Author Archives: Trista Crossley

Fate of CRP, Other Expired Farm Bill Programs Up in Air

From agriculture.com Authorization for the CRP and other farm bill programs not included in this summer’s budget reconciliation bill have lapsed amid the shift to a new fiscal year. House Ag Committee Chair Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., has made clear his hopes for a “skinny” farm bill, which would reauthorize programs not covered earlier this year in Republicans’ One Big Beautiful ... Read More »

Farmer aid reportedly delayed by government shutdown

From Farm Policy News Politico’s Grace Yarrow reported that “the Trump administration has pushed back its plans to roll out economic aid for farmers this week due to the government shutdown, according to four people familiar with the talks.” “The Office of Management and Budget has readied between $12 billion and $13 billion to be allocated from an internal USDA ... Read More »

Ecology published ag exempt fuel retail sellers directory

The Washington State Department of Ecology has created a new Agricultural Exempt Fuel Retail Sellers Directory, which can be found at Fuel Exemptions – Washington State Department of Ecology. On this webpage, you will also find guidance on: Which fuels are exempt, and How to register for the directory if you are a retail fuel seller. The page also includes an ... Read More »

Are Large ARC/PLC Payments Coming?

By Paul Neiffer/agweb.com Farmers will receive more payments under the changes to ARC and PLC programs, and the increase could be significant. Read the article here. Read More »

The crisis amongst us: A call to reflection, responsibility, and renewal

By Andy Juris Klickitat County grower and Past President, Washington Association of Wheat Growers The hardship of the past Things were bad. So bad, that no one could remember a time when they weren’t. The price of wheat hit an all-time low, just 25 cents, barely half of what it cost to grow. Rain had failed for four straight years, ... Read More »

Crop progress report 09/29/25

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, there were 6.9 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week. Washington crop progress: Winter wheat planted: 68% this week 58% last week 69% last year 64% 5-year average Winter wheat emerged: 40% this week 30% last week 36% last year 32% 5-year average Read More »

Fertilizer woes cloud new crop outlook as farmers mull cutbacks

From Successful Farming Surging costs for key crop nutrients that growers need could spur sharp cutbacks in fertilizer use. Prices are climbing for phosphate, crucial for plant growth, amid fear that an already difficult farm economy may be poised to worsen into a full-blown crisis. Read the rest of the article here. Read More »

Schrier, Newhouse roll out legislation promoting conservation programs

From the Pacific Northwest Ag Network Last week, Washington representatives Kim Schrier and Dan Newhouse introduced the Eliminating Needless Administrative Barriers Lessening Efficiency for Conservation Act, better known as the ENABLE Conservation Act.  They say this bi-partisan legislation will allow more farmers to participate in voluntary conservation programs. Read the rest of the article here. Read More »

Seasonal climate outlook promising for drought-hit Northwest

From the Capital Press Washington and parts of Oregon and Idaho should receive above-normal amounts of rain in October through December, bringing relief to drought-stricken areas, according to the National Weather Service’s seasonal forecast. A La Nina is expected to move the Pacific jet stream northward, picking up moisture in the North Pacific before sliding south into the Northwest, the ... Read More »

Crop progress report 09/22/25

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, there were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week. Washington crop progress: Winter wheat planted: 58% this week 50% last week 52% last year 52% 5-year average Winter wheat emerged: 30% this week 13% last week 20% last year 17% 5-year average Spring wheat harvested: 98% this week 97% last week ... Read More »