Ag News Roundup

In today’s Ag News Roundup, Washington apple growers to employ further market research, raw milk gets new study, snow pack in Washington at average, lawmakers block carbon tax, free social media app created to connect farmers and ranchers with the world.

Washington Apple Industry May Need More Marketing Research

The number of specialized apples coming out of Washington state has grown over the past year, says retired Washington State University agricultural economist Desmond O’Rourke. The former researcher predicts that with more industry growth, further market research will need to be done to identify consumer demand and preferences.

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Study Finds Raw Milk Not Compromised by Trucks

Oregon State University researchers have found that raw milk is not compromised when tanker trucks are not cleaned between loads. The study has been published in the Journal of Dairy Science. It’s believed the study will help guide future U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordinances on pasteurization.

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Washington Snow Pack Looks Good for Growers

Sunny Valley Irrigation District, citing the Bureau of Reclamation, says Washington snowpack is at 99% of average. This is good news for growers throughout the state that rely on lake-stored mountain water. Last year’s snow pack at this time was at 92% of average.

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Washington State Lawmakers Block Proposed Carbon Tax

According to the Washington Ag Network, Washington state legislators, along with the state’s governor, have not passed a carbon tax. The state was expected to be the first to impose a carbon tax on fossil fuel emissions. Those in support of the carbon tax say they will continue to push for the new law.

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Ag App Introduced for Farmers

An app called engAGe has been launched that is designed to simplify social media posting for farmers and ranchers. The app allows those in agriculture to more easily share videos, photos, and highlight technology, sound growing practices, and animal welfare. The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) launched the free app to amplify the voice of farmers and ranchers across the country.

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