Idaho

Earlier this week, the Department of Agriculture announced the first investment of a $1 billion effort to mitigate wildfire risks as the nation faces an ongoing wildfire crisis.  USDA announced a $197 million investment for 100 projects that benefit 22 states as part of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program.  The For...

The potato is one step closer to becoming the state vegetable of Oregon.  State Senator Bill Hansell posed this question before this week's vote.   "Should the potato the Oregon vegetable be, or not to be, that is the question before us."   Hans...

According to NASS, Hop Stocks across the Pacific Northwest fell 4% from 2022’s numbers.  The inventory of hops held by growers, dealers, and brewers on March 1st, totaled 186 million pounds, off from the 193 million pounds reported last year.   That’s...

Those living in south central Washington may have the pest Japanese beetle in their yards right now.   For those that do, they can get their properties treated free of charge this spring.   Following up on the in-person open house held earlier this month, the Washington State Department of Agriculture will host a virtual open house on Tuesday, starting a noon (PT) to share information about its pl

According to NASS, honey production in Washington last year hit 2.75 million pounds, a 10% drop from 2021.  There were 86,000 honey producing colonies, 10,000 lower than the previous year.  The yield per colony averaged 32.0 pounds, unchanged from the previous year.  Washington's...

As we prepare to “spring forward” this weekend, a bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate looks to stop the twice-yearly time change.  Oregon’s Ron Wyden recently reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act, which would keep Daylight Saving Time year-round.  But fellow Oregon Democra...

The Washington State Department of Agriculture will host an open house on Thursday, March 9th to address plans to eradicate the Japanese Beetle.  The open house is scheduled to run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Grandview Library, 500 W. Main St....

The Idaho House of Representatives voted 48-21 (with 1 absentee) to begin formal talks with Oregon about having at least 11 Oregon counties join their state. the bill now goes to the State Senate

On Monday, the Department of Agriculture announced new investments and strategies to help farmers and ranchers conserve water, address climate change and build drought resilience in the West.  The effort is through the Western Water and Working Lands Framework for Conservation Action to address key water and land management challenges across 17 Western States.  The fra...

Not sure where it will end up, but the movement to allow up to 14 Oregon counties to join Idaho keeps inching forward.