Ag Economy

As the debate over a capital gains tax in Washington continues, it’s looking more and more likely that the farming community will be subject to those taxes, despite earlier assurances that they wouldn’t be.  At issue is the constitutionality of the capital gains tax passed by lawmakers in April 2021, that looks to issue a 7% tax on all transactions of $250,000 or great.  The issue is curren... Rea

Farm lending activity continued to gradually increase along with further growth in loan sizes.  The Kansas City Federal Reserve says the average size of non-real estate farm loans was about 20% higher than a year ago and drove an increase in lending volumes for the fourth straight quarter.  Average...

According to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, when it comes to crafting the new Farm Bill, the USDA’s role is one of advisory and providing information.  But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a wish list of his own.  First, he said it will be important all sides work together to get a Farm Bill done on time.    “It will be important and n...

In some ways, 2023 will be very similar to 2022 when it comes to the farm economy.  But in other ways, it’s expected to be very different.  One of those differences will be the supply chain, which has made strong improvements over the past 3-4 months, removing some of the uncertainty farmers faced last year.  And input costs, includ...

Lillian McGregor, this year’s Washington FFA State Reporter, talks about the impact the farming economy has on the lives of millions of Washingtonians.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsqua...

Fertilizer and other input shortages were a big topic of conversation and headlines in 2022.  Jason Troendle, economist with The Fertilizer Institute, said the 2022 supplies were a little lower than normal but maybe weren’t quite that bad.   “When ...

The American Farm Bureau Federation and John Deere signed a memorandum of understanding that ensures farmers’ and ranchers’ rights to repair their own equipment.  The MOU, signed at the AFBF annual convention, is the culmination of several years of discussions between AFBF and John Deere.   "This addres...

What's being done to help rural economies grow and prosper.  And what more can be done?  Rod Bain has more.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com ...

George Dress, Washington FFA’s Vice President, says those outside of farm country don't appreciate how important the Ag sector is to the overall Washington economy.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsqua...

Thanks to record high input costs and very volatile interest rates, the farm economy can sometimes be difficult to navigate for the most seasoned grower.  But what about for those new to the world of farming?  What does the outlook look like for them?   Jackson Ta...