Oregon faces longer fire season due to historic heat, drought, fire experts warn • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon’s first big fire of the year began in March and the season is expected to run through October, experts said.
Washington Ecology describes what it considers ideal farming | Capital Press
The Washington Department of Ecology has finished a 12-chapter paper on agricultural “best management practices,” a years-long project that walks a fine line between advice and rules. Ecology titles the […]
Endangered Sandhill Cranes Return To Methow Valley
Two examples of a rare bird species have made their way back to North Central Washington this year.
Forest Service plan to close research stations stokes fear as wildfire season approaches • Stateline
The U.S. Forest Service’s plan to close scores of research stations could threaten the nation’s wildfire readiness, many foresters fear, and erode decades of work to understand timber production, soil health, pests and diseases, watersheds and wildlife.
Secretary Rollins Announces the Creation of the USDA Office of Seafood | USDA
Takeaways from AP-Grist report on aid for rural renewable energy | AP News
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.
Washington declares statewide drought, marks fourth year of drought in some agricultural areas
On Wednesday morning, Washington state declared a statewide drought.
National Weather Service foresees warm and dry seasons for rest of year | Capital Press
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 […]
AGR AgViabilityStudy
Douglas Poole: I'm trying to heal 100 tears of tillage. Don't pull the support that makes it possible.
By Douglas Poole
WA turns to goats for affordable, sustainable landscaping - The Columbian
Washington public lands agencies plan to reduce services following state budget cuts - OPB
The state’s three public lands agencies all had their budgets cut this year.
Earthquake scientists reveal how overplowing weakens soil at experimental farm
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.
Climate Resilience Plan for Washington Agriculture | Washington State Department of Agriculture
The Best Wildfire Preparedness Supplies and Strategies of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter
How to plan and protect yourself in areas at risk of wildfires.
‘Skinny’ farm bill passes House Ag Committee at critical time for producers | Capital Press
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 […]
Early outlook poor for irrigators in Yakima River basin | Capital Press
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 is building wildfire risk and hazard maps. Mapmakers need your help
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.
Seeking land connections at the Oregon Small Farms Conference | Capital Press
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 […]
A Country Is Covering Its Barren Fields with Sheep's Wool, and the Results Are Turning Heads
In drought-stricken Australian fields, crops that were reduced to dust are being revived thanks to an unlikely agricultural product.
Could a new program in Washington help ranchers protect birds?
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.
New Washington FSA director: Farmers and ranchers first | Capital Press
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 […]
How To Move From High Performer To High-Impact Leader
High performers often struggle after promotion. Here’s how leadership communication, clarity and context separate effective managers from overwhelmed teams.
Washington ranks last in farmer take-home pay in 2024 | Capital Press
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.
NRCS Priorities | Natural Resources Conservation Service
Conservation Month Swag signs, stickers, buttons | Sticker Mule
Shop for signs, stickers, buttons by Conservation Month Swag.
New Copernicus Satellites Will Help Track Emissions, Ice, and Crops Like Never Before
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 Dramatic Change in U.S. Ag Land Price-Rent Ratio
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.
Bell Appointed Washington FSA Executive Director
USDA announced Tuesday that Patrick Bell will serve as State Executive Director for Washington’s Farm Service Agency.
The Power of Leading Without Recognition - Simon Sinek
Leadership isn’t about the spotlight—it’s about trust, service, and impact. Discover why the most influential leaders remain invisible.