Many questions surround coronavirus and what it will do to the American farm economy; most importantly how long will COVID-19 be in the headlines. Central Washington’s Dan Newhouse said it’s difficult to say how the current situation will impact trade now and into the future.

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His message to the farming community?

“Plan for the worst, but hope for the best.  The response that we’ve seen from the federal government as well as the state and local government has been good, and we’re very hopeful that we’ll be able to get a handle on this, and minimize the impact to the American people, and to the rest of the world.”

Even though China has been battling coronavirus for months at this point, Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue said the Chinese have not missed a Phase One purchase, which is encouraging news for U.S. producers.

As of Monday afternoon, 3,500 coronavirus cases have been reported nationwide; with just under 800 cases reported in Washington, while Oregon’s total is just below 40.

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

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