Washington Farmers Market Week & Arizona Law Blocked

Washington Farmers Market Week & Arizona Law Blocked plus Food Forethought. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report. Farmer's markets have grown in popularity the last several years and becoming a very viable income source for many farmers. To recognize their growing importance to consumers, farmers and the economy, Gov. Chris Gregoire, the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Washington State Farmers Market Association are celebrating Farmers Market Week in Washington Aug. 1-7 according to Department of Ag's Mike Louisell. LOUISELL: Farmer's Market week is an opportunity for consumers and shoppers to thank farmers for their work. You get just such variety and some are small and others are large. I'd advise consumers to check out the website at the Washington State farmer's market association and you can find out where the closest farmers market is to where you live. The proclamation gives formal recognition to the farmer's market movement in this state. A federal judge on Wednesday blocked the most controversial parts of Arizona's immigration law from taking effect, delivering a last-minute victory to opponents of the crackdown. The overall law will still take effect Thursday, but without the provisions that angered opponents -- including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws. Now with today's Food Forethought, here's Lacy Gray. For years now young people have left the family farm for college never to return to the family business of farming. This pattern has created a situation where the majority of our nation's farmers are over the age of fifty; an age that while not old, is definitely on the other side of prime for any career. Interestingly, with the downswing in the economy came a dire reality that found most graduates fresh from college unable to find employment; a situation that has prompted many to return to the family farming business. The face of agriculture has changed considerably over the last several years; a family farm that once would have supported several generations, now can have trouble supporting one, so for this to be successful, especially in these difficult times, the returning son or daughter needs to be prepared to work hard, twice as hard as they would for any other job. Contrary to popular opinion, the family farm isn't disappearing; it has just had to adjust to difficult times. Difficult though is not synonymous with impossible. Young people returning to the family farm are finding ways to earn a living and still enjoy the lifestyle. It's a challenge, but one they can rise to. Thanks Lacy. That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.