Focus Magazine

New apartment units are being built near the intersection of Highway 240 and Kingsgate Way in the Horn Rapids neighborhood of Richland. (Photo by Scott Butner Photography)

City of Richland: North end draws large commercial, housing projects

An ongoing effort to market and prime the Horn Rapids area of Richland is paying off as nonstop growth continues...
The Watermark a development, a development off Paradise Way will add 190 new hillside homes on 10,000-square-foot lots. (Photo by Kristina Lord)

West Richland: More homes going up on west end of town

West Richland continues to grow west. The city of 17,410 residents has added 5,600 people in the past 12 years...
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...

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Calendar

Shred Day

April 14 @ 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Spring Career and Internship Fair in Pasco

April 25 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Head & Neck 5K/2-Mile Walk in Richland

April 15 @ 9:00 am