NW Ag Exports Down and Forbes AgTech Summit

The Agribusiness Update
Northwest ag exports to China are down, and the Forbes AgTech Summit is coming up in California.

Winter Weather and USTR on NAFTA Talks

The Agribusiness Update
Western States could really use more rain and snow this winter, and US Trade Rep Lighthizer disappointed in lack of NAFTA progress.

West Coast Ports Must Be Reliable For International Customers to Continue Using Them

Farm and Ranch Report
It has been more than a year since the West Port labor crisis was resolved. For people who are not actively involved in the export market, it it likely not top of mind.

Tentative Labor Deal, Clean Water Projects & Free Pesticide Disposal

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
West Coast ports have resumed full time operations but damage to foreign buyer relationships may take years to recover from, Ecology proposing $229 million in grant and loan funding for 165 clean water projects across the state, and WSDA collecting unwanted agricultural and commercial-grade pesticides in Eastern Washington this spring.

Port Headaches Far From Over

Farm and Ranch Report
Friday evening it was announced that a preliminary contract agreement was reached at the 29 West Coast port facilities. However, there will likely be more problems before everything straightens itself out at our West Coast ports.

Port Negotiations & Organic Survey

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Ag producers and businesses continue to write their Congressional delegates asking for help in getting the West Coast ports up and running again, and increasing interest in organic agriculture prompts USDA to conduct organic survey.

Potentially Bad Fire Season & Governors Act

Northwest Report
West coast governors are supporting action on the port issue...and this might be a bad fire season although some relief may be coming.

Federal Mediator Will Now Step In

Farm and Ranch Report
At least a little positive news in the West Coast ports labor dispute — a federal mediator has been requested. That may hopefully help to resolve the labor issues that in early November began delays and big problems to agriculture and other industries shipping exports out of any of the West Coast ports.

Shipping Hold Up

Idaho Ag Today
Ports up and down the West Coast have been delayed and upheld due to labor disputes.

NW Hort Expo & Prolonged Port Congestion Worries

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
On everyones' minds as they attend this year's Hort Expo is the disruption to shipping at West Coast Ports as the labor contract negotiations between PMA and the ILWU continues to drag on.

Shellfish Growers Conference and Tradeshow

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
The 68th annual Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Conference & Tradeshow will be September 23 through the 25 in Vancouver, Washington.

Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
The Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association has been in existence for over 80 years.

No Oil Drilling & Improved Poultry Inspection

Northwest Report
West coast governors say no to oil drilling & poultry inspections get a boost...plus Lacy talks about summer healthy eating.

New Canola Processing Plant Has Unique Features

Farm and Ranch Report
The PacificCoast Canola's processing plant is now up and running in Warden Washington.

Action Plan and Covering New Ground

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
West Coast leaders sign action plan on climate change and energy, and registration now open for the 2014 Direct Seed and Oilseed Cropping Systems

Conference.

New Canola Processing Plant Located in Eastern Washington

Farm and Ranch Report
Last week I had the opportunity to tour the new Pacific Coast Canola Processing facility in Warden. It is now up and running.

West Coast Agreement & Rail Tie-Up

Northwest Report
Rail tie-ups are causing problems for grains...an agreement will be announced later today by the West Coast governors...and Lacy talks mass extinction.

Have You Considered Canola?

Farm and Ranch Report
Today we will visit with Washington State University Extension and Outreach Specialist Karen Sowers. I asked about the advantages of growing canola in the Pacific Northwest.

Soaring Gas Prices & Treaty Review

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Washington state gasoline prices are among the highest in the nation, and Columbia River Treaty being re-examined.

Reforesting The Planet

Food Forethought
Archangel Ancient Tree Archive works to "replant the earth with the genetics of the world's remaining ancient forests".