Idaho

This spring is shaping up to be a challenging one, mentally for many wheat growers in Idaho.  Britany Hurst Marchant, Executive Director of Idaho Wheat said this winter has been difficult for many in the farming, but especially for wheat growers.  She not...

Last week, EPA Administrator Michael Regan defended his agency’s issuing its final WOTUS rule in December, ahead of what could be a watershed Supreme Court WOTUS ruling later this year.  Regan was pressed by Republican senators at an Environment and Public Works hearing on why EPA jumped ahead of the Supreme Court’s ruling expected by June in Sackett vs. EPA, a case many bel...

Earlier this week, the Department of Agriculture announced the first investment of a $1 billion effort to mitigate wildfire risks as the nation faces an ongoing wildfire crisis.  USDA announced a $197 million investment for 100 projects that benefit 22 states as part of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program.  The For...

The potato is one step closer to becoming the state vegetable of Oregon.  State Senator Bill Hansell posed this question before this week's vote.   "Should the potato the Oregon vegetable be, or not to be, that is the question before us."   Hans...

According to NASS, Hop Stocks across the Pacific Northwest fell 4% from 2022’s numbers.  The inventory of hops held by growers, dealers, and brewers on March 1st, totaled 186 million pounds, off from the 193 million pounds reported last year.   That’s...

The Biden administration's version of the Waters of the U.S. rule went into effect Monday, but not for everyone.  Over the weekend, a Texas federal judge put the updated WOTUS on hold in Idaho as well as the Lone Star State.  The Court’s order Sunday granted a preliminary injunction halting the Biden WOTUS rules only for Idaho and Texas, who co-led a lawsuit.  The suits argued that E...

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

According to NASS, honey production in Washington last year hit 2.75 million pounds, a 10% drop from 2021.  There were 86,000 honey producing colonies, 10,000 lower than the previous year.  The yield per colony averaged 32.0 pounds, unchanged from the previous year.  Washington's...

The USDA’s first trade mission of the year gets underway this weekend, and it will have a uniquely Northwest feel.  Members of the delegation will be in Panama Sunday the 19th though Thursday the 23rd.   “Trade missions are just one of the effective tools we have in our market development toolbox," said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor.  Taylor, the for

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...