In December, the Washington state Department of Environmental Quality announced plans to change rules when it comes to livestock water rights. The DEQ’s proposed changes would have required, among other things, livestock producers to monitor and report how much water was being consumed by livestock. Oak
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On Wednesday, the Washington House of Representatives passed the Farm Internship Program, moving the legislation on to Governor Jay Inslee for his signature. The pilot project, which is geared primarily toward small farms, would remove regulatory barriers to employ interns who will receive training and other benefits
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It’s a challenge for farms, big and small across the country, and across the Northwest; finding adequate, qualified workers. Now one Washington lawmaker is trying to help producers find the next generation of farmers. Washington state Ron Muzzall sponsored a bill to revive a program to expose young workers to the agricultural industry.
"This ...