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
Farmers Warned To Watch For Wire Theft
Farmers across the Northwest need to keep an eye on their irrigation systems to prevent wire theft. In response to this uptick in thefts, law enforcement is asking farmers and ag workers to Regularly inspect irrigation equipment-especially in remot...
May 23, 2025
National Cattle Herd Is Slowly Rebuilding
As the U.S. red meat industry gathers in Fort Worth, TX, this week for the U.S. Meat Export Federation Spring Conference, keynote speaker Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, said the cattle herd rebuilding may finally be gaining traction. “We're still in tight fed cattle supplies. We've got... Continue reading…
May 23, 2025
Wine Minute: Future Of NWCSF
In today's Wine Minute, Julie Pond talks with us about the future of the Northwest Center for Small Fruits. If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com Continue reading…
May 23, 2025
SNAP Remains Sticking Point As Reconciliation Clears House
The Trump reconciliation budget the House passed by one vote along party lines this week did nothing to reconcile the stark policy differences between the two parties over the importance of SNAP versus farmers. Nothing could have made it clearer about...
May 23, 2025
Practice Good Hygiene, ODA Vet Stresses
The Multnomah County fair kicks off county fair season in Oregon this weekend, and it brings renewed warnings from the Oregon Department of Agriculture. State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz encourages people to visit livestock exhibits and int...
May 23, 2025
Oregon Makes Case Against Tariffs
Earlier this week, Oregon presented its case against President Trump’s tariffs, to the U.S. Court of International Trade. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield was in New York, arguing against the Trump Administration’s sweeping tariffs. He believes the Pre... Continue reading…
May 23, 2025
Higher Dairy Production Expected This Year And Next
When looking at the May 2025 Dairy Production and Price Forecast, as well as the initial outlook for the 2026 calendar year, higher production is the name of the game. “Mainly driven by increased cow inventories, but also some growth in milk per cow as well,” said World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark...
May 23, 2025
Poll Shows Consumers Back Pesticide Use in Protecting Food
A new national survey commissioned by CropLife America reveals strong trust in American farmers. That survey also shows the public recognizes the benefits pesticides provide in making food more affordable and accessible. The May 202...
May 23, 2025
MAHA Report Undermines Confidence In Food System, AFBF Says
A new report from the Make America Healthy Again Commission, appointed by the White House, is causing concern among farmers and ranchers. "There are four sections of the report that talk about processed foods, chemicals in the environment, childhood ...
May 23, 2025
Feds Preparing for Peak Wildfire Season
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum signed a joint memo on wildfire preparedness, ensuring the two departments will work closely during the fire season. USDA will work with the President's cabinet members and trusted state, ...
May 23, 2025
Food Inflation Rate Cools in April
The recent Consumer Price Index data for April shows a welcome moderation in overall inflation, cooling to its slowest annual rate since early 2021. Despite that, many families continue to feel the pinch at the grocery store and dining out. ...
May 23, 2025
Bird Flu Biosecurity Challenging, But Not Impossible
Just because new cases have not been reported, does not mean the threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has gone away. Those words from Washington state Veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle who said the opportunity for exposure to bird flu will ...
May 22, 2025
Canola Tour Swings Through Central Idaho Next Month
University of Idaho Extension and the Pacific Northwest Canola Association will hold a tour June 11th focused on highlighting research, cultivars under development and best management practices. Extension Educator Klae O'Brien and Karen Sowers, PNWCA ...
May 22, 2025
Focus On Fruit: 05/22/25
The size of the 2025 cherry crop looks good across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Utah. How does the quality look? For that we turn to BJ Thurlby, President of Northwest Cherries. If you have a story idea for the PNW A...
May 22, 2025
"Northwest Dams Are Essential For Area Growers"
For a variety of reasons, there are multiple politicians, groups, and organizations that say they want the dams on the Snake River removed. Casey Chumrau, CEO of the Washington Grain Commission said many outside of agriculture don’t appreciate what those dams do, and provide for farmers across the Northwest and b...
May 22, 2025
Oregon Is Working To Keep Mussels Out
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says it has ramped up its efforts to protect the state’s lakes, rivers, and streams from aquatic invasive species. Seasonal boat inspection stations are now open, and roving crews will be out this year at boat ramps offering watercraft inspections and decontamination. OD...
May 22, 2025
Hu Named Associate Dean At OSU
Oregon State University says following a national search, Dr. Jia Hu has been named the new Associate Dean of Academic Programs in the College of Agricultural Sciences, effective July 1st. Hu currently serves as the Assistant Dean for Graduate Education in the University of Arizona’s College of Agriculture, Life,...
May 22, 2025
Grocery Inflation Slows to Slowest Pace in Five Years
Food-at-home prices increased in April at a 2% annual pace, down from 2.4% in March, according to Consumer Price Index data. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, across-the-board inflation ticked down last month to 2.3%, its lowest rate since February 2021. It’... Continue reading…
May 22, 2025
Producers Encouraged To Sign Up For CRP Now
The USDA is now accepting applications for the Conservation Reserve Program; FSA will accept those applications through June 6th. FSA administrator Bill Beam said in addition, applications for continuous CRP acreage enrollment are ...
May 22, 2025
Vietnam and U.S. Begin Second Round of Trade Negotiations
The U.S. and Vietnam have begun their second round of trade negotiations in Washington D.C. The Vietnamese government is working to establish a new trade agreement that will help it evade a possible 46% tariff, a move that could destabilize ...
May 22, 2025
