THOUGHT PIECES

Most categories see volume increases, overall dollar sales remain stable DENVER — U.S. retail sales volume of potatoes was up 5.4% in July–September 2024 compared to the same period last year. Every category where volume rose—including fresh potatoes, chips, frozen potatoes, refrigerated potatoes, and deli-prepared sides—saw increases of more than 5%. Total dollar sales were… Read More »Potato Retail Sales Volume Rises in July-September 2024

Washington apple growers expect to harvest 124 million boxes of fresh-market apples this fall, returning to a more average crop size after last year’s high of 136 million boxes. The August crop estimate released this week by the Washington State Tree Fruit Association is the first estimate of the season and is subject to change… Read More »Washington apple industry expects a 124-million-box crop

Transitions are hard. It doesn’t matter what the transition involves, the nature of moving from one thing to the next is complicated. Farmland may be one of the toughest, says Steve Bohr of Farm Financial Strategies in Lisbon, Iowa. JENNIFER SHIKE

Significant changes across various regions will set the global blueberry industry up for continued success. Key trends shaping the future of the industry include increasingly advanced genetics and growers’ heightened focus on labor productivity and efficiencies, according to a recent study by RaboResearch. After a pause in 2023/24, blueberry exports are set to grow again.

This year’s crop of apples from Washington, a slightly smaller crop than 2023-2024’s, is considered a good quality one that’s suitable for export. “Overall shipments so far have been pretty good, and they are keeping up with where we need to be,” says Steve Reinholt, export business development for CMI Orchards, LLC. “Though it is… Read More »Export tariff talk on watch for Washington apple industry

By AGDAILY Reporters Today, the National Wheat Yield Contest announced the 26 national and 94 state winners for 2024-the ninth year of the contest. This year’s contest had 516 entries, the most ever. Among the list of winners, two new names joined title-winners, including Phillip Gross of Warden, Washington, earning Bin Buster honors with irrigated… Read More »Washington wheat farmer tops National Wheat Yield Contest

Stephen B. Blezinger Smaller producers often simply accept as fact that their production costs are going to be higher than their larger counterparts. However, there are myriad ways for any herd to become more cost-effective and profitable.

The October Monthly Monitor reflects cautious optimism in certain areas of agriculture, marked by export strengths and potential price recoveries, but shadowed by long-term rebuilding challenges, weather dependencies and the impact of the upcoming election. TYNE MORGAN

Assistance includes $143 million for crop and forestry losses due to Hurricane Milton, $92 million to offset grazing losses due to drought and wildfire in 2022 WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing payments this week to agricultural producers impacted by natural disasters, including $143 million in crop insurance indemnities… Read More »USDA to Issue More than $235 Million to Farmers Hit by Natural Disasters, Including Hurricane Milton

By FERN’s Ag Insider The least expensive way to attack greenhouse gas emissions on the farm may be larger investment in agricultural research and development, said University of California professor Aaron Smith in a blog on Tuesday. He cited a 2010 study that estimated agricultural R&D reduced carbon emissions through higher productivity at a cost of $15 per… Read More »Higher Ag Productivity May Be Cheapest Way to Reduce Carbon Emissions