yakima valley

It appears the July’s average temperatures helped out Yakima Valley irrigators.  The Bureau of Reclamation released its August Total Water Supply forecast for the Yakima basin Friday.  That reports shows the water supply will fully satisfy senior water rights through this irrigation season.  In addition, ...

Yakima Valley dairy farmers who suffered the loss of hundreds of cows during the February 9th blizzard are eligible to receive assistance to properly dispose of the carcasses.  On Wednesday, Governor Jay Inslee announced the availability of $100,000 to collect and haul the bodies to an Oregon landfill.  As...

The more than 1,800 dairy cows that died in a blizzard in the lower Yakima Valley a few weeks ago will cost the dairy an estimated $4 million, not including the lost production.  Farm Service Agency program specialist Gerri Richter told Capital Press that seven dairy farms have given notices of loss to the agency’s office in Yakima, and more are expected to report soon.  The dair...

Two Outlook area dairies could face a federal lawsuit for the way their handle cow manure.  SMD LLC and DBD Washington LLC are currently under state investigation for their handling of cow manure.   According to the Yakima Herald, the two were recently notified by CARE, Friends of Toppenish Creek and the Center for Food Safety, of their intent to file a federal lawsuit.  The thr...

An estimated 1,600 dairy cows were killed during the weekend blizzard in the Yakima Valley.  Dairy farmers blame a combination of not only the snow, but the winds, which reached speeds of 80 mph.  Farmers continuing to prepare as more snow is expected to hit the Valley, they're adding extra bedding to insulate areas for cows to lay in, adding extra feed, and thawing water troughs with hot water.  

Yakima Valley farmers are getting some good news regarding water as the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced a bump in the availability for junior waters rights holders to 94 percent.   Chris Lynch with USBR’s Yakima Field Office said the water supply is hanging in there.   “...