 600,000 tons," noted USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board chairman Mark Jekanowski.  "Feed use, a component of that, was reduced 100,000 tons. Trade, we redu...