Basin Business Journal

10/05/2025

2025 tree fruit crop promising, but faces challenges:

YAKIMA — The 2025 apple crop could be one of the biggest in Washington history, but the ultimate outcome for the season depends on things outside growers’ control. “The crop is estimated at 142 million standard 40-pound boxes of fresh apples,” said Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington St...

10/03/2025

As harvest season hits the final stretch, conference season is just around the corner. Here are several that may interest ag pros:

KENNEWICK — Industry associations for commodities throughout the Pacific Northwest sponsor annual meetings and conferences to bring farmers and growers and employees up to date on the latest trends, challenges and opportunities. A list of some of those events is below.

10/03/2025

On the one hand, Washington agricultural producers are doing great. On the other hand, they’re having a tough time of it. Crop prices, generally, aren’t meeting the costs of production for most farmers and ranchers, according to the Washington State University “Washington Agribusiness Status and Outlook” report, which provides an overview for the state of Washington Agriculture.
https://basinbusinessjournal.com/news/2025/sep/26/harvests-are-up-but-growers-arent-seeing-the-benefit/
AP Photo/Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, Jeff Horner

04/30/2025

Tariffs, other factors challenge lumber industry:

MOSES LAKE — The lumber industry provides important services that impact the lives of many and the recent introduction on tariffs and trade concerns has left many wondering what the future holds for both manufacturers and everyday consumers. Dallin Brooks, executive director of the National Hardwo...

04/30/2025

Cantwell takes the helm at WSU:

RICHLAND – Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell officially began her tenure as the 12th president of Washington State University April 1, marking a new chapter for the institution founded under the land-grant mission to provide accessible education and enhance the quality of life for communities across ...

04/30/2025

Gebbers named Apple Citizen of the Year:

WENATCHEE — Brewster orchardist Cass Gebbers has been named 2025 Apple Citizen of the Year, according to an announcement from the Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival. Gebbers, a fifth-generation grower, will be honored at the festival, according to the announcement, first at the All-Service Club and ...

04/30/2025

Pasco potato farmer growing into the future:

PASCO — Grant Morris does a lot of his farming from a desk these days. “There’s a lot of technology,” Morris said. “I complain about it regularly, that half my job this time of year is pushing ‘OK’ or changing an AB line. It makes what we do more efficient and makes us better growers, ...

04/14/2025

🌱🚜 Springtime in Skagit Valley! 🌷🧑‍🌾

April marks the start of potato planting season in Washington's beautiful Skagit Valley! 🌾 The fertile soil and mild weather create the perfect environment for these delicious tubers to thrive.

Did you know? Skagit Valley is renowned for producing some of the best potatoes in the country! 🍽️ Whether mashed, baked, or fried, these homegrown beauties are a true taste of the region.

Stay tuned as we watch the fields transform this month! 🌿🌸

03/26/2025

Like all living things, potatoes are susceptible to a variety of viruses that can negatively impact crops. Check into a bit about how those viruses are being fought.

KENNEWICK – At a presentation hosted at the Washington – Oregon Potato Conference Jan. 29, leading researchers discussed their ongoing projects aimed at combating potato viruses—challenges that are becoming increasingly significant for the potato industry across the United States. Alex Karasev...

03/26/2025

Eastern Washington Irrigation Directory - Click the link if you're looking for someone to help you with your crop irrigation needs.

MOSES LAKE - As farms finish tilling, start planting and start tapping into irrigation systems, having someone local to help with maintaining irrigation systems is vital. Below is a listing of irrigation vendors in Eastern Washington. If we missed your company and you'd like to be added, please emai...

03/10/2025

The Spokane Ag Show is one of the largest trade shows in the Northwest. For the first two days, it looks like any other big expo: booths with every product under the sun, breakout sessions on the technical aspects of the business in various classrooms. But the third and final day is FFA Day, and the Spokane Convention Center is awash with Future Farmers of America students in blue jackets learning everything they can about one of the country’s most vital occupations.

SPOKANE — The Spokane Ag Show is one of the largest trade shows in the Northwest. For the first two days, it looks like any other big expo: booths with every product under the sun, breakout sessions on the technical aspects of the business in various classrooms. But the third and final day is FFA ...

03/10/2025

In just a few short months, the Wildcat Farm at Central Washington University will be bustling with activity once again.

But, in many ways, Farm Manager Kaitlyn Flesher and her team are still buzzing about their enormously successful 2024 season — and for good reason.

ELLENSBURG — In just a few short months, the Wildcat Farm at Central Washington University will be bustling with activity once again. But, in many ways, Farm Manager Kaitlyn Flesher and her team are still buzzing about their enormously successful 2024 season — and for good reason. For the first ...