Columbia Basin

November moved in with cold temperatures and dry weather across the Northwest, and according to meteorologist Marilyn Lohmann, half of that pattern will continue as we move into the heart of the month. Lohmann said temperatures will remain on the cool side, even for this time of year, but the precipitation will increase to above average levels ...

Researchers at Washington State University claim to have developed a methodology for grafting watermelon plants onto disease resistant root stocks in an effort to prevent diseases like verticillium wilt. Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center Interim Director WSU’s Carol Miles said the disease is especially problematic in the Columbia Basin because it can be carried by one of the r

In mid-March, Bleyhl opened its new 6,400-ton fertilizer plant in Grandview, allowing growers up and down the Yakima Valley over a dozen products in bulk. Bleyhl’s Ryan Schutt said the transition to the new, larger facility has been a smooth one. He ...

Amber Maiden says the location of the Downtown Kennewick Farmers Market allows them to provide the freshest produce for customers in and around the Tri-Cities. If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio... Read More ...

For many Northwest producers, 2019 was a challenging year, because of trade uncertainty and the ongoing trade war with China.  But, for many hay growers, it was Mother Nature that made this year a difficult one.  Andrew Eddie, Vice President of the Washington state Hay Growers Association, says this was the most unpredictable year, weather wise, that’s he’s seen over the past five years.   "W

Back in September, the National Onion Association announced that $4 million had been awarded from the Specialty Crops Research Initiative to combat bacterial disease in onions.  In addition to the $4 million from the USDA, onion growers are contributing more than half of the $4 million in matching funds, bringing the total research amount to more than $8 million.  ...

WorkSource Central Basin is hosting their Spring Agricultural Job Fair April 12th with a host of businesses attending looking to hire.  The job fair runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the WorkSource office at 309 E. Fifth Ave. in Moses Lake.  Ad...

While much of the region is counting down the days to more sunshine and warmer weather, North Central Washington may wish to push spring off a little while longer.   Jeff Marti with the Washington department of Ecology says despite record snow accumulations across the Northwest this February, the Methow and Okanogan watersheds face a 78% likelihood of drought conditions later this year.  ... Read

Flo Sayre takes a look at the role veterans played in turning the Columbia Basin from sagebrush covered desert into some of the most productive agricultural land in the world.        

Northwest corn crops will benefit from the warmer weather in the forecast.  But with that increased growth comes the need to scout for a pests.  Tim Waters with WSU says they’ve received reports over the past couple of weeks of a new pest, specifically on the southern Columbia Basin.  While he woul...