By Trista Crossley Editor, Wheat Life At one of the break-out sessions at the 2022 Tri-State Grain Growers Convention, growers got an “inside the beltway” perspective of the 118th Congress and potential impacts of the 2022 elections on wheat industry priorities. Congress began the new session divided. There are slim majorities in both chambers with the Republicans holding the House ... Read More »

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington (NRCS-WA) has released more information on the completely voluntary FY23 Riparian Buffer Program.  The new fact sheet includes information on four “tiers” of riparian buffers, with examples of associated practices and estimated payment scenarios – to include many with foregone income to help compensate landowners for income lost if they install a riparian buffer.  ... Read More »

From NASS Central Washington experienced low temperatures during December. In Klickitat and Yakima counties, the ground had been covered in snow for about a month. Cattle were fed on winter ground. In Benton County, the weather through crop-producing areas dropped into the single digits in the early morning hours. Perennial crops were dormant, and no orchard or agricultural activities were observed. Northeast ... Read More »

By Michelle Hennings Executive Director, Washington Association of Wheat Growers Happy New Year!!  We just wrapped up the 2022 Tri-State Grain Growers Convention last month, and what a SUCCESS! Our attendance was better than it’s been for many years. It was great to be back networking with farmers. The convention featured highly acclaimed national speakers and quality educational break-out sessions ... Read More »

From the National Association of Wheat Growers and U.S. Wheat Associates The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) welcomes the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Alexis Taylor to serve as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs. Yesterday, the Senate confirmed Taylor by a voice vote. “NAWG applauds the ... Read More »

From the Capital Press Last November, longtime USDA official Marcia Bunger became the first woman to hold the role of administrator at the Agriculture Department’s Risk Management Agency, which manages federal crop insurance. Before becoming RMA administrator, Bunger worked for decades in USDA’s Farm Service Agency. She is also an owner and operator of a 2,000-acre family farm. Dec. 16, ... Read More »

From DTN The massive spending bill negotiated for Congress to pass before adjourning includes language allowing USDA to establish rules and verification protocols for agricultural carbon market programs. The $1.7 trillion “omnibus” spending bill, however, does not include any immigration reform for agricultural workers under H-2A, despite an impassioned plea on the Senate floor Monday night by the lead champion ... Read More »

From the Capital Press Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, outlining his climate agenda for the 2023 legislative session, said Dec. 12 he will propose “new ways” to push through energy-related projects more rapidly. Inslee, who last month decried “nimbyism” as a threat to decarbonizing the economy, said state laws for approving transmission lines and manufacturing plants that support renewable energy are ... Read More »

By Diana Carlen WAWG Lobbyist While there are a couple of legislative races still too close to call, it is clear that Democrats will expand their majorities slightly. In the Senate, Democrats have picked up one seat (29-20) as Rep. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) has defeated Sen. Simon Sefzik (R-Ferndale) who was appointed last January to replace Sen. Doug Ericksen after ... Read More »

From the Capital Press Step by step, Washington state has adopted the main canons of the Green New Deal, a sweeping set of mandates aimed at reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Read the rest of the article here. Read More »