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Last week, the USDA announced it is funding additional projects across Washington via the Rural Energy for America Program in an effort to lower costs, expand access to clean energy as well as strengthen farms and small businesses.  Helen Price Johnson, Rural Development Director for Washington said $5.1 million...

President-elect Donald Trump announced his selection for Ag Secretary over the weekend.  Trump has chosen Brooke Rollins, president of the America First Policy Institute, to head the USDA.   "As our next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American Farmers, who are truly the backbone of our Country," Trump said in a statement.   If co...

With Thanksgiving less than a week away, the USDA is out with some encouraging news for those of you looking to prepare the big meal.   “People who are shopping for turkeys for their holidays are likely going to see some good deals out there," noted economist Michael McConnell.  However he ad...

Much like Washington, the early season snowpack across Oregon is reason for optimism and encouragement.  Some are crediting La Nina for the cooler, wetter weather.  But Matt Warbritton with NRCS said that may be premature.   “We can’t ...

Local meat processing plants across the county will work to expand capacity, and improve efficiencies thanks to recent investments via the USDA.   “USDA's local meat capacity grant program, or we call it local MCap," said Department of Ag’s Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Moffitt.  "It provides targeted pr...

Through its Community Connect Program, Rural Development has awarded $63.8 million to expand high-speed internet in rural areas across 12 states, including Washington.   “We know this is fundamental to building prosperity and a bright future where people and businesses can grow and thrive,” said Helen Price Johnson the State Director for Rural Development in Washington.  "Rural America... Rea

The first case of bird flu found in a pig appears to be here in the Northwest.  State health officials say a pig was infected with bird flu at a Central Oregon farm where the virus was detected in ducks and geese last week.  State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz says f...

This week, the USDA announced $1.5 billion for 92 partner-driven conservation projects through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.  The Department of Ag said recipients will provide $968 million in contributions to amplify the impact of the federal investment.  Selecte...

The state of Oregon was recently awarded $956,333 for a project to rehabilitate a McMinnville multifamily affordable housing complex that serves farmworkers and their families.  The announcement of the USDA funds was made Tuesday by Oregon’s Senators Jeff Merkley, Ron Wyden and Representative Andrea Salinas.  Community Hom...

According to NASS, the value of Washington’s Agricultural production in 2023 totaled almost $14 billion, up 6% year-over year.  The value of Washington’s crop production in 2023 was $7.71 billion, down about 10% from the record high value of $8.56 billion in 2022.  ...