Author Archives: Trista Crossley

WAWG president testifies against cap and trade

This week, Washington Association of Wheat Growers President Ryan Poe spoke to the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee against SB 5126 (proposal for implementing a cap and trade program). Here is his testimony: “Good morning Chair Carlyle and members of the Committee: For the record, my name is Ryan Poe.  I am a 5th generation farmer from Hartline, Wash.  ... Read More »

WAWG member submits testimony on HB 1091

Last week, Washington Association of Wheat Growers board member Michele Kiesz volunteered to testify on HB 1091 (proposal for adoption of a low carbon fuel standard) in front of the House Environment and Energy Committee. Unfortunately, the hearing ran out of time before Michele’s turn to testify came up, so instead WAWG submitted the following as written testimony. “Chair Fitzgibbon, ... Read More »

EPA, WSDA approve new wireworm seed treatment

Last week, the Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) and the Washington Grain Commission (WGC) received word that their support for a new wireworm seed treatment had been successful. Teraxxa, manufactured by BASF, was approved in mid-January by the Environmental Protection Agency for use in 2021, just in time for spring seeding. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) approved ... Read More »

Commentary: Keep momentum going on trade for wheat farmers

By Chandler Goule National Association of Wheat Growers With the United States bringing in a new administration, one of a different political party, some changes in trade policy and strategy could be expected. As the Biden administration takes shape, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) encourages it to build upon the trade successes of the Trump administration. Read the ... Read More »

2021 Legislative Session reference guide

With the 2021 Washington State Legislative Session going remote, understanding how the process works and getting involved is more important than ever. This handy reference guide can help. Read More »

Wheat seedlings in Northwest down 2 percent

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service Washington winter wheat growers seeded an estimated 1.75 million acres of winter wheat for harvest in 2021. This is down 3 percent from the area seeded in 2020 but unchanged from 2019. Idaho growers seeded 740,000 acres of winter wheat for the 2021 crop, up 3 percent from 2020, and 1 percent above the 2019 ... Read More »

2021 National Wheat Yield Contest accepting enrollment

The National Wheat Foundation (NWF) is pleased to announce that it is accepting grower enrollment for the 2021 National Wheat Yield Contest! The Contest is divided into two primary competition categories: winter wheat and spring wheat, and two subcategories: dryland and irrigated. The Foundation is accepting entries for winter and spring wheat. The deadline for winter wheat entries is May 15 with an ... Read More »

Moderate levels of stripe rust forecast in first report of 2021

By Dr. Xianming Chen Based on the weather conditions in November and December 2020, stripe rust in the 2021 wheat growing season is forecasted to be in the upper range of moderate epidemic level (20-40 percent yield loss on susceptible varieties). Using forecast models based on the 2020 November and December weather data, yield loss of highly susceptible winter wheat ... Read More »

RMA extends crop insurance flexibilities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) has announced it is extending crop insurance flexibilities for producers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, relief provided for electronic notifications and signatures is extended through July 15, while organic certification, replant self-certification and assignment of indemnity are extended through June 30. “We recognize that American agriculture continues to face challenges due ... Read More »

2021 Legislative Session goes almost entirely virtual

By Diana Carlen WAWG Lobbyist On Jan. 11, 2021, the Washington State Legislature will be back in session, but operating very differently from past years due to the pandemic. For the first time in the state’s history, the session will be mostly conducted in a virtual format, and come January, the typically bustling capitol campus will be noticeably quiet and ... Read More »