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Ag organizations across the Northwest held events in each of the state capitals celebrating National Ag Day Tuesday.  Megan Anderson the Washington Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Chair was celebrating in Olympia.   “All our legislators and offices have been invited out to shop our commodity market," Anderson said.  "Our Members have donate...

State Sen. John Braun says he has the answers to Washington's juvenile justice crisis.

It’s a common story every legislative session in Washington; Olympia just doesn’t understand what farmers go through these days.  And that’s an easy narrative to believe, especially with fewer and fewer Americans having a connection to rural life, let alone agriculture.  But that means the Washin...

Washington state Representative Tom Dent said he’s disappointed that the chair of the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee will not hold a public hearing on House Bill 1597.  The Moses Lake Republican said his proposal would have allowed Ag employers to select 12 weeks a year to employ workers for up to 50-hours per week before overtime applies.  Dent said des...

Currently, Washington is one of two states charging sales tax on farm equipment.  But several lawmakers in Olympia are trying to change that.  Senate Bill 5092 would provide a sales and use tax exemption for farm machinery and equipment with a price tag of over $10,000.   “It's not ...

Farmworkers from across Washington gathered in Olympia on Tuesday February 4th, to speak about the harm the state’s new overtime law has caused.  Linda Vargas was one of those who participated in last week’s rally.  She said, while ag overt...

Since Ag Overtime was implemented in Washington a few years ago, it has been a challenge for producers to adjust.  Many farmers have struggled from a budget standpoint, finding enough workers or both.  In an effort to help Washington’s farm community, state Representative Tom Dent introduced HB 1597 last week, which would allow ag employers to select 12 weeks a year to employ workers for up to 50

Discover some hidden gems to explore in this dazzling small town.

Do you think this law is a good idea for Washington State?

Washington Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson has named Larry Mattson as director of the agency’s Office of Columbia River.  Mattson currently oversees renewable energy grants at the Washington State Department of Commerce.  He has also worked...