Wildfire Danger & Farmer's Markets

Wildfire Danger & Farmer’s Markets plus Food Forethought. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Northwest Report.

There are a number of wildfires that are burning across the northwest and weather conditions are ripe for the possibility of more fires. The National Weather Service has issued wildfire danger alerts for a number of areas as temperatures soar into the upper 90’s and low 100’s. The high temps coupled with low humidity, brisk winds and the possibility of a thunderstorm could see wildfires ignited by lightening.

The National Farmers Market Directory sees a nearly 10% increase in the number of listings. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan talks about how states are increasingly using studies to determine the economic benefits of farmers markets.

MERRIGAN: More and more states are coming out with economic analyses that show that a facilitation of local and regional agriculture can be very important to the economic development of their state, to job creations in their state, to their bottom line. Georgia came out with a study that said if everyone spent $10 a week in their food budget for buying local, it would be $2 billion dollars to the state economy.

Now with today’s Food Forethought, here’s Lacy Gray.

It’s state and county fair time again, and while some might think that the devastating drought conditions across a major portion of the nation might be cause to close state and county fairs this year, they would need to think again. Especially in years such as these fairs are a chance for people to get out and have a little fun and see the good side of agriculture. Many fair boards have been reporting that despite the heat and the drought suffered in their areas, fair attendance numbers have been up; though the animals and vegetables being exhibited this year do tend to be on the lighter and smaller side. If you are headed out to your county or state fair this year, remember to stay well hydrated and take advantage of any air conditioned buildings that might be available. Also, be sure to thank the many volunteers working in the fair exhibit halls, and hospitality and first aid tents. They work hard and do a terrific job of taking care of the rest of us. Above all, enjoy your local fair. If for just a brief few hours, forget your troubles, forget the drought, and have a good time - all while promoting the future of agriculture in your county and state.

Thanks Lacy. That’s today’s Northwest Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.