Pam Lewison is of two minds when winter gives way to spring. She’s thrilled by the sweet smell of freshly plowed fields, the green fuzz in the orchards, the newborn livestock. She’s less thrilled by the daunting challenges facing Washington agriculture in 2022. The state’s 35,300 farms and ranches collectively raise more than 300 products.
By Derek Sandison Derek Sandison,Washington Department of AgricultureWhen it comes to growing food, it all starts with the weather. No doubt, the weather is having a substantial impact on agriculture of late.In 2021, the lack of spring rains and low soil moisture resulted in difficult growing conditions for dryland agriculture,...
By Mary CoffmanLike all agricultural producers in the state, Washington’s wine grape growers have faced myriad challenges since the onset of the pandemic.Tasting room closures, hot temperatures, wildfires, inflation.“It won’t go back to what the market looked like prior to Covid,” said Vicky Scharlau, executive director of the Washington Wine...
Washington state saw the value of agriculture exports increase by more than $1 billion in 2021.There’s a big asterisk tied to the impressive $7.7 billion figure for agricultural products originating in Washington.“Be clear that while values are up, volumes are predominantly down,” said Rianne Perry, manager for international marketing at...
It’s hard to say how 2022 will play out for Washington’s cherry growers.“It’s always a weather-vulnerable crop, and there are many ways the cherry crop can be sabotaged by weather,” said Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association. “The joke is that cherry growers don’t have to...
So many variables can send farmers’ careful preparations sideways.It’s been a common refrain this spring among leaders at many of the state’s commodity groups.Shipping delays affecting the export market.Inflation gobbling up profitability.The war in Ukraine creating market instability.Unpredictable and unseasonable weather.Despite the challenges, potato growers are ready to produce their...
By Jared BalcomDespite all the changes the nation has experienced over the two-plus years of this pandemic, the U.S. potato industry remains as committed as ever to fighting for federal policies that protect our businesses, our families and the communities we support. Years ago, when I first attended the potato industry’s...
By Pam LewisonFor some farmers, growing potatoes is about a passion for growing things and connecting with consumers.Reagan Grabner, of CSS Farms, is one of those farmers. His family is one of the more than 300 families who make up Washington state’s potato growers.“I was raised on a wheat farm...
As summertime approaches, consumers begin to look to local markets for the parade of fresh fruits, and apple orchards buzz with preparations for the late summer harvest.Last year, 122 million bushels were harvested in Washington, the nation’s leader in apple production.It was a moderate crop compared to past years that...
