Fast Food Strike & Running Out of Time plus Christmas Tree Sales

Fast Food Strike & Running Out of Time plus Christmas Tree Sales. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report.

It was not so fast food yesterday as many workers staged a strike to protest low wages. One-day labor walkouts were planned at fast-food restaurants in 100 cities Thursday, with protests in scores more cities and towns across the nation. In recent days, Pope Francis and President Obama have spoken out against growing income inequality. Despite the growing concern surrounding economic disparities, the pushback is strong. Fast food is a price-sensitive business — and the industry claims it would be difficult to significantly increase wages.

Well there is a lot of business that needs to be completed before the end of the year and with each passing day the hopes that Congress will get things like the farm bill and the budget are dwindling. Washington Congressman Doc Hastings says they are keeping their fingers crossed.

HASTINGS: There continues to be positive vibes that are coming from discussions between Congressman Paul Ryan and Senator Patty Murray. We have another week. Hopefully there will be an agreement and in which case we could get back to regular order. So cautiously optimistic is probably the best way to say that.

Now Christmas tree sales looking good. Gary Crawford reports.

(USDA Report)

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