Ukraine's Effect on Ag & A New Trend for Farmers

Ukraine's Effect on Ag & A New Trend for Farmers. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report.

A Department of Agriculture analyst says it's far too early to know if the current crisis in Ukraine will have major effects on that nation's grain exports or spring planting. World Outlook Board Chair, Gerry Bange.

BANGE: Hopefully it will be resolved and be resolved peacefully and it will have no significant impact on their export performance. Reportedly the areas from where they export grains for the most part I think they continue to be operative so I don't think there is any reason known to us at present time where we would make any significant adjustments because of that. It's premature to make any judgements at this juncture.

And in a related issue...if gas prices in Washington and Oregon spike in the next few weeks it would be due to the escalating tensions in the Ukraine which are already sending retail gas prices higher. AAA says that gas prices in every state are higher than they were a couple of weeks ago and the national average is at its highest level since September of last year. In addition, annual refinery maintenance in Washington and California is expected to magnify seasonal gas price increases.

Now, the average age of farmers is 50-years or older, but a new and beginning farmer who is only 36 is part of a slowly evolving trend. Susan Carter has more.

(USDA story)

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