From the Capital Press As President-elect Joe Biden prepares take office on Jan. 20, experts predict his administration will shape agricultural policy by focusing on public health, climate change and rural development, among other key priorities. Four panelists — including three former USDA secretaries — discussed what farmers can expect over the next four years as part of a virtual ... Read More »

The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) has indicated that it has no plans to relax its regulation of the state’s waters despite a revised federal ruling that redefines what waters are considered “waters of the U.S.” The revision, which was finalized in June 2020 by the Trump Administration, narrows the definition of waterways that fall under federal regulation from ... Read More »

Energy and Commerce Committee to benefit under her leadership The Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) congratulates Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) for her recent selection as the Republican leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers has been a steadfast advocate of the farmers and ranchers of Eastern Washington. She has fought to make sure the ... Read More »

By Michelle Hennings WAWG Executive Director This year…WOW! I really hope 2021 will be the year that we get back to some normalcy. I’m ready to put 2020 in the rearview mirror, as I’m sure many of you are, as well.  Life, both personally and professionally, in a pandemic, has been interesting. On the positive side, I’ve gotten to enjoy ... Read More »

From U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers Today, the House of Representatives passed the United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act (GSA) of 2020, S. 4054. The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) applauds both the House and Senate for their bipartisan work to move the bill forward and reauthorize the GSA through September 30, 2025. NAWG ... Read More »

From the Seattle Times Washington Senate Minority Leader Mark Schoesler, who had a hand in guiding Republicans through several years in the majority, will step down from his leadership post, a spokesperson confirmed on Monday. Read the rest of the article here. Read More »

Congratulations to Grace Hanning and Julia Klein, our 2020/21 wheat ambassadors. They gave their final presentations yesterday, virtually, and both did a great job. Check it out for yourself. Read More »

From NASS There were 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week, down from 5.1 days the previous week. Wet and windy weather systems continued to move through San Juan County. CSAs continued to harvest cool weather vegetable crops. Most livestock were fed stored forage. The beginning of seasonal flows recharged the water table. Skagit County received enough rain ... Read More »

From Farm Policy Facts During this season of gratitude, we are giving thanks to America’s farmers and ranchers. Not only do America’s strong federal farm policies ensure that we all have reliable access to affordable food, they also share our generous bounty with our neighbors. Nicole Berg, a fourth-generation farmer from Washington State and Vice President of the National Association ... Read More »

From Forbes U.S. freight transport is forecast to grow by 40% over the next two decades. The rapid growth of e-commerce, accelerated by more first time users during the coronavirus pandemic, could push this demand even further. Yet, 70% of all cargo in the U.S. is transported via road. Read the rest of the article here. Read More »