Coastal Ag News Roundup

In today’s Ag News Roundup, government shutdown affecting USDA programs, gypsy moth treatments planned, trade disputes affecting ag industry, Swiss needle cast intensifies, and Northwest tops nation’s blueberry production.

How The Government Shutdown Will Affect USDA

The current government shutdown is affecting certain USDA activities, including inspection of meat, poultry, and eggs, grain inspection, inspections of imports and experts as they pertain to pests, the child nutrition program, Market Facilitation Program payments, as well as agricultural export credit activities.

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WSDA Planning Gypsy Moth Treatments

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is hoping to eradicate an influx of gypsy moths from the state. The proposed treatment areas include Western Washington, specifically Union Hill-Novelty Hill in King County, Martha Lake in Snohomish County, and Gilberton and Crosby in Kitsap County.

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Trade Disputes Put Ag on Edge

According to the Yakima Herald, trade disputes with Mexico and China could hinder growth for Yakima County as the $10.6 billion-dollar-per-year agricultural industry struggles with disputes.

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Swiss Needle Cast Problem in Some Douglas-fir Forests

An epidemic of Swiss needle cast on the Oregon coast range may have intensified as the fungal disease affects a wider area and more trees. Researchers with Oregon State University have been studying the effects for well over a decade and say changes in weather and seasons could be causing the intensification.

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Oregon is Nation’s Top Blueberry Producer

Oregon has been named the nation’s leading producer of blueberries. The state produced 131 million pounds in 2018, with Washington state coming in second with 127 million pounds.

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