State

The National Agricultural Statistics Service released two important reports on Jan. 12 concerning Washington wheat growers. The first report, the Annual Crop Summary Report, summarizes the 2022 crop year for all wheat, hay, potatoes and dry beans. All wheat planted in Washington totaled 2.33 million acres, down slightly from 2021. Harvested area, at 2.27 million acres, is up 2% from the ... 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 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 »

From NASS There were 3.5 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 4 days reported the previous week. Colder than normal temperatures were reported statewide. Little to no precipitation was reported. Agricultural activity slowed as the 2022 grain corn harvest wrapped up. Western Washington was dry with freezing temperatures reported throughout the week. In central Washington, Okanogan County was ... Read More »

The 2022 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections began on Nov. 7, 2022, when ballots were mailed to eligible voters. The deadline to return ballots to local FSA offices, or to be postmarked, is Dec. 5, 2022. County committee members are an important component of the operations of FSA and provide a link between the agricultural community and USDA. Farmers ... Read More »

Two new high school seniors have been selected to represent Washington wheat farmers as ambassadors for the upcoming year: Shaley Tiegs of Fairfield and Angelina Widman of Rosalia. Tiegs and Widman were selected after a written application process that included submitting a short introductory video. The ambassadors will represent Washington wheat farmers at various civic and community events and will ... Read More »