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Quincy prepares for Farmer-Consumer Awareness Day 2025
QUINCY — The city of Quincy is preparing for the annual Farmer-Consumer Awareness Day which will be held Sept. 13 this year. Leia Watkins, who became president of Quincy FCAD Spring of this year, said this event provides an opportunity to bring the community together and educate about the importance of local farmers.
Port of Kennewick reports 30 years of clean audits
KENNEWICK — The Port of Kennewick’s 2024 audits, which the Washington State Auditor’s Office officially closed on Aug. 7, came back clean, complete and accurate with no findings. These audits mark 30 years of consecutive clean independent audit reports.
Harvests are up, but growers aren’t seeing the benefit
On the one hand, Washington agricultural producers are doing great. On the other hand, they’re having a tough time of it. Crop prices, generally, aren’t meeting the costs of production for most farmers and ranchers, according to the Washington State University “Washington Agribusiness Status and Outlook” report, which provides an overview for the state of Washington Agriculture. “For most commodities we grow in Washington, it’s a pretty tough year,” said Randall Fortenbery, a professor in the School of Economic Sciences at Washington State University. “We’ve had good production, but prices are quite low, with the exception of cattle prices. So, producers going forward, after their crop is harvested this year, or even dairy producers, they’re looking at some challenging prices, but some pretty good production to go along with that.” Washington grows more than 300 crops commercially, according to the Washington State Department of Commerce. The Evergreen State produce more apples, pears and cherries than any other state, and ranks second in potatoes and fourth in wheat. However, Washington is also an export-dependent state, which means the rest of the world’s economy has a bearing on the profitibility seen by Washingtonians in agriculture.
2025 tree fruit crop promising, but faces challenges
YAKIMA — The 2025 apple crop could be one of the biggest in Washington history, but the ultimate outcome for the season depends on things outside growers’ control. “The crop is estimated at 142 million standard 40-pound boxes of fresh apples,” said Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, in a press release. That would match the biggest crop in state history, but there are factors that could keep all those apples from being harvested, DeVaney said. “Growers reported that labor shortages and market conditions may drive down the actual number of harvested apples,” he said.
Basin growers anticipate steady grape harvest
MOSES LAKE – Grape growers around the state are preparing for the upcoming grape harvest as the vineyards enter their final stages of growth. “The timing is similar to last year, minimal pressures on the grapes, maybe a little bit more pest pressure this year, but nothing overwhelmingly significant,” said Sarah Higgins, Executive Director at the Washington Winegrowers Association. “There was lots of moisture in the ground this spring and some nicely dropping nighttime temperatures, which have resulted in large berries and large clusters.” Higgins said this year’s vintage is on track to be a very high-quality harvest. The growing season has been mild overall with no major disruptions such as cold or heat spells that couldn’t be overcome.
Commodity report for Sept. 17, 2025
Blueberries, apples, onions, potatoes, cattle
Information and education at commodity conferences
KENNEWICK — Industry associations for commodities throughout the Pacific Northwest sponsor annual meetings and conferences to bring farmers and growers and employees up to date on the latest trends, challenges and opportunities. A list of some of those events is below.
Puyallup Fair Rodeo highlights: Minicks honored as 2025 Legend of ProRodeo
MOSES LAKE – The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Press Release gave updates on some riders who performed at the Puyallup Fair and announced that Billy and Pam Minick would share the honor of becoming the 2025 Legend of ProRodeo.
Yakama Nation Farms: Celebrating the growth of food, culture
WAPATO – Yakama Nation Farms, a 1,500- acre agricultural enterprise located in the heart of Washington’s Yakima Valley, operates with the mission of fortifying food sovereignty and security for the local community while embracing a rich cultural heritage. Under the interim leadership of Jonalee Squeochs, the farm has transformed from a historically Japanese-operated enterprise into a tribal business that seeks to provide high-quality organic produce to the Yakama Nation and surrounding communities. The farm’s history is intertwined with the experiences of both the Yakama Nation and Japanese immigrants.
Hay harvest faces challenges in Washington amidst weather woes and market stagnation
KENNEWICK — This season has unfolded with mixed outcomes for hay growers in Washington State, particularly in the Columbia Basin, as they navigate through a landscape marked by challenging weather, weak export demand, crop quality and financial viability.
