Author Archives: Trista Crossley

U.S. Wheat expresses concerns about import investigations

From the Capital Press A U.S. Department of Commerce investigation into steel imports could open the door for other countries to retaliate by imposing restrictions on their purchases of commodities such as wheat, U.S. Wheat Associates officials say. Read the story here. Read More »

Exploring how ag speaks environmental at WPC panel

By Trista Crossley For an industry that feeds and clothes the nation, not to mention much of the world, agriculture seems to be constantly under fire, accused of practices that are harmful to the environment and consumers. Last month, Washington Association of Wheat Growers Vice President Marci Green took part in a panel designed to address some of those misconceptions ... Read More »

Crop progress 6/4: Warm weather welcomed

From NASS There were 6.3 days suitable for field work last week. Pasture and range conditions were reported 1 percent poor, 6 percent fair, 72 percent good and 21 percent excellent. A low temperature of 42 degrees F was reported in the east central region, while a high temperature of 98 was reported in the southeast region. Statewide differentials ranged from 1 degree ... Read More »

Farmers, ranchers have ‘unprecedented’ meeting with Ag, Interior secretaries

From the Capital Press Farmers and ranchers described a private meeting with two of President Donald Trump’s cabinet members June 2 as unprecedented and historic. Instead of addressing the group, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke listened and took notes, according to those who were there. “They just didn’t have an agenda. They truly wanted to ... Read More »

USW strong opposes budget proposal eliminating market development funding

From USW’s 6/1 Wheat Letter Last week, U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) expressed dismay that the Trump Administration’s proposed FY2018 budget calls for eliminating funding for the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program and would severely cut funding for food aid programs. These cuts and other proposed cuts to the farm safety net ... Read More »

Outreach help wanted

WAWG is run by farmers who volunteer their time and energy. As such, the organization is always looking for people to help out at education events, such as farm fairs, expos and the recent Almira Ag STEM day (above). Marci Green, WAWG vice president, puts out the request for more volunteers. She says: “The educational events are usually in spring, ... Read More »

Crop progress 5/30: Farmers rush to catch up

From NASS There were 6.4 days suitable for field work last week. Pasture and range conditions were reported at 2 percent poor, 8 percent fair, 73 percent good and 17 percent excellent. A low temperature of 37 degrees F was reported in the central region, while a high temperature of 95 was reported in both the central and southeastern regions. Statewide ... Read More »

Wheat grower meetings coming to a plot tour near you

In the wheat world, summer’s long, hot days lead not only to harvest, but usually barbecues seasoned with plot tours and updates on county and state business. Most county wheat growers groups will partner with the Washington State University Extension Cereal Variety Testing Program to hold a county meeting immediately before or after one of their local plot tours. Washington ... Read More »

Administration’s FY2018 budget request calls for deep cuts to crop insurance, other priority programs

From the National Association of Wheat Growers On May 23, the Trump Administration released its FY2018 budget request, which makes significant cuts to several farm bill programs, including crop insurance, commodity programs, conservation programs, rural economic development and SNAP. Overall cuts to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs would total about $240 billion in mandatory spending over 10 years and ... Read More »

U.S. Wheat: Trump budget would ‘gut’ overseas marketing

From the Capital Press President Donald Trump’s proposed budget would eliminate funding for two key federal programs used to promote U.S. wheat overseas, industry representatives say. Trump’s budget for the 2018 fiscal year would eliminate funding for the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Market Access Program, called MAP, and the Foreign Market Development program. In addition, it would severely cut funding ... Read More »