Drought impacts in the Yakima Basin have far-reaching effects for the rest of the state. The region’s agricultural economy generates $4.5 billion each year, producing 71% of the nation’s hops, 63% of apples, 62% of cherries, and significant portions of other crops like pears, raspberries, blueberries, and asparagus, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

In Washington state, 14 farms in Benton, Franklin, Yakima and Walla Walla counties participated in LFPA while Rowley & Hawkins Fruit Farm in Mesa, Royal Ranch outside of Royal City and The Herd ranch outside Ritzville participated in LFS as recently as the 2023-24 school year.

French fry producer Lamb Weston is beginning to see its financials turning a corner. But its corporate leaders acknowledge that they don’t anticipate smooth sailing just yet.

The applications will begin this week in Pasco, Prosser, Sunnyside, Grandview, Mabton and Wapato. The state also continues to encourage private landowners in the treatment areas to sign up to have their properties sprayed free of charge.

A variety of factors could be causing or combining to kill off honeybees at a faster pace this year. Known stressors include nutrition deficiencies, mite infestations, viral diseases and possible pesticide exposure during the previous pollinating season.

Potential impacts to research funding at Washington State University from recent federal directives are being lessened, but university leaders say that projects and programs are still expected to lose millions of dollars. 

The price of eggs has backyard farmers flocking to take a crack at raising their own chickens to secure a steady supply of eggs.

Water is starting to flow through the area’s canals, and it could be pricier this year for irrigation districts or landowners. 

Despite an uptick in bird flu cases nationwide, plans for a national egg producer to come to Pasco are still on track, according to company officials.

The agriculture-focused cooperative lending group recently launched the application window for its New Producer Grant program, which provides successful applicants $15,000, as well as educational support and mentoring to support their agricultural ventures.