washington association of wheat growers

Jeffrey Shawver Op-Ed   In agriculture, everything is cyclical. The same seems to be true of the lower Snake River dams. Every few years, advocates of breaching the dams start speaking out on why they should be torn down, and the communities and industries that depend on those dams answer back with facts to prove why the region needs them. Thi...

In a very challenging 2019 legislative session, many in the Ag community are walking away from Olympia saying that education and outreach is the key.  Michelle Hennings Executive Director for the Washington Association of Wheat Grower says one of the best examples of this was when senator John McCoy said the farming community in Washington does not pay taxes.  He...

National Association of Wheat Growers’ officers led their annual Washington D.C. fly-in to meet with Congressional members and their staffs to discuss their chief agricultural concerns.  The main topics of discussion included trade, the 2018 Farm Bill implementation, and many other topics.  The Wash...

In his 2019-21 budget proposal this session, Governor Jay Inslee requested $750,000 for a Snake River dam task force.  The purpose, according to the Governor’s office, is to look at the economic impact to Eastern Washington if the Snake River dams are breached to help Puget Sound salmon.  The requ...

The late winter snow and early spring rains have left many fields across the Northwest wet and extremely soft, to the point of delaying many producers from getting their spring wheat in the ground.  And for those growers to get crop insurance for the 2019 season, they must have their wheat in the ground by a variety of dates.  ...

Some have called for the reduction or elimination of crop insurance from the 2018 Farm Bill as a way to lower the overall costs, and potentially save money.  However, the Washington Association of Wheat Growers and Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers have said on several occasions crop insurance is vital for growers to remain competitive on the international front.  ...

Dryland growers will have an opportunity to learn about the newest crop varieties an practices during WSU’s Lind Field Day Thursday morning.  The Lind Dryland Research Station, WSU and USDA researchers will share the latest information on winter and spring wheat breeding efforts, soil microbes, winter pea varieties, agronomy, markets and much more.   I...

On Friday, the House voted against the Republican led Farm Bill proposal.  House Resolution 2 was struck down by a 198-213 vote.  Not only did all House Democrats vote against the proposal, but 30 Republicans crossed party lines to vote against the Farm Bill resolution.   ...

Officers of the National Association of Wheat Growers are in Washington, D.C. this week meeting with members of Congress.  The wheat growers are stressing the importance of passing a farm bill this year.  NAWG President Jimmie Musick of Oklahoma says its “critical” to talk with lawmakers about completing the farm bill reauthorization before the current farm bill expires.   Members of the Kansas ..

Fresh off of a trade trip to Japan and the Philippines, several members of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, took a trip to D.C., to discuss trade, and educate lawmakers of the issues facing farmers.  Michelle Hennings, Executive Director of WAWG told the Washington Ag Network many don’t appreciate that not being a part of TPP will be a direct hit to wheat growers.   “...