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TACO BELL ELIMINATING POTATO ITEMS FROM MENU AUGUST 13

Monday, 03 August 2020 Blog & News

Taco Bell has confirmed that it will be dropping potato items from its menu August 13, apparently as part of an effort to simplify its menu. This will mean many items including Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, Cheesy Potato Grillers and Spicy Potato Soft Taco will no longer be available. The decision has resulted in a backlash on social media. A petition has been created to protest the move and can be...

CORONAVIRUS FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IS REEVALUATED, POTATO FARMS BECOME ELIGIBLE

Monday, 13 July 2020 Blog & News

The Secretary of Agriculture implemented the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which provides assistance to agricultural producers impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, through a final rule published in the Federal Register on May 21, 2020. USDA realized that there were errors in some of the payment rates in that final rule. They were able to reevaluate the payment rates...

FOOD SERVICE STARTING TO BOUNCE BACK

Monday, 22 June 2020 Blog & News

Restaurant sales bounced back in May, according to new federal data, as consumers continued to emerge from quarantine to use drive-thrus and other takeout services as states started gradually reopening dining rooms. Food services and drinking places sales rose 29% to $38.6 billion, leading a 17.7% overall increase in retail sales last month, according to new U.S. Census data. The numbers...

QUARANTINE RESTRICTION RESOURCES FOR AG WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS

Monday, 27 July 2020 Blog & News

The latest recommendations from the Washington State Dept. of Health include the most current safety plan and interpretative guidance regarding worker safety. They have outlined a comprehensive path to follow to manage and report any COVID-19 infected worker. Under DOH authority, the ag workforce is critical thereby employees can continue to work, even if exposed. Find the DOH’s Guide for...

PREPARE FOR SUMMER HEAT

Wednesday, 08 July 2020 Blog & News

Heat related illness is one of the most common maladies to befall outdoor workers, particularly in agricultural settings. The basic problem is a rise in body core temperature due to conditions that induce dehydration, or otherwise block the body’s natural ability to cool itself. Heat illness is exacerbated by heavy or protective clothing, respiratory protection, age, weight, fitness, and lack...

THANKS A MILLION

Thursday, 04 June 2020 Blog & News

THANKS A MILLION! To everyone who helped us on this journey, a HUGE THANK YOU! With their help, 1 million pounds of processing potatoes were donated to those in need during these difficult times. We met some incredible people and had some unforgettable moments we will cherish. We received so many thoughtful messages and donations from people across the country, it was an amazing experience...

MUSTARD COVER CROPPING AND GREEN MANURING BEFORE POTATOES

Tuesday, 21 July 2020 Blog & News

Growing a cover crop to be incorporated into the soil as a “green manure” is a technique many potato growers use to enhance soils. The benefits of cover crops / green manures include controlling erosion, enhancing soil organic matter, stimulating growth of beneficial microorganisms, and in the case of mustard green manures, reducing population densities of some soil-borne pests important to...

WSU IS OFFERING TWO TYPES OF PESTICIDE PRE-LICENSE REVIEW WEBINARS

Thursday, 02 July 2020 Blog & News

Webinars for Private Applicators Select one of these dates: June 29, July 27, or August 31 To take exams, you need toregister with WSDA for their regular session or with your County Extension (if they are open for appointments). Webinars for All Other License Types Webinar topic options: 1) Laws & Safety or Dealer Manager exams, 2) Weed Management exams, and...

ROAD TO 1 MILLION POUNDS OF POTATOES REACHED - OLYMPIA

Thursday, 28 May 2020 Blog & News

Freightliner Northwest 13232 Case Road SW Olympia, WA June 2, 2020 at 11:00am The Washington State potato growers will reach their mission to get 1 million pounds of potatoes that were scheduled to be processed to those in need on June 2 in our State Capitol. Our growers have also graciously donated many more loose potatoes directly out of their storage sheds. Ninety percent of all the...