Organic administrator faces backlash. Ag Minute for Oct. 30, 2015

Many organic groups that once praised USDA deputy administrator Miles McEvoy are now fighting his policies in federal court. Click here for full story.

Organic administrator faces backlash. Ag Minute Oct. 23, 2015

Many organic groups that once praised USDA deputy administrator Miles McEvoy are now fighting his policies in federal court. Click here for full story.

Biotech developers may have duty to prevent export disruptions. Ag Minute October 8, 2015

Biotech developers may have a duty to prevent export disruptions from GMO crops, even if the products are approved by USDA, according to a court ruling. Click here for full story.

USDA proposes more scrutiny for biotech wheat field trials. Ag Minute October 6, 2015

The USDA is considering requiring permits for growing biotech wheat, which is more rigorous than the current system of notifying the agency of field trials. Click here for full story.

Hops carryover less than last year. Ag Minute for October 2, 2015

The inventory of old crop hops is down in the U.S. from last year and this year's production is likely to be up in the U.S. and down in Europe. Click here for full story.

Hop estimate up 5.5 million pounds. Ag Minute for Aug 26, 2015

The latest estimate of this year's U.S. hop crop is 7 percent greater than a month earlier because the crop is more mature. Demand still exceeds supply. Click here for full story.

Farmers should report fire, drought losses to Farm Service Agency, officials say. Ag Minute Aug. 24, 2015

The USDA Farm Service Agency is starting to hear from growers impacted by wildfires. State outreach coordinator Chris Bieker recommends photo documentation. Click here for full story.http://www.capitalpress.com/Business/20150821/farmers-should-report-fire-drought-losses-to-farm-service-agency-officials-say

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

USDA declares drought disaster in 18 Washington counties. AgMinute for Jun 26, 2015

USDA includes 18 Washington counties in federal disaster declaration. Click here for full story.

Obama announces another $110 million for drought relief. Ag Minute for June 15, 2015

President Obama announced $110 million in new drought relief after holding a teleconference with Western governors. The latest round of funding adds to the more than $190 million the federal government has already spent on drought relief this year. Click here for full story.

USDA computer overhaul $140 million over budget. Ag Minute for June 11, 2015

An overhaul of computer systems for managing farm programs at USDA's Farm Service Agency is way past due and over budget, an audit found. Click here for full story.

U.S. Ag exports expected to fall $12 billion. Ag Minute For June 10, 2015

UISDA trade analysts are expecting a $12 billion year-over-year decline in U.S. Ag exports in FY 2015, primarily due to the strong U.S. dollar. Click here for full story.

Organic checkoff draws supporters, detractors - AgMinute for May 21, 2015

The Organic Trade Association has petitioned USDA for a checkoff program for organic after more than 5,000 organic farms and businesses weighed in on the proposal and supported it 2 to 1. Click here for the full story.

USDA researcher has hope for new insect deterrant - AgMinute for May 18, 2015

Since appearing in West Coast fruit fields and orchards several years ago, the spotted wing drosophila has forced growers to increase their chemical usage. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

Analysis shows COOL costs outweight benefits - AgMinute for May 15, 2015

An analysis by university ag economists contracted by USDA has found that the economic benefits of mandatory country of origin labeling would be insufficient to offset the cost of the requirements. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

Study predicts Ag jobs available, not enough graduates to fill them - AgMinute for May 13, 2015

The USDA study predicts nearly 58,000 job openings annually through 2020 in food, agriculture, natural resources and environmental fields – and not nearly enough college graduates to fill them. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

USDA seeks input on new GMO rules - AgMinute for May 7, 2015

The USDA wants the public to weigh in on its authority to regulate biotech crops, possibly setting the stage for newly proposed genetic engineering rules. Click here for the full story

USDA to make $18.3 million bonus apple buy - AgMinute for May 5, 2015

The USDA is making its largest bonus buy of apples and processed apple products in history to help out with an oversupply of apples from the 2014 harvest. Click here for the full story

Western hay growers face challenges - AgMinute for April 8, 2015

Western hay growers see challenges ahead for this year's crop. Early spring and water concerns in some areas are making the season hard to predict. Click here for the full story

USDA expects more barley out of Idaho in 2015 - AgMinute for April 6, 2015

USDA expects Idaho farmers will plant more wheat and barley this season, following a disastrous 2014 harvest affected by widespread late-season sprout damage. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com