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
2024 A Record Year for Idaho Ag
According to a new economics report from the University of Idaho, 2024 was a record year for the state's Ag industry. Earnings set an all-time high this year, but school officials were quick to note that the gains weren’t enjoyed by most food producers who raise crops. The st... Continue reading…
Dec 20, 2024
Thatcher: 2025 Will Be A Busy Year In D.C. For Agriculture
Most eyes are focused on the Farm Bill, or lack thereof, but that is not the only issue farm county needs to watch as 2024 draws to a close, and we start a new year. Mary Kay Thatcher, Senior Manager Federal Government and Industry Relations...
Dec 20, 2024
NW Potato Stocks Hit 175 Million CWT To Start December
According to NASS, potato stocks in Oregon totaled 20.7 million cwt as of December 1st. Disappearance to date in Oregon was 5.55 million cwt. In Idaho, potato stocks totaled 94 million cwt to start the month. Disappearance ...
Dec 20, 2024
Republican Senators Wants Snake River Dams Left Alone
On Thursday, Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch demanded the Biden administration stop any eleventh-hour attempts to breach the lower Snake River dams. “The incoming administration should be allowed the time and opportunity to careful...
Dec 20, 2024
Wine Minute: Monitoring Smoke In The Vineyards
Smoke exposure can have a detrimental impact on grapes grown and wine produced here in the Northwest. Washington State University's Tom Collins talks about efforts to monitor smoke in the vineyards. If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsqu... Continue reading&...
Dec 20, 2024
Central Washington Solar Project Receives RD Funds
On Thursday, the USDA announced a $78.3 million investment through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy program , which includes $4 million bound for Washington. Cunningham Solar is slated to use those funds to develop nearly three megawatts of solar energy in the central part of the state. USDA's ... Continue reading&...
Dec 20, 2024
Pacific Power: Don't Fall For Scams
Utility customers are a prime target for scammers, this time of year, but Pacific Power urges you not to fall victim. Simon Gutierrez said Pacific Power sees an uptick in scam reports during the holidays. "We are contacted by customers, pretty much ...
Dec 20, 2024
Additional CWD Cases Confirmed in Eastern Washington
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has confirmed four new cases of chronic wasting disease in the Eastern Region 1. That brings the total cases in Washington to six. All four of the recent cases were male white-tailed ...
Dec 20, 2024
International Issues Have A Big Impact On Fertilizer Prices
Fertilizer is one of the input costs for farmers that have stayed high in recent months. Josh Linville of StoneX said global events can have a bigger impact on fertilizer than some may realize. “Absolutely, it's exciting that somebody's looking more global than just at home, because that's what we need to do, rig...
Dec 20, 2024
WSDA: Northern Giant Eradicated
The Washington State Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday the “murder hornet” has been eradicated from the Evergreen State. “We’re pleased to announce the eradication of the northern giant hornet in Washington state,” Derek Sandison, WSDA director, said. “I’m incredibl...
Dec 19, 2024
What Impact Will A Lack Of A Farm Bill Have On Washington?
The agriculture community is still holding its breath that Congress will pass a one-year Farm Bill Extension, allowing lawmakers to address the issue in 2025. But, what happens if the extension gets tied up in D.C. bickering? Washingt...
Dec 19, 2024
La Nina Not Developing Like Hoped
Drought conditions across Oregon and Washington continue to improve, thanks to rain and snow over the last few weeks. But Climatologist Zach Hoylman said not all areas are created equal. “Snowpack is showing encouraging accumulation, so far, in the west, and a slower start in the east. However, it’s very......
Dec 19, 2024
Focus On Fruit: 12/19/24
CarrieAnn Arias is still new to her role as President of Pear Bureau Northwest. So, what is her message to growers that haven't had a chance to meet her yet? If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsqu... Continue reading…
Dec 19, 2024
WSU's Weybright Recognized For Work With Young People
Washington State University's Elizabeth Weybright, a was recently recognized nationally for her efforts to promote adolescent health. An associate professor and adolescent Extension specialist in Washington State University's Department of Human Develo...
Dec 19, 2024
Bird Flu Triggers State of Emergency In California
There's growing concern over bird flu in America. On Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency to streamline the state’s response to H5N1. This action comes as cases were detected in dairy cows on farms in Southern California. Dr. Amira Roess,... Continue reading…
Dec 19, 2024
"Severe" Bird Flu Reported In Louisiana
On Wednesday, the CDC confirmed the first case of “severe” bird flu in a human in the United States. Health officials in Louisiana say the unidentified 65-year-old patient has been hospitalized, experiencing what has been described as a severe respiratory illness. As of Wednesday eve... Continue reading&hel...
Dec 19, 2024
Expert: Nutrition Is Key For Value-Added Calf Programs
When it comes to the evolving feeder calf market, one industry expert says nutrition is just as important in the minds of buyers as genetics and health protocols. Ted Perry, cattle nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition, said value-added ...
Dec 19, 2024
NAFB Letter Supports AM Radio in the Continuing Resolution
Earlier this week, the National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s Board of Directors recently sent a letter to Congressional leadership on the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act being included in the Omnibus Continuing Resolution. The CR will be introduced before the end of the Lame Duck Session. The letter po... Co...
Dec 19, 2024
More Raw Milk Recalled In California
California state ag officials have recalled raw milk from a Central Valley dairy after tests found the bird flu virus in a sample of milk from a bulk tank. State officials warned residents not to consume milk from Valley Milk Simply Bottled becau...
Dec 19, 2024
Number Of U.S. Farms Drops 10% From 2012-2022
According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the number of farms across the county dropped 10% in ten years. During that decade, the number of American farms slipped from over 2.1 million in 2012, to 1,900,487 farms in 2022. The Census of Ag is cond...
Dec 18, 2024
