Gary West
Hermiston, Salem
Newspaper and online journalist, copy editor. Former photojournalist, now a photo hobbyist. Proud father. On Threads @glwest17 #BeaverNation #GoBeavs
Articles by Gary West
It’s strawberry time!
Walter, Theresa, Maria, Lydia, Clara and Emmett – the fourth generation of Strawberry pickers (and perhaps Strawberry farmers one day) – sit in a patch on the Walch family farm just south of Stratford. It’s strawberry time at the Walch family farm just minutes south of Stratford on Highway 119. Watch for the signs and the flag welcoming everyone to their corner of Perth County.
USDA: National forest energy projects to 'maximize output per acre' | Capital Press
A new USDA directive intends to bolster the efficiency of U.S. energy production in national forests but timber and environmental groups are uncertain of its practical effects. The policy means to reduce “reliance on foreign energy sources” — such as solar panels manufactured overseas — by prioritizing projects that “maximize output per acre,” according to a statement from USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins.
USDA: National forest energy projects to 'maximize output per acre'
USDA: National forest energy projects to 'maximize output per acre' Published 6:48 am Monday, August 25, 2025 A new USDA directive intends to bolster the efficiency of U.S. energy production in national forests but timber and environmental groups are uncertain of its practical effects.
EPA assessing risk of releasing genetically engineered mosquitoes
The Environmental Protection Agency has convened a scientific panel to help assess whether genetically engineered mosquitoes could pose a risk to humans. In a paper released Aug. 21, the EPA said that as science advances it expects more proposals to control mosquitoes by releasing males with an implanted trait that prevents their offspring from surviving. Male mosquitoes don’t bite humans, only female mosquitoes bite.
Smith named head of Farm Service Agency in Oregon
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the latest slate of presidential appointments to key USDA roles, and among them is a fourth-generation Oregon farmer and local politician. Tootie Smith is the new state director for the Farm Service Agency in Oregon. Smith was raised on her family’s farm that she and her husband now own as a hazelnut orchard. Her elected service includes four years in the Oregon House of Representatives and eight years on the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners.
Spanish utility pauses solar project in Washington as political winds change
A power developer has shelved plans to put solar panels and batteries on wheat fields in north-central Washington, citing tax law changes, federal regulatory uncertainty, and volatile trade and tariff policies. Avangrid Renewables asked a state panel to pause considering its application to build the 200-megawatt solar plant on Badger Mountain about three miles east of East Wenatchee. The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council agreed to the request Aug.
U.S. and Brazil farm interests clash on trade practices
U.S. and Brazil farms groups exchanged accusations in comments sent to U.S. officials investigating Brazil’s trade practices, highlighting sources of friction between two agricultural powerhouses. U.S. cattlemen complain that the beef trade between the countries is one-sided, and pork producers are fed up with Brazil capitalizing on California’s animal-welfare law. Corn growers accuse their Brazilian counterparts of cutting down forests to overproduce.
Boosting energy independence with biofuels
Farmers play a key role in fueling our nation. This summer American drivers have enjoyed the economic and environmental benefits of E15 gasoline thanks to a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency. Without this waiver, E15 sales would have halted and not been available at gas stations throughout the busy summer driving season. Now it’s time to keep fueling American-grown biofuels, year-round. Most Americans connect farmers to the role we play in growing the food that stocks our pantries.
‘Getting worse’: Washington releases ag mental health report
Enhanced training to recognize indicators of stress and suicide risk are needed to help farmers and ranchers, a new Washington State Department of Agriculture report says. “Significent stigma surrounding mental health persists in agricultural and rural communities,” said Nicole Johnson, the department’s director of equity and environmental justice.
Idaho DEQ seeks private well owners for Marsh Creek sampling effort
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is extending the deadline for private well owners in the Marsh Creek Nitrate Priority Area, south of the Snake River in the Burley area, to participate in voluntary water sampling. The previous deadline was Aug. 25. Well owners now have until Sept. 5, according to a news release. Sampling in September and October will test for nitrates, bacteria and common ions at private wells. Participation is free. Well owners will receive a copy of the results.
Put America’s cattle producers first
President Trump called out Australia for its policy of allowing imports of U.S. beef only if the beef came from cattle born and raised in the United States. In other words, Australia was allowing U.S. beef to be imported, but only if the beef was exclusively USA beef — not beef from cattle that had been imported from Mexico or Canada. On average, Australia imported about 1.8 million pounds of beef each year from the United States over the past 10 years.
Crews battle Rock Fire near Tamarack Resort
Wildland firefighters held the Rock Fire in west-central Idaho mostly in check Aug. 17, helped by higher humidity and lingering moisture. The 2,673-acre fire is burning in timber and forest understory about 1.5 miles south of Tamarack Resort and five miles southwest of Donnelly. Lightning caused the fire, detected early Aug. 13. Helicopters and scooper planes, which drop water and retardant, provided steady support throughout the day Aug. 17 after morning fog cleared.
Washington forecast for record apple harvest, big year expected for U.S.
Washington, the nation’s top apple producer, is forecast for a record harvest of 180 million 42-pound bushels this season, up 1% from the previous year, according to USApple. The state’s crop for 2025-26 is expected to be valued at nearly $2.3 billion. New York is anticipated to rank No. 2 for production, followed by Michigan and Pennsylvania, with Oregon fifth. Oregon’s harvest is predicted to hit 3.9 million bushels, up 40% from 2024-25. California was sixth with 3.8 million bushels, up 1.9%.
USDA secretary sees ‘silver lining’ in New World screwworm threat
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said closing the border to live cattle from Mexico to guard against the New World screwworm may help rebuild the U.S. cattle industry. Mexico normally imports more than 1 million head of cattle into the U.S. annually. The border will stay closed until the flesh-eating parasitic fly is pushed farther away from the U.S., Rollins said Aug. 15 at a press conference in Austin, Texas.
Nursery industry remains strong and cautiously optimistic
Experts said the nursery industry remains strong, despite political challenges and an uncertain economy. “There is continued optimism for the nursery industry, but it is cautious,” said Jeff Stone, Oregon Association of Nurseries executive director and CEO. The nursery sector has been growing steadily for 15 years, said Todd Nelson, CEO of Bountiful Farms in Woodburn, Ore., which sells throughout the U.S. and Canada.
UI researchers roll out network to improve water use for irrigators
University of Idaho researchers established a network of 10 field-based monitoring stations in the state’s southern region to generate data that could be used to develop and improve models that assess water loss from crops through evapotranspiration. Evapotranspiration includes water that evaporates into the atmosphere and moisture that plants take up from soil, use, and then release into the air.
Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission picks new chairman
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously elected outdoor enthusiast Jim Anderson as chairman, asking him to helm a panel labeled “dysfunctional” in a government report. Anderson was elevated to the position Aug. 15 at a commission meeting in Bellingham. No one else sought the role. Barbara Baker, who had been chairwoman for more than five years, nominated Anderson. She and the other commissioners praised Anderson as the best choice.
Refugee family finds farm success with their African roots
PORTLAND — A refugee family that fled a civil war and ethnic killings has found success farming in the U.S. by focusing on a niche segment and their African roots. Happiness Family Farm, an organic operation that sprouted from a community garden in 2017, specializes in African vegetables residents can’t find in supermarkets. The family grows 150 varieties of crops including African eggplant, cassava leaves, okra and linga linga.
USDA plant inspectors challenge exclusion from union rights
A labor union representing USDA plant protection inspectors has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s decision to revoke their collective bargaining rights. The complaint filed by the National Association of Agriculture Employees alleges that plant protection inspectors were wrongly re-designated as “national security workers” to deny them union representation.
Diverse group descends on Palmer amaranth in SE Oregon
Oregon and local leaders are prioritizing Palmer amaranth, an invasive pigweed. Removal, transport and disposal events July 21 and Aug. 6-7 at an Ontario-area farm drew representatives of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Malheur County, Oregon State University Extension and other organizations. Palmer amaranth emerges throughout the growing season and can substantially reduce crop yields.
Odds tilt in favor of winter La Niña, National Weather Service says - Beaverton Valley Times
The National Weather Service issued a La Niña watch, raising hopes the coming winter will bust up stubborn drought conditions in the Northwest. The weather service’s Climate Prediction Center reported Aug. 14 that the odds slightly favor a La Niña forming by November and sticking around for December and January. A La Niña increases expectations that snow will pile up in the mountains and melt into rivers for the irrigation season. La Niñas sometimes fizzle.
Odds tilt in favor of winter La Niña, National Weather Service says
The National Weather Service issued a La Niña watch, raising hopes the coming winter will bust up stubborn drought conditions in the Northwest. The weather service’s Climate Prediction Center reported Aug. 14 that the odds slightly favor a La Niña forming by November and sticking around for December and January. A La Niña increases expectations that snow will pile up in the mountains and melt into rivers for the irrigation season. La Niñas sometimes fizzle.
