Agriculture + Viticulture

Farm at Sunset, South Ritzville, Route 261, S.E. Washington

Politics, weather and inflation put the squeeze on Washington ag

Pam Lewison is of two minds when winter gives way to spring. She’s thrilled by the sweet smell of freshly...
Tractor cultivating field at spring

From heat domes to supply chain woes, state agriculture weathers a challenging year

By Derek Sandison Derek Sandison,Washington Department of Agriculture When it comes to growing food, it all...
The Burn of Columbia Valley is one of three new American Viticultural Areas approved in Washington in 2021. There are now 19 AVAs in Washington.(Courtesy Ste. Michelle Wine Estates)

Grape growers face a future altered by Covid, weather, smoke

By Mary Coffman Like all agricultural producers in the state, Washington’s wine grape growers have faced myriad challenges since the...
Container ships dock at the Port of Seattle in the shadow of the Space Needle. More containers left the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma empty in 2021 than full. For Washington exporters, lack of access to oceangoing vessels is a significant barrier to serving their overseas customers. (Courtesy Port of Seattle)

Value of ag exports is up, but there’s a hitch

Washington state saw the value of agriculture exports increase by more than $1 billion in 2021. There’s a big asterisk...
Great harvest of ripe red cherries on a tree branch. Selective f

Growers report good volumes despite chilly spring

It’s hard to say how 2022 will play out for Washington’s cherry growers. “It’s always a weather-vulnerable crop, and there...
Courtesy Washington State Potato Commission

‘Perfect growing season’ is on potato farmers’ wish lists

So many variables can send farmers’ careful preparations sideways. It’s been a common refrain this spring among leaders at many...
Courtesy Washington State Potato Commission

Pasco farmer says U.S. potato industry is focused on the future

By Jared Balcom Despite all the changes the nation has experienced over the two-plus years of this pandemic, the U.S....
Reagan Grabner raises potatoes for chips and french fries and for the fresh market at CSS Farms near Pasco. Grabner, who grew up on a wheat farm, said he chose potatoes because he liked the idea of growing a product “that was more than a commodity.” (Courtesy Pam Lewison)

Passion for spuds keeps grower in business

By Pam Lewison For some farmers, growing potatoes is about a passion for growing things and connecting with consumers. Reagan...
WA_apple_blossoms

Apple industry renews focus on domestic market

As summertime approaches, consumers begin to look to local markets for the parade of fresh fruits, and apple orchards buzz...
When the bines are stripped of the cones, the leaves come off as well. The hops and leaves are processed through a number of belts, where gravity separates them, ensuring bales are packed with hops.  (Courtesy Hop Growers of America)

Craft beer drives thirst for hops

By Mary Coffman More than 84.6 million pounds of hops were grown in Washington in 2021, a 14.1% increase over...

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Calendar

Heart of the Hill Vineyard Tasting Through the Years

July 16 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Summer Saturdays Night Market

June 10 @ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Summer Saturdays Night Market

July 8 @ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm