Glenn Vaagen

Hi, my name is Glenn. I'm the Program Director of the Pacific Northwest Ag Network. I've been blessed with multiple national farm broadcasting awards, receiving the 2019 Editor's Choice award, as well as the 2020 Excellence in Ag Reporting award from the National Association of Farm Broadcasters. I started my radio career as the Program and News Director at KMAX-AM in Colfax, WA. I also served as a reporter/anchor at KXLY-AM in Spokane, WA. Before launching the PNW Ag Network, I served as the Program and News Director for KBNW-AM/FM in Bend, OR. While there, our station was recognized for reporting excellence by the Oregon Association of Broadcasters in 2009. I'm a former University of Idaho football player, currently, I'm married with four children.

PNW 2021 Potato Value Comes In Just Under $2B

According to NASS, the value of all potatoes sold last year in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, totaled $1.92 billion. Washington's 2021 potato crop sold was valued at $666 million, down 5% from 2020. The marketing year average price for fall potatoes was $7.75 per cwt, up...

Johnson: I’m A Fighter For Oregon Ag

This fall, voters in Oregon will select a new Governor. Betsy Johnson, a Central Oregon native, and longtime state lawmaker, said she’s an aggressive advocate for the farming community across the state. She says currently overregulation is one of the most pressing issues Oregon farmers are facing at the state level. “Kate Brown...

Zuzolo Encouraged About the Future Of Wheat

There’s a long way to go, but commodity markets are watching U.S. harvest results. “Early yield reports I’m getting, coupled with the cash basis, is the market, and I are both thinking that USDA has got a low enough yield in these corn and bean numbers at this point," said Mike Zuzolo, founder and president of Global Commodity Analytics. "And with export dem...

Taylor: Recent USDA Report Reason For Concern

In early September, the USDA released its 2022 Farm Sector Income Forecast, which showed a mixed bag for the farm economy. ERS predicts producer cash receipts will increase 21% to more than $525 billion nationally. Crop values are expected to increase 9% year-over-year, while cash receipts from animal production will be up 28% from 2021 numbers. Despite el...

Researchers Look At Reducing Nitrogen Usage On Cereal Crops

Researchers at UC Davis, have found a way to reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizers needed to grow cereal crops. UC Davis’ Eduardo Blumwald said the discovery could save American farmers billions of dollars annually in fertilizer costs while also benefiting the environment. "...

Farmers Market Minute: Helping the Local Farmer, Local Economy

There are a host of reasons to visit your local Farmers Market. But as Sandra Cook points out, you as the consumer, are not the only one who benefits from that trip to the Market. If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsqu...

Bird Flu Confirmed In Two Tillamook Flocks

Bird flu has been reported again in Oregon. According to the state Department of Agriculture, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was discovered September 28th in two private flocks of 60 chickens and ducks in Tillamook County. The flock ow...

Newhouse Remains Optimistic That FWMA Will Pass

Time may be running short, but Dan Newhouse remains optimistic that the Senate will address ag labor needs via his Farm Workforce Modernization Act. The legislation which already cleared the House, has stalled in the Senate. And while the window for the 117th Congress is starting to close, the Chair of the Western Caucus believes lawmakers can act in the coming months. “We have ...

WSU To Host Pumpkin U Pick In Coming Weeks

Washington State University’s Eggert Family Organic Farm will host U-Pick pumpkin times starting later this week. Visit the farm Friday, September 30th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., or Saturday October 1st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to find the pumpk...

Focus On Fruit: 09/29/22

What would the tree fruit industry like to see in the 2023 Farm Bill? We asked Mark Powers with the Northwest Horticultural Council in today's Focus On Fruit. If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsqu...