Tri-City leaders are pushing forward with a bold vision for a multimillion-dollar agricultural-focused facility that could include a business incubator, wet and dry laboratories, meeting space and a test kitchen.

Some Mid-Columbia farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers may have lower loan balances after the agricultural lending cooperative distributed the funds as part of its patronage program. 

The large Franklin County operation reported high numbers of sudden death in their chickens at one of its farms on Jan. 22. Other birds were lethargic and showing additional signs of illness, prompting an investigation by state and federal veterinarians. 

Despite a wet winter so far, the drought declared in April 2024 is still in effect, state ecology officials say. Experts are still watching for definitive evidence of sustained drought recovery, such as improved snowpack, streamflows and soil moisture. 

The dual-use demonstration site, funded by a state grant, is being designed to provide strategic orchard shading to help reduce summer sunburn risks while also generating solar power for agriculture operations. 

Challenges include rising labor costs and stagnant prices paid to farmers, but also dramatic apple oversupply caused by increased farm efficiency and the loss of major international markets due to then-President Donald Trump’s 2018 tariffs. 

Five people who have contributed to agriculture and agribusiness have been inducted to the Mid-Columbia Agriculture Hall of Fame this year.

Lamb Weston’s current chief operating officer will be the next top leader of the Idaho-based potato processor as it wrestles with decreased demand for its products.

A nationwide egg producer will make the Tri-Cities the home for its newest hub for egg farms in the region.

A group of investors has bought T Lake Ranch outside Connell, the largest contiguous piece of property in Franklin County, according to the national real estate brokerage firm that handled the $18 million sale.