Views and commentary on agriculture, farming, ranching, agribusiness and agriculture media in the Western states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California from the staff of the Capital Press and capitalpress.com.noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:59:06 -0700Blogger http://www.blogger.com2024125http://capitalpress.blogspot.com/en-usnoEast Oregonian Media Groupfarming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorA discussion of issues that affect farming and ranching in California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The Capital Press is a weekly newspaper that covers agriculture across the Western United States. Analysis of issues that affect farming and ranchingCapital Pressnewsroom@capitalpress.comCapital Presshttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2016/06/western-growers-dismayed-by-courts.htmlTue, 21 Jun 2016 14:42:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-8624814590837754961A farm group is dismayed that a federal court ruled that it's no longer necessarily OK to use composted municipal green waste on organic farms in California. From Western Growers:The (USDA) Guidance already prohibited use of compost that was shown to contaminate soil, crops or water, but plaintiffs argued that this was not strict enough under the pre-2011 organic rules. While the court stopped 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)http://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2016/06/lawmakers-urge-no-cuts-in-shasta.htmlThu, 16 Jun 2016 13:51:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-2796010384501695818Northern California's Rep. Doug LaMalfa is among 15 California lawmakers urging federal agencies not to cut releases from Shasta Lake to leave water for winter-run salmon because it would mean further cuts in water supplies for farmers. From LaMalfa:Congressman Doug LaMalfa and 14 other members of the California delegation in the House today urged the Obama administration to reject proposals 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)http://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/organic-administrator-faces-backlash-ag_30.htmlUSDAUSDA Organic National ProgramFri, 30 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-5526133323836045432 Many organic groups that once praised USDA deputy administrator Miles McEvoy are now fighting his policies in federal court. Click here for full story. 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noMany organic groups that once praised USDA deputy administrator Miles McEvoy are now fighting his policies in federal court. Click here for full story.Capital PressMany organic groups that once praised USDA deputy administrator Miles McEvoy are now fighting his policies in federal court. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/new-christmas-tree-checkoff-prepares.htmlChristmasChristmas treesTree GrowersThu, 29 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-7652293534658815453 Assessments will be collected on Christmas trees for the first time after the 2015 harvest to fund a checkoff program to promote the crop. Click here for full story. 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noAssessments will be collected on Christmas trees for the first time after the 2015 harvest to fund a checkoff program to promote the crop. Click here for full story.Capital PressAssessments will be collected on Christmas trees for the first time after the 2015 harvest to fund a checkoff program to promote the crop. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/stink-bug-may-meet-its-match-in-tiny.htmlAsian WaspStink bugTrissoicus JaponicusWed, 28 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-995696972986019024 The spread of a non-stinging Asian wasp has U.S. scientists hopeful that it could control the crop-destroying brown marmorated stink bug. Click here for full story. 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noThe spread of a non-stinging Asian wasp has U.S. scientists hopeful that it could control the crop-destroying brown marmorated stink bug. Click here for full story.Capital PressThe spread of a non-stinging Asian wasp has U.S. scientists hopeful that it could control the crop-destroying brown marmorated stink bug. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/grant-will-help-researchers-identify_27.htmlInsectpotatoeszebra chip diseaseTue, 27 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-1433563117575600034 Washington State University researcher Bill Snyder has received a $2.7 million grant to research which psyllids may be causing zebra chip. Click here for full story.0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noWashington State University researcher Bill Snyder has received a $2.7 million grant to research which psyllids may be causing zebra chip. Click here for full story.Capital PressWashington State University researcher Bill Snyder has received a $2.7 million grant to research which psyllids may be causing zebra chip. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/industry-responds-to-toxic-taters_26.htmlMinnesotaToxic TatersMon, 26 Oct 2015 17:08:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-267667403059676887 A group calling itself Toxic Taters, funded by pesticide opponents, is casting potatoes in a negative light. Click here for full story.0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noA group calling itself Toxic Taters, funded by pesticide opponents, is casting potatoes in a negative light. Click here for full story.Capital PressA group calling itself Toxic Taters, funded by pesticide opponents, is casting potatoes in a negative light. