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.

BLM Announces Expansion Of Sage-Grouse Conservation

Last week, the Bureau of Land Management announced plans to “enhance” greater sage-grouse conservation on public lands in Oregon and Colorado. The agency said the approved habitat conservation measures will support western communities and benefit more than 350 other wildlife species. Opponents of the pr...

Newhouse Anticipates New Trade Opportunities Under Trump

It’s been over four years since the United States has entered into a free trade agreement. Many in the Ag community will say that is one of the many pressures making farming more challenging these days. House Ag Committee member Dan Newhouse said the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative h...

Future of Farming: Getting Industry In Front Of Young People

Levi Kukes, Washington FFA's 2024-2025 Vice President, says for the farming industry to thrive into the future, he believes more must be done to get industry in front of the next generation of Ag workers. If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@to...

WSDA Hosting Japanese Beetle Webinar

The Washington State Department of Agriculture will host a webinar Tuesday, focused on preparing for Japanese Beetle treatments this year. WSDA said the 45 minute on-line session will show those in impacted areas how the sign up for treatment, how to prepare for treatments, and know when the treatment is over. The Dep...

Wyden Calls For Normalized Trade With Cuba

Last week, Oregon senator Ron Wyden introduced the U.S.-Cuba Trade Act of 2025 to repeal “outdated sanctions” on Cuba and establish normal trade relations with the island nation. Wyden introduced the bill after the Biden White House announced it was removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and Cuba agreed to free a number of political prisoners. His fellow Ore...

Idaho Department of Lands Names A New State Forester

Julia Lauch has been designated as Idaho's State Forester. Lauch will oversee IDL’s Forestry and Fire Division which manages wildland fire suppression, forestry assistance, and various forestry and fire management initiatives, including the Good Neighbor Authority, Shared Stewardship, and Forest Legacy programs. Lauch ...

Taylor Joins IFPA

Now that her time at the USDA has come to an end, former Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Alexis Taylor has joined the International Fresh Produce Association as chief global policy officer. She will start her new role at the Association on February 18th. ...

Was 2024 A Record Warm Year?

The numbers are in from the National Centers for Environmental Information. “As it played out, December of 2024 ended up being the 4th warmest December on record, with an average temperature that was more than 5 1/2 degrees above the 20th century mean,” said USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. And he said when yo...

OT Expected To Be A Top Priority In Oregon Legislative Session

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...

Smith Becomes Lamb Weston’s New President

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...