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.

USDA: Production Expenses Expected Lower In 2024

In a typical year, American farmers can expect to pay more than the year before for production expenses. But the USDA's new farm income forecast is a bit of a surprise. A forecast for lower production expenses. ERS’ Spiro Stefano said prices that farmers are getting for many of their crops continue to fall. The USDA is projecting a 12%...

Future of Farming: Siblings & Time Changes Everything

In today's Future of Farming, Oregon Vice President Spencer Romans talks about how he eventually came to enjoy breaking steers. If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com ...

UI’s Parrella Announces Retirement

After nine years as the dean of the University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Science, Michael Parrella has announced plans to retire. Parrella, who also holds the title of special assistant to the president for agricultural initiatives in recognition of his many contributions to the university, will retire on June 21, 2025. The hope...

Hurst Marchant: Idaho Wheat Commission Budget Focused On Growers

Earlier this year, the Idaho Wheat Commission approved a $3.5 million budget. Britany Hurst Marchant, Executive Director of Idaho Wheat, said the budget is slightly larger than previous budgets, but for the most part is in line with figures used over recent budget cycles. “...

2024 Farm Income Forecast Down Year-Over-Year

USDA's New farm income forecast for this year has U.S. farmers making a lot less money than last year. “Net cash farm income for 2024 is forecast at $154 billion, which is about a 7.2% drop from 2023," said Spiro Stefano who runs USDA's Economic Research Service. He noted that crop...

Vilsack Announces Rural Energy Investment

“The biggest investment in rural electrification since the mid 1930s.” That's how President Biden and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are describing a newly announced $7 billion investment in rural clean energy projects in nearly two dozen states. “To bring th...

WSU Economists Working With Stakeholders To Review Snake River Breaching Analysis

Scientists with Washington State University’s Freight Policy Transportation Institute are reaching out to regional stakeholders as part of a newly launched independent review of a state-contacted analysis of transport impacts from potential breaching of the four lower Snake Rivers dams. The...

Hocklander Named Simplot CFO

The J.R. Simplot Company announced Wednesday that Brent Hocklander has been tapped as the company’s its next Senior Vice President (SVP) and Chief Financial Officer. Hocklander will take over for Brent Moylan who announced his retirement earlier this year. “Brent...

Over 400 Cases of Salmonella Linked to Backyard Poultry

More than 400 cases of salmonella across the country have been linked to backyard poultry. The CDC says over 100 people have been hospitalized during this outbreak. Texas and Missouri have the most cases, followed by Minnesota, Washington, Michigan, and Oklahoma. Almost 70%...

Salois: Now Is The Time To Think About That 2025 Wheat Crop

While a few fields of spring wheat remain across the Pacific Northwest, now is the time for wheat growers to think about the 2025 crop and harvest. “So what leads to a good start?" asked Cat Salois, Director, Research and Technology Division with the McGregor Company. "Many people t...