Focus Magazine

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...

‘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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

Late winter bolstered water supplies, took some of the sting out of drought
Thanks to a very wet April, the Pacific Northwest has a lot of water. That’s potentially great news for water...

Market Overview: 2021: The year the Tri-Cities hit 300,000 – and its stride
History will remember the early 2020s for the devastating coronavirus pandemic, the shutdowns, the economic chaos. It would be easy...