Pacific Northwest
First adult Western cherry fruit fly expected to begin emergence in Oregon
All cherry trees owners should be aware the emergence of the first adult western cherry fruit flies is expected to begin on June 14 in the La Grande, Oregon, area. 50% adult fly emergence expected... more »
Washington state repeals COVID-19 rules for vaccinated farm workers
Following ongoing appeals by Washington state’s leading agricultural groups, state regulators announced May 28 that fully vaccinated farmworkers do not have to wear a mask or socially distance at work or in congregate housing facilities,... more »
Washington Gov. Inslee announces update to agriculture requirements
Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee issued updates May 28 to the agriculture workplace requirements to coincide with changes to the emergency rules for temporary worker housing released by the departments of Health and Labor & Industries.... more »
USDA to survey growers in Pacific Northwest
During the next several weeks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct two major mid-year surveys, the June Agricultural Survey and the June Area Survey. The agency will contact nearly... more »
Lack of honeybees impacting fruit production at Okanagan orchards
Okanagan fruit growers who are already stinging from labour challenges and low prices now have a possible shortage of honeybees to worry about. “I don’t want to be an alarmist, but this was the most... more »
Wild Washington yeast may hold key to reducing sugar content in wine
Creating wine is a balancing act between the quality of harvested grapes and the types of microorganisms that ferment grape juice. Too much sugar during the fermentation process means too much alcohol in the final... more »
Washington groups decry reopening for vaccinated employees except farm workers
Washington state’s leading agricultural groups say Gov. Jay Inslee has a double standard for farmers and their vaccinated workers following his announcement on Friday that fully vaccinated employees do not have to wear a mask... more »
Berry producer uses SIMBA barcode tracking help expand busines
In 2007 when Sara Osborne purchased Peters Cranberries, her father-in-law’s cranberry farm on the Oregon coast, she didn’t expect cranberry prices to soon plunge by 80%, sending the whole industry into shock. Yet that is... more »