The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District (ECBID), along with its partners, are seeking funds to construct surface water distribution systems to replace acre for acre groundwater irrigation on approximately 70,000 acres in the Odessa Subarea including 164,000 acre feet of new diversions from the Columbia River. Funding is being sought through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program authorized by Public Law 83-566 (P.L. 83-566).

The Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) website, potatoes.com, is packed with information and features valuable educational resources for potato growers and consumers.

During these hot days, physically demanding work, heavy clothing, and dehydration can put even the healthiest workers at higher risk for serious heat illness like debilitating heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. 

There are two opportunities to attend the annual PNW Fumigation Stewardship Training. The first training takes place on August 13, 2024 at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, Washington. On August 14, 2024, an identical training will take place at the 3 Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, Washington.

Seasonal wildfires in our area can fill the sky with smoke, and exposure to smoke presents health risks to all workers, especially those working outside.

Parts of the state may see triple-digit temperatures by Friday. As we head into the Fourth of July, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) encourages everyone to take precautions and prepare for outdoor activities to ensure your summertime fun does not end at the emergency room or worse. 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acreage Report released June 28, 2024 documents that 941,000 acres of potato crops were planted in 2024 which reflects a 2.5% reduction in crops from 2023’s total planted acres of 965,000.

Medium sized businesses are now eligible to be included in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) Program. Their inclusion makes them eligible to apply for assistance for a percentage of the costs associated with obtaining or renewing a food safety certification. In addition, program assistance has been expanded for 2024 and 2025 expenses.

Agricultural producers should make an appointment with their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to complete crop acreage reports before the applicable deadline after planting is complete. July 15 is a major deadline for most crops, but acreage reporting deadlines vary by county and by crop.  

As drought declarations have become more prevalent in Washington State, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) is offering $1.7 million in drought planning and preparedness grants

Employers and workers have the opportunity to take part in LNI’s webinar series from July to September led by Employment Standards program staff to learn about key employment laws.

The Washington State Potato Commission’s spiral-bound publication “Insects, Nematodes & Pathogens Important to Potatoes in the Pacific Northwest” is available for the asking.

Due to lack of interest, the Washington State Potato Commission will no longer provide yellow sticky cards to monitor multiple insect pests and delta traps with pheromones to monitor adult potato tuber worm.