Olympia

The old saying is once a dairy farmer, always a dairy farmer.  That was the spirit behind a resolution Washington state Senator Randi Becker’s unveiled Wednesday, honoring the state's dairy industry.  Becker said many outside of the Ag industry don't appreciate what dairy farmers mean to the state of Washington.   “They ...

The Apple Commission is working with lawmakers in Olympia this session, trying to create a specialty license plate to celebrate Washington apples and support the Washington Apple Education Foundation.  If the blue plate featuring the Washington apple logo is approved, generated revenue would be donated to WAEF, the tree fruit industry’s official charity.  Jennifer...

The 2020 Washington legislative session got underway Monday in Olympia.  For senator Mark Schoesler, a Ritzville area wheat farmer, he said his push this short session when it comes to agriculture is “do no harm”   He said he’s concerned that several proposals and ideas will have a negative impact on rural Washingtonians.  For example, he pointed o...

For many industries, 2019 was a challenging year with more setbacks than victories.  One of the few exceptions was the Washington potato industry.  Chris Voigt, Executive Director of the Washington Potato Commission said after a late winter snow forced many growers to plant later than normal, 2019 turned out to be a perfect year for Washington potato growers.   “...

The 2020 Washington legislative session will be here before you know it.  And while much of the Ag community is watching taxes, H2-A and labor issues very carefully, Jon DeVaney with the Washington state Tree Fruit Association says the environment will be a key issue as well.  He...

The Washington Farm Bureau’s Mike La Plant says one of the best parts of 2019 from an Ag perspective is, the year is almost over.   The WFB President said this has been a challenging year for growers across the state.  He said weather was very challenging with the February blast of winter east of the Cascades, to dry conditions across western Washington throughout much of the year, and a cold wet

Thursday, the Washington Policy Center will hold their annual Farm Hall in the Tri-Cities.  This year’s event will take place at the Northwest Farm Credit Services branch on St. Thomas in Pasco.  Pam Lewison with the WPC said these Farm Halls allow the agriculture community to discuss policy and potential legislation in an informal setting.   “Gives...

Jon DeVaney Executive Director of the Washington state Tree Fruit Association says as producers look to 2020, labor and H2-A issues, will be top of mind.       If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com...

Jon DeVaney Executive Director of the Washington state Tree Fruit Association says as producers look to 2020, labor and H2-A issues, will be top of mind.       If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com...

The state of Washington has awarded millions of dollars to conserve working farms and forests around the Evergreen State.  The $5.2 million in grant funding comes from the Washington state and Recreation and Conservation Funding Board.  The boa...