Agriculture + Viticulture

Forecast looks rosy for state’s cherry farmers

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

A large crop and favorable market conditions promise a good year for Northwest cherries.

This family’s roots run deep on Red Mountain

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Two couples were the first to plant vines on Red Mountain. Today, the area is a celebrated wine area that’s home to its own federally-recognized growing region and a winery that celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Hop growers grapple with glut, declining demand

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Washington hop growers are expecting another tight year of production and sales amid a hop glut and diminishing demand.

Wheat growers poised to deliver a solid crop despite turmoil

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Washington’s wheat production in 2025 is expected to benefit from increased acreage and favorable growing conditions, though market factors and export dynamics continue to be unpredictable.

Drop in demand puts potato market in unfamiliar territory

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Washington’s potato industry faces new uncertainty following unexpected shifts in the worldwide market along with increasing economic pressures on local growers.

Another large crop could add pressure to crowded market

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Washington followed up its second-largest apple crop in 2023 with a harvest nearly as big in 2024, and early signs point to another strong crop in 2025. But for growers, another large harvest brings as many challenges as opportunities.

For exporters, a stable year gives way to uncertainty

ty@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Tariff and market uncertainty could have an effect on the state’s exports in 2025.

Smaller yields, fewer wineries point to shrinking industry

ty@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

The contraction of the wine grape industry has deepened.

Ag industry tries to find footing in changing world

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Time and again, Washington’s producers have met adversity with grit, creativity and a strong sense of purpose. Their continued commitment to innovation and sustainability is what drives the industry forward.

Challenges persist for Washington’s farmers

ty@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Challenges remain as the growing season gets underway, and government regulations and volatile trade environments also will play a role.

Washington’s bitter harvest of challenges and opportunities

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Washington is known worldwide for its apples, but our state is also among the nation’s top producers of hops, cherries, grapes, potatoes and wheat, among other crops. Yet each year’s harvest reveals a complex landscape of challenges and opportunities for our state’s agriculture industry.

Growers work to align supply with demand

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Hops growers faced a difficult 2023, and times may get tougher in 2024 with the industry bracing for its smallest crop yet.

Export-dependent wheat market faces growing competition

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Washington is still recovering from drought conditions that have undermined its wheat production, and it’s too early yet to tell if this year will be better.

Farms feel pressure of costs, regulations, labor shortages

sara@tcjournal.biz — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Multiple factors have contributed to rising agricultural costs which likely have contributed to a drop in the number of overall acres of farmland in Washington.

A beast of a market grips potato industry

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

An increase of potato acreage, shifts in processors’ business models and ideal growing conditions mean the surplus has led to no shortage of problems.

Northwest cherries bounce back after difficult year

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Good growing conditions mean high-quality cherries and good returns to the growers. After last year’s disaster, the forecast is optimistic.

Heat could be biggest threat to apple quality this year

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

The 2024 apple season may see a return to normal after the boom and bust of the previous two years — if the weather cooperates.

Farmers help fuel fight against hunger

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Second Harvest's mission is made possible by the hard work and dedication of the good people in the agriculture and food industry, who generously donate 90% – yes, 90% – of the 35 million pounds of food we distribute each year.

A time to turn challenges into opportunities

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Washington state’s agricultural industry remains a vital part of our economy, culture and community. However, the data reveals a complex landscape where our producers face unprecedented challenges and confirms what industry experts have been expressing for years.

Wine grape quality continues to shine despite setbacks

sara@tcjournal.biz — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Despite a setback in 2023, the Washington wine industry is poised for growth.

Washington exports drop in 2023

sara@tcjournal.biz — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

The value of Washingtons food and other agriculture products shipped overseas dropped 6% in 2023, compared to the previous year.

Potato growers can’t keep up with ‘red hot’ global demand

kristina@tcjournal.biz — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:55:00 -0400

Washington potato farmers can’t keep pace with worldwide cravings for french fries, hash browns, tots, potato chips and other processed potato products. And not being able to supply the spuds has meant other countries have gobbled up the market share.

“We’re seeing a lot more European french fries and...

Growers remain hopeful for better harvests

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:41:07 -0400

When it comes to describing the story of Washington agriculture in 2022, a few words in particular seem to fit: Unusual. Challenging. Hopeful.

Weather played a major role in that mix, with some crops struggling and others faring well amid the cool, wet spring, brief but hot summer, and...

Challenges persist, but Washington agriculture remains resilient

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:37:10 -0400

Derek Sandison,

Washington Department of Agriculture

Washington state’s agriculture industry is known for its diverse crop portfolio and innovative marketing strategies. At the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), we work to preserve and maintain...

‘Unique’ wine grape growing season makes for ‘exceptional’ vintage

sara@tcjournal.biz — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:32:33 -0400

The 2022 grape growing season got off to a slow start.

But the “unique” year – which included a cold and wet spring, a later-than-usual bud break and bloom, brief but hot summer temperatures and a fall that brought ideal weather – means “it’s going to be an exceptional...

Value of state’s ag exports continues to climb

sara@tcjournal.biz — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:28:31 -0400

Washington saw the value of its agriculture exports grow by nearly 4% in 2022.

The $8 billion figure includes fish and seafood, frozen french fries, wheat, dairy, hay, apples and other products originating in the state, and it comes despite an unusual growing season that...

Wheat production rebounds amid new challenges

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:13:27 -0400

After a calamitous 2021 harvest that saw the lowest total production since the 1960s, Washington wheat made a comeback the following year with a return-to-average crop. Weather conditions look poised to deliver the same for 2023.

“It’s still very early, of course. We are in the growth stage at...

Cherry farmers brace for uncertainties

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:10:29 -0400

After a 2022 season challenged growers with unseasonably cool temperatures and late snow that damaged blossoms and discouraged honeybees from leaving their hives, cherry farmers are looking forward to more cooperative weather.

“So far, the indications are looking pretty good,” said Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington State Tree...

State’s signature crop expected to make a comeback

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:04:29 -0400

It could be a more normal year for Washington apples after smaller harvests in 2021 and 2022.

Last year, growers brought in 102.7 million 40-pound box equivalents, according to the Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) Statistical Review.

“Before this, 122 million was considered a short crop,” said Todd Fryhover,...

Low yields don’t damper hop growers’ optimism

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:02:26 -0400

Last year has been described as a challenging one for the hop industry, coming off a previous record crop, unseasonably cold and wet spring and increased costs for production.

But the industry is hopeful 2023 brings a better hop crop.

“We’re about one week behind in heat units with another...