From the Capital Press Washington farmers lost at least $336 million to the drought last summer, a preliminary estimate likely to climb as more figures on yields and prices became available, according to a report by the state Department of Agriculture. The report estimated specific dollar losses for only a handful of crops — wheat, apples, blueberries and red raspberries. Read ... Read More »
Regardless of whether or not carbon pollution is the actual crisis some make it out to be, it is a topic that is not disappearing from headlines anytime soon. To the right is graph of greenhouse gas (ghg) pollution sources in Washington state. As the chart shows, 6 percent of our state’s ghg emissions are attributed to agriculture, but that is ... Read More »
In early December, Governor Inslee told business leaders in Washington state that our state has done nothing about Carbon since 2008. This is untrue for many business industries, from manufacturing to transportation and agriculture. Farmers sequester carbon in the soil every day by: • Looking for and finding ways to leave more plant residue on the field without losing vital ... Read More »
From Agri-Pulse EPA violated restrictions on using appropriations for grassroots lobbying when it employed social media to promote the proposed Clean Water Rule, the Government Accountability Office said in a legal opinion Application of the rule, also known as “WOTUS” for “waters of the United States,” has been stayed by federal courts, and language prohibiting the rule’s implementation has become an ... Read More »
From the Association of Washington Business Last week, shortly before he took off for Paris and the global climate summit, Gov. Jay Inslee met with members of AWB’s Executive Committee. The meeting provided an opportunity for a frank and informal discussion that might have touched on a half dozen or more issues, but it was clear that both the governor and ... Read More »
WAWG’s Olympia Days will be held January 20-22. Please sign up today by calling the WAWG office at 509-659-0610. County farmer representation is instrumental in relaying our message over in Olympia. The Spokane Ag Expo will be held February 2-4, 2016. If you are interested in filling a 2 hour shift at the WAWG booth, please contact the office at 509-659-0610. A pass to the Expo and ... Read More »
More than 500 wheat growers, industry representatives and stakeholders gathered Nov. 11-14 at the Davenport Grand Hotel in downtown Spokane, Wash., to take care of business, recognize industry leaders and hear updates on state and national issues. Attendees heard from motivational speaker Jolene Brown on the need for learning, growing and advocating in family businesses. Jack Bobo, senior vice president ... Read More »
Compiled by Keva Guszkowski, WAWG policy director Legislative Results 9th District, Position 1- Rep. Mary Dye (R-Pomeroy) 63.34% 30th district, Position 2- Rep. Teri Hickel (R-Federal Way) 54.79% The House of Representatives is now comprised of 50 democrats and 48 republicans. Ballot Measures Initiative Measure 1401 – yes by 70.29 percent. 1401 will make it illegal to trade endangered animal products ... Read More »
From DTN Progressive Farmer Note: The Farm Service Agency has not officially confirmed this news. WAWG will continue to monitor the issue and will update this website as necessary. Nearly $4 billion in Agriculture Risk Coverage-County checks were deposited in farmers accounts by early November, but the Farm Service Agency announced late last week it will recalculate payments for growers ... Read More »
From the Capital Press The Pacific Northwest agencies representing grain farmers will unite to take a proactive approach against what they say is misinformation about the value of dams. The Idaho Wheat Commission, Oregon Wheat Commission and Washington Grain Commission made the decision Nov. 11 in Spokane during a tri-state commission meeting. Read the rest of the story here. Read More »
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