It’s Hard To Remain Optimistic, WSHGA Head Says

Thanks to high input costs, high labor costs and low commodity prices, the farm economy has been struggling for several years; when that struggle comes to an end is anyone’s guess.

Producers Are Struggling In A Down Market

Andrew Eddie, President of the Washington State Hay Growers Association, said producers are inherently an optimistic bunch, always looking forward to the next season and the next round of possibilities.  But he says with the state of the industry right now, it’s hard to be optimistic.

“Three years in a down market is not great for anybody," Eddie said.  "I mean, when prices are $30-$40 to even $50 below break-even, it's hard to remain optimistic that the market is going to turn around that much. And while I say that I don't have faith the market will turn around, I think it will.  I don't know if ‘26 is the year to make that systemic change and make it go up to where it needs to be, but I think it might sway a little bit.”

Emotions Run The Gamut

Eddie added the hard reality is many growers are just trying to hang on until the farm economy turns positive.  He said, as long as producers can survive the brunt of the storm, he thinks the farm economy can, and hopefully will, get back to where we need to be.

“There's a little bit of optimism,' Eddie said.  "There's a little bit of pessimism and kind of just some neutral feelings as well.   It's kind of all three with how we're going into the beginning of 2026. I mean, we're only five months away from first crop, which is crazy to believe.  But I think we're hopefully heading in the right direction as a whole.  And hopefully things will kind of start to rebound and get to be where they need to be.”

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com