farming

Many regional reservoirs that store water for irrigation are doing better than they were last year. Two good winters have helped water managers build up their reserves.

California farms could use 93% less water but less-thirsty crops, such as grains and hay, are much less lucrative than nuts and fruits. Fallowing a small fraction of the thirstiest crops would save 9%.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is reversing a policy decision some farmers say would have been too burdensome on small dairies.

Farmland conservation advocates say Oregon’s land use planning program has historically done a good job at protecting farmland. But they say it’s concerning to see continued decrease of farmland, especially compared to other states.

A five-year, $50 million grant project aims to reduce the carbon footprint of potato farming across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

This week, Russia bombed key Ukrainian ports – crippling major wheat exports. It also pulled out of a key agreement that allowed the export of Ukrainian grain through the Russian-controlled Black Sea. That’s spiking U.S. wheat futures prices on soft red winter wheat just as the Northwest starts to harvest.

Noble Family Dairy allowed cow manure to flow into the Applegate River for 20 days, causing dangerous levels of E. coli in the water.

Across the Northwest crops are late. Cool spring weather has held back asparagus, potatoes and alfalfa. Even tree fruit blooms were late to flush open. Then, record-warm weather hit.

At issue are fertilizer leaks at the former Lost Valley Farm. The Easterdays, who now own the site, say they’re not responsible.

Even with all the rain and snow in California this winter, it’s been pretty dry in our region, especially in much of eastern Oregon and parts of eastern Washington. For wheat farmers, that means there could be some nail-biting months ahead.

During one of the driest years on record, California legislators didn’t approve laws to protect depleted groundwater or boost water supplies.

The extended heatwave in the Northwest is forcing farmers to adapt, and pray their water supply doesn’t get cut off.