Hop output to increase despite drought. Ag Min For July 31, 2015

While some hop varieties suffer from heat and drought in Washington's Yakima Valley, the industry anticipates a larger crop because of increased acreage. Click here for full story.

Outlook murky for port productivity proposals. Ag Minute for July 30, 2015

Doubts have been cast on the outlook of federal legislation intended to prevent port work slowdowns. Click here for full story.

Opportunity knocks for U.S. dairy exports. Ag Minute for July 29, 2015

The world will need an additional 45 billion pounds of milk by 2020, offering a lot of opportunity for U.S. exporters. Consistency and the ability to withstand downturns will be key factors for success. Click here for full story.

Mid-year cattle inventory confirms expansion. Ag Minute for July 28, 2015

USDA's July 1 cattle inventory report verifies beef herd expansion with increases in beef cow and heifer replacement numbers. Click here for full story.

U.S. House bill would prevent mandatory GMO labeling. Ag Minute for July 27, 2015

The bill scheduled for a vote Thursday is backed by the food industry, which has fought state labeling efforts around the country. So far, Vermont is the only state set to require the labels. Click here for full story.

No relief in sight for parched West. Ag Minute for July 24, 2015

The West is experiencing low stream flows but the summer dry season is far from over, so drought conditions are expected to become more severe. Click here for full story.

Bulb onion prices have risen rapidly since winter. Ag Minute for July 23, 2015

After falling to break-even levels this winter, onion prices have increased sharply. Click here for full story.

Judge clears barred owl removal study. Ag Minute for July 22, 2015

A barred owl removal study doesn't violate environmental laws, a federal judge ruled. Click here for full story.

Retailers expand dairy antitrust litigation. Ag Minute for July 21, 2015

Retailers are expanding antitrust litigation against dairy cooperatives. Click here for full story.

Canadian official warns of possible retaliation for COOL. Ag Minute for July 20, 2015

As retaliatory tariffs loom, Canadian trade officials are urging the U.S. Senate to follow the House of Representatives' lead in voting to repeal mandatory country-of-origin labeling of meat. Click here for full story.

PNW wheat industry eyes possible sprout, high protein. Ag Minute for July 17, 2015

Rain forecasts have Washington State University wheat breeder Arron Carter cautioning about possible sprout damage. Click here for full story.

EPA chief calls for conservation partnerships. Ag Minute for July 16, 2015

The regional head of the Environmental Protection Agency says he is willing to allow states or other agencies to take the lead when they have programs that are working. Click here for full story.

Wildlife managers report on efforts to deter wolf attacks. Ag Minute for July 15, 2015

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife updates its efforts to prevent wolf attacks on livestock the same day it confirms depredations in northeast corner of the state. Click here for full story.

Ag wary of park designation for Craters of the Moon. Ag Minute for July 14, 2015

Some ranchers and agricultural leaders remain concerned about a proposal to make Craters of the Moon National Monument a national park. Click here for full story.

Appropriations rider aims to save sheep research station. Ag minute for July 13, 2015

A recent vote in a U.S. House subcommittee bodes well for the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho. Click here for full story.

Severe drought conditions spreading rapidly in Washington. Ag Minute for July 10, 2015

U.S. Drought Monitor reports a dramatic spreading of severe drought conditions in Washington state. Click here for full Story.

Idaho coop members overwhelmingly support merger. Ag Minute for July 9, 2015

Valley Cooperative and Valley Wide Cooperative are moving forward with details of a merger after their members recently overwhelmingly voted to support it. Click here for full story.

Researchers weigh winter pea option for dryland farmers. Ag Minute for July 8, 2015

Washington State University's dryland research station is considering ways farmers can add winter peas into their crop rotations. Click here for full story.

Farm use of drones to take off as feds loosen restrictions. Ag Minute for July 7, 2015

The Federal Aviation Administration has approved more than 50 exemptions for farm-related operations since January. Click here for full story.

Barley states respond to Idaho’s invitation to cooperate. Ag Minute for July 6, 2015

The Idaho Barley Commission has invited other barley producing states to work closely together on important issues, including research and transportation infrastructure. Click here for full story.

Drought reduces hydroelectric output. Ag Minute for July 3, 2015

Drought lowers river flows, electrical power output. For full story click here.

Study highlights investments in Columbia River ports. Ag Minute for July 2, 2015

Businesses using the Columbia River have invested hundreds of millions of dollars since a 2010 project to deepen the 110-mile lower navigation channel from 40 feet to 43 feet, according to a study by the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association and the Port of Portland. For full story click here.

U.S. potato acreage up 1.9 percent, NASS reports. Ag minute for July 01, 2015

Fall potato acres are up in the Northwest and nationwide, according to new numbers from the USDA and United Potato Growers of America. Click here for full story.http://www.capitalpress.com/Nation_World/Nation/20150630/us-potato-acreage-up-nass-reports