Author Archives: Trista Crossley

Crop progress report 05/26: Wet week in Washington

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service There were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 5.3 days the previous week. Western Washington producers received rain that hindered fieldwork and planting. Early strawberries were affected by the weather conditions. Central Washington received some precipitation. Spring-seeded crops were up and looked good. In Yakima County, asparagus harvest continued, and more ... Read More »

Russia expands lead in wheat exports

From world-grain.com Russia, the world’s largest wheat exporter, is projected to export a record 53 million tonnes in the current marketing year, giving it a global market share of 26%, the highest in its history, according to the latest International Grains Council (IGC) Grain Market Report. Read the rest of the article here. Read More »

House Committee on Agriculture Advances the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024

From the National Association of Wheat Growers On May 23, the House Committee on Agriculture passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 (H.R. 8472) on a bipartisan vote of 33-21. In response, National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President Keeff Felty made the following statement: “NAWG commends Chairman Thompson for moving the process forward and urges a bipartisan ... Read More »

WAWG expresses concern over transportation study

The Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) joined with Pacific Northwest Waterways Association and the Washington Public Ports Association in a letter to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) regarding the transportation study on how to replace barging capabilities on the lower Snake River. The group contends the study fails to address the requirements laid out in the budget ... Read More »

House Republicans’ farm bill proposal ‘robs Peter to pay Paul,’ ag secretary says

From thehill.com The House Agriculture committee is trying to fund its farm bill proposals with “counterfeit money,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told reporters Wednesday morning. Vilsack spoke after a range of groups from across the political spectrum criticized House Republicans’ proposed farm bill, which seeks to direct tens of billions to subsidies for farmers of peanuts, rice and cotton. Read the rest ... Read More »

Crop progress report 5/19: Dry and windy in Washington

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service There were 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 5.5 days the previous week. In western Washington, the weather was mild, and there was little rain. Central Washington had high winds that prevented any spraying from being completed. In Yakima County, there were reports of small brush fires throughout the Yakima Valley. ... Read More »

Expiring estate tax exemption: What farmers need to know

From agweb.com The sunset of the Trump Tax Cuts is around the corner and might be here before farmers are ready for it. The current lifetime estate and gift tax exemption is $13.61 million but will be cut in half beginning in 2026. This means most farmers have about 18 months to make some major estate decisions. See the rest ... Read More »

NAWG urges enhanced trade policies in letter to Tai

In April, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and over 30 agriculture organizations sent a letter to United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai urging enhanced engagement on trade policies to bolster our global competitive standing around the world. Recommitting to an aggressive trade agenda, holding parties accountable to commitments, and improving trade enforcement mechanisms are critical steps that need ... Read More »

Crop progress report 05/12: Sunshine in Washington

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 6 days the previous week. In western Washington, the weather began to warm up and was ideal for planting. Producers were busy getting their new grass and corn plantings in. Central Washington had rain at the beginning of the week in some areas ... Read More »

Winter winter production up 19% in Pacific Northwest

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service Based on May 1, 2024 conditions, production of winter wheat in Washington was forecast at 117 million bushels, up 24% from 2023. Yield was expected to average 65 bushels per acre, up 11 bushels from last year. Harvested acres were forecast at 1.80 million acres, up 50,000 acres from 2023. In Idaho, production was ... Read More »