WSDA Director Resigns, Trade Promotion Authority Disapproval & Draft Horse Power

WSDA Director Resigns, Trade Promotion Authority Disapproval & Draft Horse Power

WSDA Director Resigns, Trade Promotion Authority Disapproval & Draft Horse Power

I'm Lacy Gray with Washington Ag Today.

WSDA Director Bud Hover has announced that April 26 will be his final day with the Department. Hover wrote in his resignation letter to the Governor that he needed to spend more time with family and working the family farm in the Methow Valley. Hover, who has been the Director since 2013, said that he believes great strides have been made in advancing new and innovative solutions to help agriculture in the state over the last two years.

The Seattle City Council recently voted to adopt a resolution that expresses disapproval for trade promotion authority and concerns about the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations. U.S. Members of Congress Dan Newhouse, Cathy McMorris, and Dave Reichert issued a statement expressing their concerns with the Council's decision saying, "As one of the most trade-dependent states in the nation, the negotiation of high-standard, comprehensive trade agreements – like TPP – is critical to Washington state's growth and economic success."

On Friday, April 17 Tilth Producers of Washington and the WSU Small Farms Program will be hosting a regional workshop at Plowsong Farm in Sequim on the basics of using draft power in the production of specialty crops. Angela Anegon, Education Coordinator with Tilth Producers says that John Erskine, who has over 40 years of experience working with draft horses, will be leading the workshop.

ANEGON: To learn what it would take including how to make a connection with the draft horse, economics of using work horses, their care and maintenance; and there will be a hands on opportunity to learn how to drive a single horse.

For more information and to pre-register for the workshop visit www.tilthproducers.org.

That's Washington Ag Today.

I'm Lacy Gray with the Ag Information Network of the West.

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