Washington State Farm Bureau Report
The focus of this report is to keep local farmers, ranchers and agribusiness men and women up to date on agriculture industry issues which affect the Washington states rural economy. Bob Larson host of the program covers a broad array of topics; from farm human interest stories, to labor issues, state sponsored trade missions, crop outlook assessments, USDA risk management announcements and animal health stories are examples of the types of news topic categories covered each month.
Thanksgiving Dinner Cheaper
American Farm Bureau Federation economist, Faith Parum says consumers should expect some slight relief at the grocery store when shopping for Thanksgiving dinner.
Hazelnut Health 2
Listen up older folks worried about age-related health issues like Alzheimer's, hazelnuts can significantly improve your levels of two key micronutrients, magnesium and vitamin E. That’s according to a study out of Oregon State University.
Hazelnut Health 1
Listen up older folks worried about age-related health issues like Alzheimer's, hazelnuts can significantly improve your levels of two key micronutrients, magnesium and vitamin E. That’s according to a study out of Oregon State University.
Barbed Wire
Barbed wire is an indispensable part of many farms across rural America. And, if you done any work on a farm, you’ve undoubtedly gotten tangled up in barbed wire a time or two. But where did we get barbed wire?
Vive Crop Protection
There are plenty of new and improved tools and ways farmers go about producing our food, and Vive Crop Protection wants to help.
Decluttering the Farm
Clutter around the house, the farm or in the shop silently takes up mental space and can make it harder for you to focus on the task at hand.
Strange Catte Feed
When feedstocks are tight, think outside the box. That advice comes from Joe Bender, veterinarian and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania.
USDA and the Vote to Reopen Government
The full-year USDA spending bill, which was a part of the bill that reopened the government, was a rare point of bipartisan agreement as the House voted this week.
Are Tariffs Good for Agriculture
Kam Quarles, CEO at the National Potato Council, says tariffs create leverage and that leverage creates opportunity … but you’ve got to use the leverage in the right way.
Potato Expo 2026
Potato Expo 2026, North America’s largest annual potato industry conference and trade show, is fast approaching, January 6-8 in Dallas, Texas.
Buy Local for Holiday Cooking
As you plan your holiday cooking, baking and gift-giving, consider local farm products.
Disappointment with U.S.-Japan Trade Deal
The National Potato Council is very disappointed with the U.S.-Japan trade agreement reached last week.
SCOTUS Hears Cases
It’s a big week for President Trump’s tariffs and the SNAP food stamp program, with both issues before the courts.
Potato Expo Early Registration
If you are planning to attend the Potato Expo January 6-8 in Dallas, Texas, but have yet to register, your chance to save a little on your registration ends tomorrow, January 7th.
Winter Weather Wetter
With La Nina now firmly in place, our upcoming winter months should be a bit cooler and a bit wetter than average.
Shutdown - Who Will Blink First
Since 1976, there have been 21 federal government shutdowns, and this one is now one of the longest. But between Republicans and Democrats, who will blink first?
Senate Vote Ends Tariffs
In a 51-47 vote, the US Senate voted to end President Trump’s global tariffs sending the measure to the House, while the US Supreme Court may have the final word.
Trade Optimism
Trade is certainly a hot topic among the ag community, with farmers and ranchers facing concerns on a number of fronts.
Farm Bill Odds
The National Farmers Union continues to focus on key policy priorities, including the urgent need for a new farm bill.
Beef Import Threats
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says President Trump’s plan to increase beef imports from places like Argentina threatens an already fragile recovery for cattle farmers and the industry in general
Trump Reaction
President Trump fired back at American cattle producers upset by his plan to buy beef from Argentina to help lower beef prices in the U.S. StoneX's Arlan Suderman responds.
FSA Reopening
USDA recently announced that Farm Service Agency offices will reopen despite the ongoing stalemate in funding the federal government.
Tariff Impact Strategy
A recent report takes a look at tariffs and the impact on American agriculture for this year and next.
Gov't Shutdown Week 4
The government shutdown enters its fourth week with no end in sight, while pressure builds for emergency farm aid and a deal to reopen China to U.S. soybeans.
Dietary Update for Potatoes Pt 2
First, there were claims that potatoes weren’t vegetables. And now, certain advocacy groups have shifted their efforts and instead want potatoes categorized with grains.
Dietary Update for Potatoes Pt 1
First, there were claims that potatoes weren’t vegetables. And now, certain advocacy groups have shifted their efforts and instead want potatoes categorized with grains.
AI for Potatoes 2
Potatoes USA, the marketing arm for U.S.-grown potatoes, is putting together an artificial intelligence tool to combat misinformation on social media.
AI for Potatoes 1
Potatoes USA, the marketing arm for U.S.-grown potatoes, is putting together an artificial intelligence tool to combat misinformation on social media.
Beef and Pork Trade with UK
Jay Theiler (Tyler) is the Chair-Elect for the U.S. Meat Export Federation and recently traveled to the United Kingdom on a trade mission with Idaho Governor Brad Little.
Calm China Fears
President Trump tried to calm fears after announcing an additional 100% tariff on China over its latest trade actions and may still meet with Chinese leaders.
Shutdown Timing
Depending on how soon the government shutdown ends, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says it has the potential to impact next year’s crops for farmers across the country.
NWFM Technology
We are seeing today’s technological advancements everywhere, even in agriculture where AI and automation are becoming increasingly common, and Keith Veselka, CEO and Co-founder of NWFM, Northwest Farm Management, says it’s not slowing down.
AEWR Reform
Kate Tynan, Senior Vice President at the Northwest Horticultural Council, says the DOL's announcement on reforming AEWR calculations comes at a good time and could help growers become sustainable once again.
Tariff Disputes
We’re seeing warning signs in the farm economy when it comes to tariff disputes, and American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says they're taking a toll on agriculture.
Screwworm Concerns
USDA has staff in Mexico seeking answers to why a cow infected with New World Screwworm was relocated from southern Mexico to within 70 miles of the US border.
Holiday Turkeys
As the weather turns cooler across the US, many shoppers are beginning to plan holiday meals.
Ag's Economic Concerns
Sam Kieffer, vice president of public policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says today's economic struggles for farmers is a rare intersection of high expenses and low income.
Shutdown Til Monday?
The federal government shutdown is now UNlikely to end before Monday, at least.
Mass Layoffs
A news story recently sent confusion and concern throughout the ag community when it was reported Northwest Farm Management was permanently laying off nearly 300 workers.
Animal Ag Alliance and Advocates
A new report from the Animal Agriculture Alliance shows so-called animal activist groups raise quite a bit of money for their anti-meat activities each year.