1998

Media Alert–Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference

WHAT: 2nd NW Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference and Trade Show WHO: 37 speakers, including researchers and industry representatives and growers from Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Northern Great Plains and Pacific Northwest. 1,200-1,500 farmers and others associated with agriculture are expected to attend. WHEN: Jan. 5-7, 1999 WHERE: International Ag Trade Center/Spokane Convention Center and Doubletree […]

Decline in Housing Starts to Dampen Lumber Market in 1999

PULLMAN, Wash. — The Pacific Northwest forestry industry faces a downturn in housing starts, which likely will last several years, says Charley McKetta, University of Idaho forest economist. His assessment is published in the 1999 Pacific Northwest Agricultural Situation and Outlook Report, released Wednesday (Dec. 30) by Washington State University, University of Idaho and Oregon […]

Some Commodity Producers Don’t Share in NAFTA’s Benefits

PULLMAN, Wash. — Liberalized trade between the United States, Canada and Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement is producing positive benefits on a broad basis, but some Pacific Northwest farmers aren’t on the winning end of the deal, says a Washington State University economist. Thomas Worley, a Washington State University extension economist, published […]

Beef, Sheep Industries to Face Another Poor Year

PULLMAN, Wash. — Livestock producers should find improved prices in 1999, but beef production still won’t be profitable for many cattlemen. That is the assessment of Ray Folwell, Washington State University agricultural economist. It is contained in the 1999 Pacific Northwest Agricultural Situation and Outlook Report, released Wednesday (Dec. 30) by Washington State University, University […]

Dairying is Cream of State Farm Economy

PULLMAN, Wash. — Pacific Northwest dairy producers are enjoying record high prices as they enter 1999. Although prices are expected to drop in the second half of the year, economists expect the average price producers receive for milk in 1999 will remain above the five-year average. That is the assessment of Roger Cady, Washington State […]

Grapes, A Bright Spot in Washington Agriculture

PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington’s grape growers can look forward to a second year of improved prices in 1999, according to Ray Folwell, a Washington State University economist. Writing in the 1999 Pacific Northwest Agricultural Situation and Outlook Report, released Wednesday (Dec. 30) by Washington State University, University of Idaho and Oregon State University economists, Folwell […]

Troubles to Continue for Apple Growers

PULLMAN, Wash. — Economic woes are likely to continue in 1999 for Washington apple growers and pear producers will likely fare little better. R. Thomas Schotzko, Washington State University extension economist, says Washington apple growers produced 22 percent more apples in 1998 than in 1997. Estimates based on the Dec. 1 storage report indicated a […]