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/organic-administrator-faces-backlash-ag.htmlFederal CourtNational Organic ProgramUSDAFri, 23 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-4948613868819752443 Many organic groups that once praised USDA deputy administrator Miles McEvoy are now fighting his policies in federal court. Click here for full story. 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noMany organic groups that once praised USDA deputy administrator Miles McEvoy are now fighting his policies in federal court. Click here for full story.Capital PressMany organic groups that once praised USDA deputy administrator Miles McEvoy are now fighting his policies in federal court. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/governors-urge-action-on-cuba-for-ags.htmlAgricultural ExportsCaliforniaCubaIdahoUnited StatesWashingtonThu, 22 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-7347807602790321540 Washington, Idaho and California governors support lifting trade restrictions blamed for limiting U.S. food exports to Cuba. Click here for full story. 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noWashington, Idaho and California governors support lifting trade restrictions blamed for limiting U.S. food exports to Cuba. Click here for full story.Capital PressWashington, Idaho and California governors support lifting trade restrictions blamed for limiting U.S. food exports to Cuba. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/itc-affirms-sugar-dumping-claims.htmlmexicosugarUnited StatesWed, 21 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-2938365350545464362 The U.S. International Trade Commission has affirmed conclusions that the dumping of subsidized Mexican sugar hurt the U.S. sugar market. Click here for full Story. 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noThe U.S. International Trade Commission has affirmed conclusions that the dumping of subsidized Mexican sugar hurt the U.S. sugar market. Click here for full Story.Capital PressThe U.S. International Trade Commission has affirmed conclusions that the dumping of subsidized Mexican sugar hurt the U.S. sugar market. Click here for full Story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/tpp-seen-as-longer-term-help-to-tree.htmlapplescherriesfruitpacific northwestpearsTrans-Pacific PartnershipTreeTue, 20 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-2245962469320778368 The Trans-Pacific Partnership doesn't include China and isn't likely to push pears and apples into Japan, but it may help Northwest tree fruit exports to Southeast Asia. Click here for full story. 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noThe Trans-Pacific Partnership doesn't include China and isn't likely to push pears and apples into Japan, but it may help Northwest tree fruit exports to Southeast Asia. Click here for full story.Capital PressThe Trans-Pacific Partnership doesn't include China and isn't likely to push pears and apples into Japan, but it may help Northwest tree fruit exports to Southeast Asia. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/us-mexico-apple-dumping-still.htmlapplesmexicoU.S.WashingtonMon, 19 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-5502923877017933487 Nine months after it started, a case alleging U.S. apple dumping in Mexico still hangs over the Washington apple industry. Washington hit record shipments there last season but is unlikely to this season. Click here for full story. 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noNine months after it started, a case alleging U.S. apple dumping in Mexico still hangs over the Washington apple industry. Washington hit record shipments there last season but is unlikely to this season. Click here for full story.Capital PressNine months after it started, a case alleging U.S. apple dumping in Mexico still hangs over the Washington apple industry. Washington hit record shipments there last season but is unlikely to this season. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/idaho-farm-leaders-happy-with-new-ag.htmlAgriculturalfarmsIdahoFri, 16 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-8149523594671598081 Idaho farm industry leaders are happy with University of Idaho's decision to appoint Michael Parrella as the new dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Click here for full story. 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noIdaho farm industry leaders are happy with University of Idaho's decision to appoint Michael Parrella as the new dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Click here for full story.Capital PressIdaho farm industry leaders are happy with University of Idaho's decision to appoint Michael Parrella as the new dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/cpow-drops-out-of-wolf-advisory-group.htmlcattlelivestockWashingtonwolfFri, 16 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-4040577643951170109 A cattle group drops out of Washington's wolf advisory group and calls for its abolition. Another group, the Washington Cattlemen's Association, says the advisory group is finally beginning to make progress. Click here for full story. 