THOUGHT PIECES

This time of year, you probably think of fresh fruit, iced tea, maybe ice cream, but most likely not maple syrup.

When looking at USDA’s July Dairy Outlook, World Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski noted. “They raised U.S. milk production forecast for both 2025 and 2026,” Jekanowski said.  “Half a billion pounds in 2025, and 900 million pounds in 2026.”

As summer starts in the Northwest, area soils continue to dry out.

Cherry season is officially here in the Northwest.  Growers are harvesting early varieties, and producers say the size and quality looks good.

According to the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, farmer sentiment reached a four-year high in May.  Purdue University’s James Mintert said the Barometer rose 10 points to a reading of 158.

While harvest is underway in many parts of the nation, U.S. Wheat Associates is still promoting American wheat to overseas buyers.

The USDA’s June Crop Production forecast is out.  What does it say about the winter wheat crop? 

Cherry producers from across the Northwest met in Richland, WA, this week, and rolled out the first estimate of the 2025 crop.

Sugarbeet planting recently wrapped up across Idaho.  Samantha Parrott, Executive Director of the Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association said the spring weather was beneficial in a variety of ways.

Recent research underscores the benefits of leaving straw residue post-harvest, highlighting improvements in erosion control and soil moisture retention .