Washington state’s drought status isn’t looking much better after the recent bout of storms, though the drier side of the state is faring better than the west side, state officials say.

Move over housing, grocery bills are here to take the top spot on the list of financial burdens for Washington residents.

The question isn’t whether innovation is needed, but how this proposed center can best complement and enhance existing efforts. 

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.