coronavirus

It's looking more and more likely that COVID vaccinations will be similar to flu shots.  Oregon State Health Officer Dr. Dean Sidelinger said the COVID vaccines are effective.   "The current COVID-19 bivalent booster that we got, it seems to be holding up and offering effective protection against severe disease and death."   Side...

It’s been a downward week for oil prices, with prices dropping roughly $10 per barrel in the past seven days.  West Texas Crude was trading in the mid-$60 range in Monday’s action.  Patrick DeHaan with GasBuddy said last week, oil investors were concerned about the health of the U.S. economy.  He noted that conc...

The 95th annual Oregon FFA state convention gets underway Thursday at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond.  Ontario’s Kinsley Kemble, this year’s Oregon FFA Vice President said an estimated 3,000 members and guests will be in attendance over the next three days as the convention returns to normal post-pandemic.   “This year we wer...

Oil prices continue to soften, not on news from China, not because of the on-going war in Ukraine, but concerns over the U.S. economy.  Patrick DeHaan with GasBuddy said investors are concerned about everything from Wall Street to Main Street.   “...

With warmer weather in the long-term forecast, growers are planning for the season ahead.  Karen Sowers, Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Canola Association saw while canola seed is produced across much of the western Hemisphere; in the U.S., ...

Data from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows food away from home spending varied during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.  In April 2020, spending at full-service restaurants declined 71% compared with April 2019.  Spending at fast-food restaurants fell 32%, and spending at all other food-away-from-home establishments dropped 41% over the same period.   Full-service res...

Back in November, University of Idaho Extension worked with Si-Ellen Farms to provide not only a vaccination clinic to its Jerome dairy, but also a health fair.  During that health fair, workers got a break from their daily routines, enjoyed snacks, drinks, a free lunch, as well as medical attention.  Lindsey...

Because of the pandemic, many businesses and industry were forced to adopt new restrictions and guidelines very quickly, including the aquaculture industry.  But, thanks to AMS, some of those costs can now be addressed. Through the Agricultural Marketing Service Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant Program, another round of grants are available to seafood processors and proc

Japan is already a top destination for a variety of American ag products, including many commodities grown right here in the Pacific Northwest.  So, why is the USDA leading a trade mission to a market where the U.S. is already doing so well?   “...

According to a recent analysis by U.S. Wheat Associates, since the highs of 2021, freight prices have dropped to lows not seen since June 2020.  Coupled with a recent break in wheat prices, decreased ocean freight costs have helped turn the tides back in the importers' favor.   ...