California

On Tuesday, central Washington’s Dan Newhouse, Chair of the Western Caucus, and California’s Doug LaMalfa, Vice Chair, introduced the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2023.  In addition House Legislation, companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Wyoming's Cynthia Lummis.   Supporters o...

Last month, central Washington Republican Dan Newhouse was once again named Co-Chair of the Congressional Wine Caucus alongside California’s Mike Thompson.  Newhouse said this 2nd run as Co-Chair is great news for the Washington wine industry.   “Wheth...

Those living in south central Washington may have the pest Japanese beetle in their yards right now.   For those that do, they can get their properties treated free of charge this spring.   Following up on the in-person open house held earlier this month, the Washington State Department of Agriculture will host a virtual open house on Tuesday, starting a noon (PT) to share information about its pl

After the sharp increase in the cost of doing business, the Washington State Dairy Federation is hoping the industry can avoid more consolidation.  The Federation is also optimistic about legislation in Olympia to initiate a carbon reduction program for dairy.  In case...

Oregon State University’s Ken Johnson, Professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences will participate in a webinar Wednesday, focused on the effective use of non-antibiotic controls and biopesticides for Fire Blight control.  Wednesday’s event is part of a national research project on Fire Blight involving Oregon, Washington, California, Michigan, North Carolina and New York.   This week’s ...

The Oregon snowpack, and specifically the southern Oregon snowpack, is looking great for this time of year.  According to NRCS-Oregon, the Lake County-Goose Lake Basin is at 147% of average, the Owyhee is 140% of normal snowfall, and the Harney Basin is sitting at 156% of average.  In fact...

On Friday Washington Congresswoman Kim Schrier announced that she has been named the Chair of the New Democrat Coalition’s Farm Bill Task Force.  As Chair, Schrier will help shape Farm Bill policy and priorities for the almost 100 members of the Coalition.   “I am ...

As we prepare to “spring forward” this weekend, a bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate looks to stop the twice-yearly time change.  Oregon’s Ron Wyden recently reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act, which would keep Daylight Saving Time year-round.  But fellow Oregon Democra...

The Washington State Department of Agriculture will host an open house on Thursday, March 9th to address plans to eradicate the Japanese Beetle.  The open house is scheduled to run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Grandview Library, 500 W. Main St....

Recreational crabbing is now open along the entire Oregon coast, from Washington to California.  That announcement was made Thursday by the Oregon Department of Agriculture and state Department of Fish and Wildlife.  Last month, the state closed crabbing between Bandon and the California border due to elevated levels of the marine biotoxin domoic acid.   The cleara...