NASS

Ask anyone in the tree fruit, berry or vegetable industries, they’ll tell you all about the high labor costs associated with their labor-intensive commodities.  A recent USDA study looked at those costs and what can be done to help producers with their bottom line.   “There...

Many experts voiced surprise at the latest USDA winter wheat report that showed a sizeable increase in seedings nationwide.  USDA chief economist Seth Meyer said growers put in 37 million acres of winter wheat, which 11% higher than last year, and 2% greater than many had expected.  He note...

2022 was a mixed year for many of the Northwest’s largest commodities.   All wheat planted in Idaho totaled 1.16 million acres, down 6% from 2021.   Harvested area, at 1.08 million acres, is down 5% from the previous year.   All wheat product...

According to NASS, winter wheat seedings across the Northwest are up slightly from last year.  Oregon farmers planted 790,000 acres of winter wheat for the 2023, an 8% increase from this time last year.  Idaho growers seeded 770,000 acres, unchanged from 2022, but 8% above the 2021 crop.  Washington’s wint...

Only a few weeks remain for produces, growers, ranchers, farmers of all walks, to participate in the Census of Ag.  Dennis Koong, NASS Northwest Regional Director, said the USDA needs accurate data, so it’s vital that producers participate.   “Polic...

NASS says it will publish the first official estimate of the 2023-2024 winter wheat crop planted area on Thursday, January 12th.  U.S. Wheat Associates and America’s wheat-importing customers will be watching trade estimates before the report is issued.   Wheat ...

The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service released a report titled U.S. Beef Exports to East Asia on a Record Pace.  Despite economic uncertainties brought on by COVID, continued global supply chain challenges, and a competitive global beef market, American exports to East Asia were outstanding in the first half of 2022 in terms of value and volume.   The re...

Potato stocks across the Pacific Northwest total 157 million cwt to start the month.     Potato stocks in Idaho on December 1st totaled 85.0 million cwt.  Disappearance of the Idaho crop to date was 35.7 million cwt.  Potato stocks in ...

On Thursday, NASS released the results of the 2021 Organic Survey.  The survey shows total sales of $11.2 billion in organic products, an increase of $1.28 billion, or 13%, from 2019.  There were 17,445 certified organic farms nationwide, a 5% increase from 2019.   Calif...

It’s time once again for the USDA’s Census of Agriculture.  Oregon farmers and ranchers are being reminded to participate in this twice a decade national survey.  Dave Losh with Oregon NASS says the state Department of Agriculture, USDA, lawmakers and many others use the data to push for or against programs that impact the sector.   “I think Oregon’s at 2...