Washington

Across Washington, farmers, commodity groups, economists have discussed what a trying year 2024 has been for the agriculture community.   Add to that list the voice of Derek Sandison.    The Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture says across the board, farming is very challenging right now.  Sandison not...

A robotics company from halfway around the world away is helping Washington growers overcome labor and other farm challenges.  Robotics Plus is a New Zealand-based company with offices in California and the Evergreen state.  The company recently showcased its multi-use autonomous vehicle for orchards and vineyards at FIRA USA, an ag robotics event, in northern California.  Steve Saunders is... Rea

Last week, the USDA announced it is funding additional projects across Washington via the Rural Energy for America Program in an effort to lower costs, expand access to clean energy as well as strengthen farms and small businesses.  Helen Price Johnson, Rural Development Director for Washington said $5.1 million...

Earlier this month, the Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation, better known as Potato LEAF, announced the 2025 class of the potato industry’s Leadership Institute.  During the 10-day program, which runs February 19th through the 28th, participants will receive an overview of the local and national potato industry, including some of the challenges and issues beyond the production

On Thursday, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is funding new projects in nearly every state to lower costs, expand access to clean energy and strengthen American farms and small businesses.  USDA is making the investments through the Rural Energy for America Program, better known as REAP.   “...

An update to the Northwest Forest Plan is expected soon, and Washingtonians connected to the outdoor, for work or for pleasure, are being encouraged to follow the process closely.  While the plan doesn't specifically mention recreation, the Northwest Forest Plan is the land management plan for millions of acres of forest in the region.  Michael...

According to the latest numbers from NASS, Idaho’s potato crop this year is forecast at 135 million cwt, down 6% from last year.  Harvested area, at 314,500 acres, is down 15,000 acres from 2023.  Yield is expected to be 430 cwt per acre, down 5 cwt from 2023.   Potato prod...

Local meat processing plants across the county will work to expand capacity, and improve efficiencies thanks to recent investments via the USDA.   “USDA's local meat capacity grant program, or we call it local MCap," said Department of Ag’s Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Moffitt.  "It provides targeted pr...

The Washington State Department of Agriculture confirmed the first case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Stevens County late last week.  WSDA said in addition to the Stevens County cases, bird flu was detected in an Okanogan County flock.  The Dep...

Through its Community Connect Program, Rural Development has awarded $63.8 million to expand high-speed internet in rural areas across 12 states, including Washington.   “We know this is fundamental to building prosperity and a bright future where people and businesses can grow and thrive,” said Helen Price Johnson the State Director for Rural Development in Washington.  "Rural America... Rea