Focus Magazine

Agriculture powerhouse: Crop value high amid trade threats
Persistent issues with international trade have been threatening Washington’s most successful crops. Ongoing trade issues with Asian markets and North...

Fine vines: Wine industry has come into its own
By Andy Perdue When a young grapevine begins growing in the sandy soils of Washington’s Columbia Valley, it takes a...

Turbulent trade: State’s exports remain steady
Washington’s agricultural exports held steady in 2018, demonstrating both strength and missed opportunity, as some industries suffered under new trade...

Fruitful summer: Cherry crops a sweet success
The 2019 Washington cherry crop is expected to reach nearly 25 million boxes. These initial estimates come from about 2,100...

Apple action: New variety coming as tariff threats loom
As the state’s apple growers strategize to overcome international tariffs, they’re also looking ahead to introduce to the world a...

Looking for laborers: Guest worker program seeks funds
With a growing number of Washington farm owners turning to the H-2A guest worker program to meet their labor needs,...

Popular potatoes: Spuds stay big business for state
The sweetest words a potato farmer in Eastern Washington can hear aren’t about crop yields or perfect weather or the...

Hop crops: Market slows after rapid growth
The most recent hops data paints a picture that could be interpreted as an end to the recent boom for...