Blueberry council seeks assessment increase

For the second time in four years, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is seeking an assessment increase.

The USDA on May 20 published the proposed order in the Federal Register seeking an assessment increase from the current $12 a ton to $18 a ton for highbush blueberry production.

The USDA rej ...

Merkley proposes repealing biotech amendment

An Oregon senator has introduced an amendment to the U.S. Senate farm bill to repeal a biotech rider previously attached to a spending bill.

In a statement released May 20, Sen. ...

Drone bill prevents spying on Idaho farmers and ranchers

BOISE -- A new Idaho law that takes effect July 1 will prevent people from using drones to spy on farmers and ranchers.

A bill that has been signed into law by Gov. Butch O ...

State vet urges vaccinating horses against West Nile virus

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Agriculture advises horse owners to make sure their horse's vaccination is current for protection against West Nile virus.

As the w ...

Mild, dry weather bolsters California rice planting

WILLOWS, Calif. -- Rice planting in California's Sacramento Valley is mostly complete, and the dry spring has enabled growers to plant at a pace that should facilitate a smooth h ...

Rain, hail create problem for grain farmers

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho -- Matt Gellings thought his prayers were answered when showers arrived a few days after he planted his hard red spring wheat.

Looking back, he blames that la ...

Land trust opens new Oregon office, raises profile

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) -- A Vancouver, Wash.-based organization dedicated to preserving land near the Columbia River has opened a new office in Hood River, Ore., in an effort to rai ...

Maker of 'pink slime' continues to struggle

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) -- The beef-processing company that makes the product that critics call "pink slime" continues to struggle more than a year after the initial st ...

Tons of New Zealand meat stranded on Chinese docks

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- Hundreds of tons of frozen mutton, lamb and beef from New Zealand have been stranded on Chinese docks after China halted their import due to ...

Barn fire claims 14 calves

WENDELL, Idaho (AP) -- A weekend barn fire in south-central Idaho claimed the lives of 14 calves.

Wendell Fire Department Assistant Chief Crystal Houser tells The Times-News (htt ...