The Pacific Northwest Ag Network Report airs daily, Monday through Friday, during the 5, 6, and 7 AM hours on 920 News Now. Glenn Vaagen and the Pacific Northwest Ag Network team bring you the most in-depth ag news focused on products grown across the region each morning. They connect you with the latest research at WSU, OSU, and the University of Idaho, commodity group leaders, and state and federal lawmakers.
PNW AG Network News
Folks Are Discouraged Notes Oregon Farm Bureau President
Agriculture is on the brink in Oregon. That according to Oregon Farm Bureau President Angi Bailey who said producers across the state are struggling with, among other things, profitability. She noted the challenge starts before the season begins, with the cost of seeds up 80%. “80% that'... Continue reading&helli...
14h ago
Newhouse: Farmers Need Clarity When It Comes To Trade
Critics have complained that much of the trade talks are taking place in the media, which won’t help the U.S. reach deals with our close trading partners or China. While President Trump doesn’t shy away from making his thoughts known in the public eye, Representative Dan Newhouse is confident work to get th...
14h ago
Bessent Optimistic About Trade Talks, Tax Cuts
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an interview with CNBC, expressed optimism that “substantial progress” in U.S./China trade negotiations could be achieved in the coming weeks. “I think it's Steins Law “that which is not sustainable doesn't continue”. So, 145%, 125% tariff levels are .....
14h ago
Focus On Fruit: 05/08/25
Tree fruit growers across Washington, and the Northwest, are struggling to make a profit. What needs to change to allow growers to benefit from their commodity? We put that question before the Washington State Tree Fruit's Jon DeVaney. ... Continue reading…
14h ago
Interested In Fighting Weeds? ODA Would Like To Hear From You
Do you have an interest in natural resource protection and looking for way to get more involved in noxious weed control in Oregon? The Oregon State Weed Board, Eastern Oregon At Large Board Position term is ending. This currently held ...
14h ago
Senators Urge USDA to Explain DOGE Review of Farm Loans
Democrats in the Senate have asked USDA to explain why the Department of Government Efficiency must approve certain government farm loans and loan guarantees before they are issued. The lawmakers also told USDA they wanted details about...
14h ago
USDA Acts to Boost Timber Production, Reduce Wildfire Risk
USDA announced $23 million in grants to support transporting hazardous fuels, such as dead or downed trees, from national forests to processing facilities. Through the USDA Forest Service’s Hazardous Fuels Transportation Program, these grants will reduce the hazardous fuels that pose wildfire threats to communiti...
14h ago
Study: Clean Fuels Contributes $42.4B to U.S. Economy
A new study commissioned by Clean Fuels Alliance America shows the U.S. biomass-based diesel industry generated $42.4 billion in economic activity in 2024, supported 107,400 jobs and paid $6 billion in annual wages. According to th...
14h ago
U.S. Rejects Japan's Request for Full Tariff Exemptions
The U.S. has denied Japan's push for full exemption from both "reciprocal" and country-specific tariffs, according to Kyodo. In recent talks, U.S. officials informed Japan's chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa that only a reduction, not elimination, of th...
14h ago
Ag Ransomware Attacks on the Rise
There were 84 ransomware attacks against the food and agriculture sector during the first three months of 2025, more than twice the number of intrusions during the same period last year. More than 75% of the intrusions were recorded in January and Feb...
14h ago
Could Salt Water Be Used To Grow Alfalfa? Researcher Says Yes
Increasing demand for surface water, and greater use of ground water and recycled water for irrigation, has led to H2O with high salt concentrations being used for crops. “Plants they do not like high salt in irrigation water or in the soil," said USDA geneticist Devinder Sandhu. "So, thi... Continue re...
14h ago
Despite Trade War, Farmer Sentiment Improves
Farmer sentiment improved last month as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer climbed eight points in April to a reading of 148. The improvement in farmers’ sentiment was bolstered by increases in both the Index of Current Conditions, which rose nine points to 141, and the Index of Future Expectati...
May 07, 2025
Washington's 2024-2025 Snow Season A Disappointment
Outside of a stray snowflake in the higher elevations, it’s safe to say the 2024-2025 snow season is over here in the Northwest. So, how did the Washington snowpack turn out this year? Matt Warbritton with NRSC says there were some regions that had a good snow year, such as the Upper Columbia Basin and in the sou...
May 07, 2025
Washington, Oregon Apple Crop Down 3%; Cherry Crop Increased 1%
According to NASS, apple utilized production , totaled 119 million pounds in Oregon in 2024, down 24% from the previous year. Value of utilized production was $28.2 million, down 24 percent from 2023. In Washington, apple utilized prod...
May 07, 2025
NW Winter Wheat Crop Looks Very Good
More of the national winter wheat crop is headed. "39% of this 2025 U.S winter wheat crop, headed by May 4th, that's six points ahead of the five-year average and slightly behind last year's pace of 41%,” said USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. He noted... Continue reading…
May 07, 2025
May Is Idaho Horticulture Month
Governor Brad Little has officially proclaimed May as Idaho Horticulture Month. In his proclamation, Little honored the “invaluable” contributions of Idaho’s nursery and greenhouse growers to the state’s economy, environment and communities. The Idaho State Departme... Continue reading…
May 07, 2025
NW Lawmakers Look To Keep Wild Spaces Wild
Oregon Senator Ron Wyden along with Idaho's Mike Crapo, R-Idaho introduced bipartisan legislation Tuesday they said would improve wetland habitats in the Pacific Northwest. The Northwest Wetlands Voluntary Incentives Program Act would establish a fede...
May 07, 2025
Farm Bill Markup Delayed Again
House leaders are delaying a planned Agriculture Committee markup that was tentatively set for this week as big issues remain for the GOP’s massive domestic policy bill, according to two Republicans granted anonymity to relay the decision ahead of an official announcement. P... Continue reading…
May 07, 2025
GAO: Broadband Data May Not Be Accurate
The U.S. Government Accountability Office released a study last week that raises questions about the accuracy of broadband availability data in the FCC's National Broadband Map. According to that study, the Commission "has not documented or assessed ...
May 07, 2025
Washington Announces Additional Razor Clam Dig Days
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Tuesday the final six days of the coastal razor clam dig season will proceed as planned beginning Saturday May 10th. WDFW stresses not all coastal beaches are open for every dig, so diggers...
May 07, 2025
