THOUGHT PIECES

More signs of a contracting beef herd, courtesy of USDA’s August Cattle on Feed report.

As harvest gets underway for the permanent crops across the Northwest, one expert says this is a critical widow that could help boost production in 2026.

Hay growers across Washington have enjoyed a great year when it comes to growing conditions.  But unfortunately, the same can’t be said about the economic conditions growers are facing. 

Farmer sentiment continues to weaken.  The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer declined again in July, falling to 135, an 11-point month-over-month decline.

The USDA is out with its annual look at farmland values and cash rents.  USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer said the latest numbers indicate a cooling in year over year growth.

The spring wheat crop continues to progress at a fairly normal clip.  According to NASS, 87% of the crop is headed nationwide, slightly behind the five-year average of 88%.  Locally, the Washington crop is completely headed while Idaho’s crop is at 99%.

The final July curtailment order for Snake River water rights has been issued.  Idaho Department of Water Resources has ordered junior groundwater users to join a mitigation plan or face curtailment. 

The latest drought numbers are a little encouraging for the Northwest.  For the first time in several weeks, the drought severity did not change for Oregon, Idaho or Washington.

With August just around the corner, vegetable growers across central Washington and Oregon should be on the lookout for a variety of diseases.

Soil moisture levels continue to fall across the region as we prepare to welcome in the month of July.