Schoesler: Olympia Will Need To Address Brand Laws In 2019

It’s not just water and pesticide drift that lawmakers in Olympia will need to address in 2019.  Senate minority leader Mark Schoesler said the state must address the livestock, or brand laws, which are currently running in the red.

“The fund is upside down.  And if you talk with any three cattlemen you have three different solutions.  But there is a place for brands and livestock IDs in the industry, that we’re going to have to grapple with.”

Washington state Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison also plans to ask lawmakers this session to create a Washington Brand, across commodities, to help promote the state and assist farmers negatively impacted by the trade war with China.  But Schoesler said it will be very hard for state lawmakers to undo what the other Washington has done in the area of trade.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com