As the 2024 legislative season begins, leaders and staff of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) are kicking up advocacy efforts at both the state and national levels. “Over the next few months, we’ll be traveling between Olympia and Washington, D.C., to present the concerns and issues that Washington…
One of the break-out sessions at the 2023 Tri-State Grain Growers Convention definitely gave a “dam” about the Columbia-Snake River System. Moderated by Michelle Hennings, executive director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, a panel of stakeholders talked about the importance of the Columbia-Snake River System and updated attendees…
In a perfect prelude to the holiday season, producers, stakeholders, and industry supporters from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington gathered last month to hear industry updates, network, and do a little Christmas shopping, all in service to the Pacific Northwest small grains industry. The 2023 Tri-State Grain Growers Convention was held…
In September, you may have seen some press regarding the Snake River Dam litigation process and a memorandum released by the Biden Administration. I understand the way this was being reported in the press may have caused some concern and confusion, and I’d like to provide more information. In regards…
In September, the Washington State Department of Ecology’s (Ecology) Fuel Exemptions Workgroup wrapped up four months of work. Whether it was successful or not might depend on who you are talking to. Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act, which includes a cap-and-invest program, went into effect in January 2023 and requires…
In an effort to show, not just tell, the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, along with other industry stakeholders, brought 15 federal legislative staffers to Lewiston, Idaho, in August to showcase the lower Snake River dams and the critical services they provide to the Pacific Northwest. “We appreciate those staffers…
For thousands of Washington wheat farmers, the 2023 harvest has wrapped up, and they are deep into seeding next year’s winter wheat crop. This year’s harvest came early and went fast. Most producers reported average to below-average yields with average quality. Producers north of Highway 2 battled snow mold issues,…
Elevators across Eastern Washington are suddenly finding it hard to insure parts of their structures regardless of condition, and if they do find insurance, the price is sky high. Palouse Grain Growers Manager Mike Bagott said they were unable to renew the insurance on their wooden crib elevator through their…
Nine farmers in the Hangman Creek Watershed are taking part in a pilot program that, if successful, has the potential to help solve a major water quality conundrum: installing riparian buffers without breaking producers’ bottom lines. The Hangman Creek Riparian Restoration and Conservation Program is funded by the Washington State…
In agronomy, context is key. That was the message growers heard from Ted Labun at the 2023 Wheat College last month in Colfax, Wash. Labun is the owner of TLC Agronomics Inc., a consulting company based in Calgary, Alberta, that works with producers to grow successful crops by incorporating best…
