legislation

The deadline for filling out and returning the 2022 Census of Agriculture is finally here.   “The last day to respond is Monday, February 6, and we appreciate all the farmers and ranchers who have responded so far, and we definitely would appreciate it if everyone responded by the due date," said NASS' Tony Dorn.  "Now res...

When it comes to legislative issues, what will be on the farming community’s radar both in the state capital and in Washington D.C.? Bryan Searle, President of the Idaho Farm Burau Federation said many of the issues he’ll watch in 2022 are consistent year after year, such as water rights and burdensome regulation. But he no ...

As we prepare to welcome in a New Year, the farming community is reminded once again of the importance of advocacy, and staying off the sidelines. Cameron Mulrony, Executive Vice President of the Idaho Cattle Association said policy is constantly changing and evolving ...

While it may seem the 2021 legislative session is far off, Moses Lake Republican Tom Dent said it’s already time for the Ag community to start thinking ahead to next year. He said farming was targeted in a variety of ways during this most recent session, and the Ag community cannot sit idly by and allow that to happen again.   ...

Idaho officials have agreed to pay $260,000 to the attorneys for an animal welfare group following a federal court ruling that found the state’s law banning spying at farms, dairies and slaughterhouses violated free speech rights.  The Idaho Press reports that the Constitutional Defense Council approved the payment to the Animal Legal Defense Fund on Wednesday.   The U.S. Di...

Ask an irrigated farmer in Washington, why they struggle with the idea of water conservation.  More often than not losing their water is one of the top issues.  To combat that concern, state Senator Judy Warnick has introduced legislation for the 2017 session.  The Mos...

Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler has not left Olympia yet despite the end of the 60-day session last week since the state legislature has been called back for a special session.   Despite that barrier, he said that it has been a successful session for agriculture highlighting bills designed to fight invasive species, legalize growing industrial hemp, and what he called tuneup bills.  ... Read

Governor Jay Inslee followed through on his threat to start vetoing bills when no supplemental budget was passed late Thursday night including three bills involving agriculture.   “We thought that public health and safety and the ability to provide law enforcement services and deal with people who provide law enforcement are things that were appropriate for signature. And those...

A bill in the Washington State Legislature that would have increased the Washington State Beef Checkoff fee to $2.50 total failed to make it to the Governor’s desk this session.   But President of the Cattle Producers of Washington Nate Hair says producers can’t breathe easy yet.   “It’s g...

The next phase in helping farmers on the Yakima Basin has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives with a bill sponsored by Representatives Dan Newhouse and Dave Reichert.   The bill would approve the next phase of the Yakima Basin Integrated Management Plan.  ...