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noA cattle group drops out of Washington's wolf advisory group and calls for its abolition. Another group, the Washington Cattlemen's Association, says the advisory group is finally beginning to make progress. Click here for full story.Capital PressA cattle group drops out of Washington's wolf advisory group and calls for its abolition. Another group, the Washington Cattlemen's Association, says the advisory group is finally beginning to make progress. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/commodity-groups-urge-extension-of.htmlAgriculturalGPSrailroadTrainThu, 15 Oct 2015 16:07:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-9134912332657274108 Several lawmakers and agricultural organizations from the Northwest are advocating for a bill to extend a deadline for railroads to implement safety upgrades, hoping to avoid freight disruptions. Click here for full story.0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noSeveral lawmakers and agricultural organizations from the Northwest are advocating for a bill to extend a deadline for railroads to implement safety upgrades, hoping to avoid freight disruptions. Click here for full story.Capital PressSeveral lawmakers and agricultural organizations from the Northwest are advocating for a bill to extend a deadline for railroads to implement safety upgrades, hoping to avoid freight disruptions. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/ag-groups-cheer-as-appeals-court-puts.htmlCaliforniafarmersOregonWashingtonwaterWed, 14 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-2238640104806550916 A panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati put the regulations on hold nationwide until the court decides whether it has jurisdiction to consider lawsuits against them. Click here for full story. 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noA panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati put the regulations on hold nationwide until the court decides whether it has jurisdiction to consider lawsuits against them. Click here for full story.Capital PressA panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati put the regulations on hold nationwide until the court decides whether it has jurisdiction to consider lawsuits against them. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/monsanto-to-eliminate-2600-jobs.htmlcornCropjobsMonsantoSt. LouisTue, 13 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-5938030468409856793 Monsanto has struggled in recent quarters to deal with slumping corn prices in the U.S., which have reduced demand for its best-selling product: genetically enhanced corn seeds. Click here for full story. http://www.capitalpress.com/Business/20151007/monsanto-to-eliminate-2600-jobs-following-4q-loss0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noMonsanto has struggled in recent quarters to deal with slumping corn prices in the U.S., which have reduced demand for its best-selling product: genetically enhanced corn seeds. Click here for full story. http://www.capitalpress.com/Business/20151007/monsanto-to-eliminate-2600-jobs-following-4q-lossCapital PressMonsanto has struggled in recent quarters to deal with slumping corn prices in the U.S., which have reduced demand for its best-selling product: genetically enhanced corn seeds. Click here for full story. http://www.capitalpress.com/Business/20151007/monsanto-to-eliminate-2600-jobs-following-4q-lossfarming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/vilsack-tpp-text-available-in-next-30.htmlbeefdairyfarmersporkpoultryMon, 12 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-7914130455868000702 U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership will be made available in the next 30 days. Click here for full Story. 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noU.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership will be made available in the next 30 days. Click here for full Story.Capital PressU.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership will be made available in the next 30 days. Click here for full Story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/wsda-studies-how-to-keep-waste-from_9.htmlapplesLarvaeMaggotsPacifiCleanWashingtonFri, 9 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-5843121865553577838 The Washington State Department of Agriculture has hired three experts to study how to keep organic waste from spoiling the state's $2 billion apple industry. Click here for full story. 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noThe Washington State Department of Agriculture has hired three experts to study how to keep organic waste from spoiling the state's $2 billion apple industry. Click here for full story.Capital PressThe Washington State Department of Agriculture has hired three experts to study how to keep organic waste from spoiling the state's $2 billion apple industry. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/biotech-developers-may-have-duty-to.htmlcornCropSyngentaUSDAThu, 8 Oct 2015 08:26:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-2491071467894702605 Biotech developers may have a duty to prevent export disruptions from GMO crops, even if the products are approved by USDA, according to a court ruling. Click here for full story. 