Washington

Improve the health of America’s forests while reducing the risks of wildfire to communities.  That has been the effort and focus on the U.S. Forest Service’s Collaborative Wildfire Risk Reduction Program, which has focused on 21 specially selected fire sheds.  But Agriculture Sec...

Highly Pathogenetic Avian Influenza has been on the minds of backyard poultry owners, as well as large scale operations since late 2022.  Dr. Amber Itle, Washington state Veterinarian said it’s very normal for these influenza viruses to circulate.  But what she ...

We may have just wrapped up the 2024 winter wheat harvest, but it’s already time to look ahead to 2025, as planting has begun across the country.  USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey looked at planting numbers from last week.   “Showing 2% of the intended acreage planted on that date," Rippey noted.  "Right now par with the ...

More than 400 cases of salmonella across the country have been linked to backyard poultry.  The CDC says over 100 people have been hospitalized during this outbreak.  Texas and Missouri have the most cases, followed by Minnesota, Washington, Michigan, and Oklahoma.   Almost 70%...

Are farmers in Oregon and Washington moving east because of policy that makes it more and more difficult to farm?  Some say yes.   Madi Clark has a front row view from her farm Eastern Oregon farm situated south of Ontario.  She said the...

Building capacity building infrastructure, building demand, all aspects of the USDA grant program centered on organic growers and the organic industry.   “We're excited to announce our 4th and final round of the Organic Market Development Grants. This is $...

With the end of the most intense portion of the irrigation season with in sight here in the Northwest, how is water storage fairing as we prepared to head into fall?  USDA meteorologist Brad Rippy said when it comes to the 11 Western states they watch, nine of those states either close to normal or above normal storage.   “...

As growers nationwide start to wind down spring wheat harvest, the USDA is out with a look at this year’s crop.  USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey said as of Sunday August 25th, 51% of the crop has been cut, which is just slightly behind the five-year average for 53% for this time of year; but ahead of last year’s 50%.  As far as individua...

This weekend, for many is considered the unofficial end of summer, and it looks like Mother Nature will try to cooperate.  Temperatures are expected to climb back into the 90s with some locations forecasting triple digits this weekend.  USDA me...

The Washington farm bureau is reminding everyone about equipment safety in the fields and orchards.   “Accidents involving implements take only milliseconds to cause serious injury or death. They're completely preventable,” noted WSFB Safety Director Dominique Damian.  She added that the basic...