WAWG’s Executive Director Michelle Hennings talked to RFDTV yesterday morning about the double whammy being felt by producers who have low falling numbers and are getting dinged at the crop insurance level. “When producers go in to renew their crop insurance policy, whether they take a claim or not for falling numbers, they are still being docked for yield. Our question ... Read More »
State
WSU begins search for next CAHNRS dean
From the Capital Press Washington State University will soon begin its nationwide search for the next dean of the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences, a top university official says. “We expect this position to be highly desirable,” said Dan Bernardo, WSU provost and executive vice president. “What has gone on in Washington State over the last decade ... Read More »
Extension agent receives national award
From the Capital Press Stephen Van Vleet has received the 2016 Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. The award is given to Cooperative Extension educators with more than 10 years of service who have exhibited excellence in their work. “It’s a nice honor because it’s an award that shows that you’re working with the growers ... Read More »
WAWG continues to seek relief for farmers affected by falling numbers
In an effort to alleviate a burden on wheat producers, the Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) led the charge in requesting the Risk Management Agency (RMA) waive a reporting procedure when wheat farmers are hit with a low falling number discount at the elevator, regardless of whether or not a claim is filed. WAWG is disappointed that RMA has ... Read More »
PNW wheat grower associations react to RMA decision on falling numbers reporting
Earlier this week, the Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) submitted a letter to the Risk Management Agency (RMA) asking them to waive the reporting rules that require elevators to report falling number discounts. Those discounts are then applied to a producer’s actual production history, even when no claim is filed. In addition to WAWG, that letter was signed by the Idaho Grain Producers ... Read More »
Washington watchdog gives What’s Upstream more time
From the Capital Press What’s Upstream has until Oct. 17 to answer allegations that the federally funded campaign for new limits on Washington agriculture should have registered as a grass-roots lobbying organization, a spokeswoman for the Washington Public Disclosure Commission said Tuesday. The PDC originally gave lead organizer Larry Wasserman, the Swinomish Indian tribe’s environmental policy director, one week to ... Read More »
NAWG seeks nominations for Wheat Industry Leaders of Tomorrow program
As the Wheat Industry Leaders of Tomorrow (WILOT) Program is fast approaching, NAWG is seeking nominations by our state associations of potential leaders to enroll. This program is sponsored and produced annually by Monsanto in partnership with the National Wheat Foundation and is targeted at producers who want to take on a greater role of leadership becoming more involved in ... Read More »
Portland container shipping faces broad challenges
From the Capital Press Labor disputes are often blamed for discontinued ocean container shipping at Port of Portland’s “Terminal 6,” but the facility faces broader problems, a port executive said. Even if conflicts between the port, the terminal operator and the longshoremen’s union were resolved, turmoil in the global shipping industry would affect the facility, said Keith Leavitt, the port’s ... Read More »
WAWG applauds Senate prioritization of farm economy amidst low prices
Yesterday, the Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing on the Current State of the Farm Economy, with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack testifying. On behalf of the Pacific Northwest grain producers, The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) submitted testimony to the Committee discussing the dire economic conditions in wheat country, conveying the importance of current safety net and risk management tools. With ... Read More »
Written NAWG testimony on Current State of the Farm Economy Senate ag hearing
Written Testimony of the National Association of Wheat Growers Gordon Stoner, President Before the Senate Agriculture Committee The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Current State of the Farm Economy September 21, 2016 Chairman Roberts, Ranking Member Stabenow, thank you for holding this hearing to review the “Current State of the Farm Economy.” Following several years of widespread drought in many ... Read More »