Columbia Basin

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...

Flo Sayre discusses the economic impact the Columbia Basin has had on the entire region.         If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com...

How did the weather impact how the Columbia Basin was settled?  And how has the settlement of the Columbia Basin impacted weather?  Farmers National's Flo Sayre takes a look:         If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com...