In The Classroom

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...

Ten start-up companies offering agricultural innovations are now vying for the top prize of $100,000 in the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.  The Farm Bureau, in partnership with Farm Credit, continues to elevate the importance of entrepreneurship in agriculture through the contest.   “...

University of Missouri researchers are working to develop the first-ever vaccine proven to protect cattle from a devastating tick-borne disease called bovine anaplasmosis.  The research is vital to northwest states, where cattle is a multi-billion dollar industry for Idaho and Washington, and an over $500 million dollar industry in Oregon.   ...

Washington State University Extension has been honored for their effort to expand broadband access across the Evergreen state.  A team with Extension’s Community and Economic Development unit was recognized this summer by the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals for their leadership in support of broadband expansion.  The ceremony ...

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture is accepting nominations for the fourth Cohort of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders.  Nominations are due November 17th.  The 16-month leadership program blends in-person and virtual working sessions to focus on four areas of development: critical thinking, leadership development, connecting and relating skills, and operational excel

The Washington farm bureau is reminding everyone about equipment safety in the fields and orchards.   “Accidents involving implements take only milliseconds to cause serious injury or death. They're completely preventable,” noted WSFB Safety Director Dominique Damian.  She added that the basic...

Congratulations to Washington State University’s Jean Dodson Peterson.  The founding chair of WSU’s Department of Viticulture and Enology, was recently named one of Wine Enthusiast magazine’s Future 40 Tastemakers of 2024.   The magazine prais...

Earlier this year, Washington State University’s Dr. Tim Waters was honored by the Pasco Chamber of Commerce's Ag Hall of Fame with the Rising Star Award.  Waters noted he appreciates how embraced he was by the industry, and the individuals who were willing to teach him.   “I did...

Succession and farm transitions are a challenging topic that takes a lot of preparation.   “There's two that are most important," noted Tim Cobb, owner and President of Spokane-based Farmland Company.  "That's an operational management transition as well as an ownership transition, and those items don't normally happen at the same time. When you talk about...

This week, Idaho FFA Vice President Josh Nelson talks about why he decided to join his local chapter in North Idaho.   If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com ...