Leif Bakken
State Departments of Agriculture Push Fresh Policy
At the 2023 National Association of State Departments of Agriculture annual meeting, NASDA members adopted policy to protect farmers’ right to farm, fixing federal disaster relief, advocate for clear labeling on cell-based meat products, and agriculture apprenticeship programs.
Northwest Shellfish Growers Disaster Assistance Available
Shellfish growers who suffer losses from a qualifying natural disaster event may be eligible for assistance through the Farm Service Agency.
A Tree on Every Block: Growing the Urban Forest
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is awarding more than $1 billion in competitive grants to plant and maintain trees, combat extreme heat and climate change, and improve access to nature in cities, towns, and suburbs where more than 84% of Americans live, work, and play.
Wheat Growers Get to the Point in D.C.
The National Association of Wheat Growers completed the second part of its 2023 summer Farm Bill fly-ins.
Washington to Host Mobile LAMB 300 Course
Washington State University Extension and the Washington State Department of Agriculture through the WA Meat-UP program are excited to announce the first Mobile LAMB 300 short-course.
USDA Makes Horse Import Changes
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is finalizing amendments to its import regulations for horses.
Idaho Farmers Have Better Year Than Expected
New USDA data show a University of Idaho Extension agricultural economics report released early this year significantly underestimated Idaho food producers’ 2022 profits while overstating increases to their production costs.
Idaho Extension Turns Manure into Money
A University of Idaho Extension educator and his graduate student aim to help the state’s dairymen cash in on their cow manure by amending it with specific minerals or carbon sources to make better compost from it.
Research Helps Forest Restoration in Oregon
Forest thinning is improving the robustness of older trees and enhancing native biodiversity on federal lands in eastern Oregon, evidence that collaborative efforts to restore forests are working, research by Oregon State University shows.
Oregon Opens Ag Stress Helpline
A crisis helpline dedicated to serving Oregon’s agricultural and forestry communities is now open.
WA Congresswoman Introduces SNAP Job Training Bill
Congresswoman Suzan DelBene introduced legislation that would make it easier for Americans participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to access job training services.
WA Ag Department Opens Application for Specialty Crop Program
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is now accepting applications for the specialty crop multi-state grant program.