The Associated Press and Grist have collaborated on a project to analyze how federal policy changes on energy are affecting farmers. They found that two programs critical for renewable energy growth have been sharply rolled back. One is a rural-focused initiative called REAP. The other is a clean energy tax credit. The news organizations found that in the fiscal year that started Oct. 1, the Department of Agriculture hasn’t awarded a single dollar in rural energy grants or loan guarantees. Its loan guarantee program has remained open, but the analysis found that the agency has awarded no new agreements this fiscal year.

On Wednesday morning, Washington state declared a statewide drought.

The National Weather Service’s seasonal outlook predicts the Northwest will be hotter and drier than normal for the next three months and probably for the rest of the year. The […]

By Douglas Poole

The state’s three public lands agencies all had their budgets cut this year.

Plowing, or tilling, is an age-old agricultural practice that readies the soil for planting by turning over the top layer to expose fresh earth. The method—intended to improve water and nutrient circulation—remains popular today, but concerns about soil degradation have prompted some to return to regenerative methods that disturb the soil less.

How to plan and protect yourself in areas at risk of wildfires.

Ag groups applaud act, Oregon Congresswoman says specialty crops left behind The House Agriculture Committee passed the 802-page farm bill 34-17 early the morning of March 5, after a 22-hour […]

The Bureau of Reclamation projects Yakima River basin irrigators with junior water-rights will get only 44% of their full allotments this summer, an early forecast that could go up or […]

Washington state’s Department of Natural Resources is developing wildfire risk and hazard maps. It’s an effort to help the state and local communities better prepare for wildfires.

Event draws 750 people to Oregon State University campus CORVALLIS, Ore. — While the Oregon State University Extension Service Small Farms Conference on Feb. 21 had a plethora of educational […]

In drought-stricken Australian fields, crops that were reduced to dust are being revived thanks to an unlikely agricultural product.

Bird species are on the decline across the U.S. for all different reasons, including habitat loss. But a new program in Washington hopes to create bird habitat by using ranches.

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — Patrick Bell took over as the new state executive director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Washington Jan. 6. “I’ve been a strong, consistent supporter of […]

High performers often struggle after promotion. Here’s how leadership communication, clarity and context separate effective managers from overwhelmed teams.

Washington ranked 50th in the nation for returns to farm operators in 2024, with nearly -$295 million. WSU financial advisor Jon Paul Driver says the driving force is a strong U.S. dollar.

Shop for signs, stickers, buttons by Conservation Month Swag.

New Copernicus satellites will revolutionize environmental monitoring, offering precise data on emissions, ice, crops, and climate change, all powered by cutting-edge technology from ESA.

The ratio of U.S. cropland price to cropland cash rent has nearly doubled since 1998. Empirical analysis so far has not identified any statistically significant explanatory factor, so this article’s purpose is to call attention to this dramatic change.

USDA announced Tuesday that Patrick Bell will serve as State Executive Director for Washington’s Farm Service Agency.

Leadership isn’t about the spotlight—it’s about trust, service, and impact. Discover why the most influential leaders remain invisible.

Oregon officials have found the Mediterranean oak borer in six counties across the valley, just as another pest is killing ash trees in the region.

Flooding and landslides have left communities along upper Lake Chelan dealing with major damage, nearly a year after wildfire weakened hillsides in the area. A town only accessible by boat is cut off from the rest of the area because of the atmospheric river fallout.

In a small Spangle workshop, immediately off of Highway 195, thousands of worms are slowly burrowing into their new home, nestled cozily under heated blankets and as much food as they could ever want.

Big farmers grab the lion’s share of US government support, and recent cuts have chipped away at small growers’ markets and margins