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noBiotech developers may have a duty to prevent export disruptions from GMO crops, even if the products are approved by USDA, according to a court ruling. Click here for full story.Capital PressBiotech developers may have a duty to prevent export disruptions from GMO crops, even if the products are approved by USDA, according to a court ruling. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/united-states-11-pacific-rim-countries.htmltradeTrans-Pacific PartnershipUnited StatesWed, 7 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-172688789559620526 The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal still has to be approved by the U.S. Congress, where opposition is widespread. President Obama has to wait 90 days after agreement before signing the pact, and only then will Congress begin to debate it. Click here for full Story.http://www.capitalpress.com/AP_Nation_World/20151005/united-states-11-pacific-rim-countries-reach-trade-deal 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noThe Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal still has to be approved by the U.S. Congress, where opposition is widespread. President Obama has to wait 90 days after agreement before signing the pact, and only then will Congress begin to debate it. Click here for full Story.http://www.capitalpress.com/AP_Nation_World/20151005/united-states-11-pacific-rim-countries-reach-trade-dealCapital PressThe Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal still has to be approved by the U.S. Congress, where opposition is widespread. President Obama has to wait 90 days after agreement before signing the pact, and only then will Congress begin to debate it. Click here for full Story.http://www.capitalpress.com/AP_Nation_World/20151005/united-states-11-pacific-rim-countries-reach-trade-dealfarming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/usda-proposes-more-scrutiny-for-biotech.htmlOregonUSDAwheatTue, 6 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-7141220502128103560 The USDA is considering requiring permits for growing biotech wheat, which is more rigorous than the current system of notifying the agency of field trials. Click here for full story.0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noThe USDA is considering requiring permits for growing biotech wheat, which is more rigorous than the current system of notifying the agency of field trials. Click here for full story.Capital PressThe USDA is considering requiring permits for growing biotech wheat, which is more rigorous than the current system of notifying the agency of field trials. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/new-federal-pesticide-regs-set-age.htmlAgriculturalChemicalsFarmworkerPesticideMon, 5 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-3165987588977870681 New pesticide regulations announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Labor will bar many children under 18 from working with pesticides and boost training and reporting requirements. Click here for full story. 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noNew pesticide regulations announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Labor will bar many children under 18 from working with pesticides and boost training and reporting requirements. Click here for full story.Capital PressNew pesticide regulations announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Labor will bar many children under 18 from working with pesticides and boost training and reporting requirements. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/hops-carryover-less-than-last-year-ag.htmlAlpha HopCrophopsUSDAFri, 2 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-1137783290325349793 The inventory of old crop hops is down in the U.S. from last year and this year's production is likely to be up in the U.S. and down in Europe. Click here for full story. 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noThe inventory of old crop hops is down in the U.S. from last year and this year's production is likely to be up in the U.S. and down in Europe. Click here for full story.Capital PressThe inventory of old crop hops is down in the U.S. from last year and this year's production is likely to be up in the U.S. and down in Europe. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovatorhttp://capitalpress.blogspot.com/2015/10/idaho-moisture-outlook-better-in-south.htmlfarmersOregonWashingtonwaterThu, 1 Oct 2015 08:00:00 -0700tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16439912.post-3507823064254175886 An Idaho hydrology expert says conditions are favoring another dry winter in Northern Idaho but the possibility of good moisture in Southern Idaho. Click here for full story. 0newsroom@capitalpress.com (Capital Press)noAn Idaho hydrology expert says conditions are favoring another dry winter in Northern Idaho but the possibility of good moisture in Southern Idaho. Click here for full story.Capital PressAn Idaho hydrology expert says conditions are favoring another dry winter in Northern Idaho but the possibility of good moisture in Southern Idaho. Click here for full story.farming,ranching,agriculture,agribusiness,Capital,Press,capitalpress,com,California,Idaho,Oregon,Washington,ag,weekly,western,innovator