Ellington

MDI can be an efficient irrigation alternative, WSU researcher says

KENNEWICK — These days, water is precious, and it’s only getting more so in eastern Washington, which means growers need to find more efficient ways to irrigate.

MDI can be an efficient irrigation alternative, WSU researcher says

KENNEWICK — These days, water is precious, and it’s only getting more so in eastern Washington, which means growers need to find more efficient ways to irrigate.

Get ready for longer growing seasons, WSU potato expert says

KENNEWICK — The topic of climate change is a hot-button issue, but there’s no question that the trend in temperature has resulted in longer growing seasons. The savvy grower will prepare for that, said Mark Pavek, a professor and potato specialist at Washington State University, at the Washington-Oregon Potato Conference in January.

Marketing the No. 1 veggie

KENNEWICK — The humble potato may sometimes come across as a little too humble, so marketers have to find ways to make sure people don’t take it for granted.

Marketing the No. 1 veggie

KENNEWICK — The humble potato may sometimes come across as a little too humble, so marketers have to find ways to make sure people don’t take it for granted.

February 2026 Diesel Report

Washington’s prices stay elevated as lawmakers debate HB 2404

OLYMPIA — Diesel prices across the United States held steady in mid‑February, but Washington remained one of the costliest states for fuel. The policy discussion over why Washington’s prices are so high, and whether state tax policy plays a role, intensified as lawmakers took up House Bill 2404, introduced by Rep. Alex Ybarra.

Forecast shows drier summer for 2026

MOSES LAKE — The Spokane Ag Show at the beginning of February opened with a 2026 weather report from Dr. Art Douglas, a Professor for Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences at Creighton University. His report indicated that this year is going to be a dry season for much of the Pacific Northwest, including the Columbia Basin.

Early rodeo rankings, 2026

MOSES LAKE — With the Columbia River circuit kicking off this month, some other circuits have started early and are already taking up spots in the All-Around rankings. As they kick off their season, they will have opportunities to climb into the national rankings as the year unfolds.

Northwest Hay Expo offers growers tools

To navigate tough markets, rising costs and shifting global demand

PASCO — Attendance was lighter than usual at this year’s Northwest Hay Expo, but for growers who made the trip, two days of presentations delivered a concentrated dose of practical guidance for operating in a down hay market.

Cattle cycle, dairy pressures shape outlook for hay market recovery in 2026

PASCO — As hay growers navigate one of the toughest pricing environments in years, economists and exporters at the Northwest Hay Expo say the future of the hay market is increasingly tied to the cattle sector. With dairy margins tightening, beef numbers still historically low and export demand only beginning to recover, producers are preparing for another year of narrow margins, but signs of optimism are emerging.