THOUGHT PIECES

“As of Sunday, the 21st, one-fifth of the 2026 winter wheat crop had been planted, three points behind both the five-year average as well as last year’s numbers.  USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey said, as you would expect, planting rates are all over the map, literally and figuratively.” The challenge? Dryness in the Northwest. While it allows planting… Dryness in NW Distresses Dryland Wheat Farmers

Despite a good growing season for many Idaho commodities, the cost of doing business continues to weigh heavily on producers. Labor remains difficult to secure—and expensive, with H-2A wage rates up 54% since 2016. Machinery and repair costs have stayed high post-COVID, and fertilizer markets remain volatile due to global trade disruptions. For many farmers,… Strong Yields, Tight Margins

Wheat growers in the Pacific Northwest are facing tough times. “Michelle Hennings, Executive Director of the Washington Association of Wheat Gowers says the current break-even price for growers is roughly $7 a bushel.  She adds the struggles of high input costs and low commodity prices have been going on for years, resulting in some of the… Hard Times for PNW Wheat Growers

Harvest is starting for the Northwest sugarbeet industry.  Samantha Parrott executive Director of the Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association, says this year’s crop is looking “phenomenal”.

The U.S. Ag trade deficit hit a record high in the first half of this year.

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.