Author Archives: Trista Crossley

Washington state to set carbon pollution limits

Today, the Washington Department of Ecology formally began writing a rule that would require the state’s largest polluters to reduce their greenhouse gases. Ecology is considering businesses and organizations that are responsible for producing 100,000 metric tons or more of greenhouse gases be covered under the rule. The types of businesses include: · Natural gas distributors · Petroleum fuel producers ... Read More »

USDA announces 2016 small grains projected prices

Barley and wheat prices available USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) has announced the 2016 projected prices for winter and spring wheat and winter barley for Idaho, Oregon and Washington. These prices are critical for producers evaluating their crop insurance coverage options. RMA also reminds producers of the Sept. 30 deadline for purchasing crop insurance for fall-planted barley with winter coverage ... Read More »

Lawmakers cut deal on grain inspections

From Agri-Pulse The Senate Agriculture Committee reached a bipartisan agreement with the House for extending grain inspection standards and livestock price reporting today. The legislation, which has the support of the House Agriculture Committee, would ensure that grain inspections could continue during a labor dispute. The bill (HR 2051), which the Senate panel approved on a voice vote, includes a ... Read More »

CRP grazing extended for fire, drought victims

From the Capital Press Ranchers in Eastern Washington who have lost grazing ground to drought or wildfire will be able to graze CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) land through Dec. 15, says Judith Olson, state director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in Spokane. That’s welcome news and will help meet the short-term needs of hundreds of ranchers throughout Eastern Washington ... Read More »

USDA releases crop insurance harvest prices for 2015

Small Grains and Canola Revenue Harvest Prices Available USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) today announced approved harvest prices for the 2016 crop year for revenue protection insurance plans within the Common Crop Insurance Policy for wheat, barley, fall canola and rapeseed located in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. For producers who bought either of the revenue protection plans, the harvest ... Read More »

Mid-Columbia agencies asked to push water conservation

From the Tri-City Herald While the effects of this drought are still being felt across the Mid-Columbia, area water officials are urging cities, schools and parks to start preparing for drought conditions next summer. On Wednesday, the subcommittee of the Yakima Integrated Plan Workgroup focused on municipal water use announced that a letter has been sent to 204 public entities ... Read More »

NAWG calls on Congress to act on tax extenders

This week, NAWG joined a broad coalition of more than 2,000 companies, associations, and organizations in writing to members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate urging Congress to act immediately to extend, enhance or make permanent expired and expiring tax provisions that are important for agricultural producers across the country. Provisions, including Section 179 expensing and bonus depreciation, ... Read More »

EPA proposes new water quality rule for Washington state

From The Spokesman-Review The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is following through on its promise to propose a new clean-water rule for Washington, in case the state doesn’t come up with its own plan in time. The EPA plans to officially publish its proposed rule in mid-September for public review. It posted details on its website last week. “Our preference is to ... Read More »

Judge refuses to block Clean Water Act rule nationwide

From Agri-Pulse A federal judge in North Dakota declined to block implementation of the Obama administration’s Clean Water Act rule nationwide, leaving it in force in all but 13 states. U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson last week granted a request by the 13 states to stop the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers from enforcing the rule. ... Read More »