National FFA sees record membership, Northwest and California all grow
National FFA Organization announced Aug. 11 its membership reached a record 1,042,245 this year, up 1.5% from 2024, when it surpassed 1 million for the first time. “It’s exciting to watch the interest in agricultural education and FFA continue to grow,” said National FFA CEO Scott Stump.
USDA projects record soybean yield, smallest acreage since 2019
By MATTHEW WEAVERCapital Press The USDA’s World Supply and Demand Estimate report calls for a record soybean yield, but a smaller crop than previously expected. The acreage reduction came as a “big surprise” to markets, said Jacquie Holland, economist for the American Soybean Association.
USDA projects record corn crop, sending prices lower
Economist: Corn farmers losing 85 cents per bushel USDA’s latest World Supply and Demand Estimate report predicts corn production at 16.7 billion bushels, “which if realized would be the highest production for grain on record for the United States.” “We can expect that to lead to lower prices,” National Corn Growers Association chief economist Krista Swanson said during an Aug. 13 press conference. The previous record was 15.3 billion bushels in 2023, Swanson said.
U.S. sets record for exporting energy, mostly fossil fuels
The U.S. exported a record 30% of its energy production last year, according to the Energy Information Administration, another sign 2024 was a strong year for fossil fuels in America. The U.S. generated a record 103 quadrillion British thermal units of energy and exported 31 quadrillion, including a majority of its petroleum production, the EIA reported Aug. 12. “Nearly all of the exports were fossil fuels destined for other countries in North America, Europe or Asia,” according to an EIA analysis.
U.S. sets record for exporting energy, mostly fossil fuels
U.S. sets record for exporting energy, mostly fossil fuels Published 2:34 pm Wednesday, August 13, 2025 The U.S. exported a record 30% of its energy production last year, according to the Energy Information Administration, another sign 2024 was a strong year for fossil fuels in America. The U.S. generated a record 103 quadrillion British thermal units of energy and exported 31 quadrillion, including a majority of its petroleum production, the EIA reported Aug. 12.
PUC sets intervenor application deadline in Idaho Power long-range plan
Parties have until Sept. 2 to apply for intervenor status in Idaho Power’s integrated resource plan. The utility files a 20-year integrated resource plan every two years with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.
‘Highly competitive’ Colombia purchases U.S. wheat
Four bulk carriers loaded with U.S. wheat have been delivered to Colombia’s Pacific Coast this summer, according to U.S. Wheat Associates, the overseas marketing arm for the industry. It’s tied to a successful monetization project under the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Food for Progress program.
Three competitors dragged into antitrust lawsuit against John Deere
A federal antitrust lawsuit alleging John Deere unlawfully prevents farmers and repair shops from fixing the company’s computerized tractors and combines has pulled in three other farm equipment makers. The three — Kubota Tractor Corporation, CNH Industrial and AGCO Corporation — are not accused of wrongdoing. They, nevertheless, have intervened in any effort to keep sensitive financial records confidential.
Farmers invited to join ‘vole summit’ on persistent pest problem
Farmers can help researchers devise a battle plan for a relentless pest as part of Oregon State University’s upcoming “vole summit” in Salem, Ore. The summit, which is scheduled for Aug. 29, is meant to respond to the Willamette Valley’s obstinate vole populations, which seemingly aren’t succumbing to down cycles as much as in the past, said Christy Tanner, an OSU field crops Extension specialist. “We are continuing to have struggles to find solutions to that problem,” she said.
BLM plans Idaho timber sales
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management plans two timber sales expected to total more than 6 million board feet to be harvested from about 445 acres combined in northern and eastern Idaho. The planned sales support the Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production executive order that President Donald Trump signed March 1, according to a BLM Idaho news release.
No silver bullet, but researcher developing lots of ammo against invasive fly SWD
HOOD RIVER, Ore. — Christropher Adams, an Oregon State University entomologist, told growers and researchers there’s no silver bullet for spotted wing drosophila. “I’m hoping we can provide a bunch of regular bullets,” Adams added, during a field day at OSU’s Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center on July 30. An arsenal of integrated pest management tactics may knock down populations of SWD, an invasive fly that lays eggs in fruit such as cherries and berries.
Oregon State Extension creates large organic agriculture team
PEORIA, Ore. — The Oregon State University Extension Service’s new organic superteam assembled near experimental plots of naked barley and wheat. “This is a unique program in the U.S.,” said Brigid Meints, an organic grains and pulses specialist. Many universities might have one or two full-time faculty experts dedicated to organic agriculture, she said. “They don’t have six focused on so many cropping systems,” Meints said.
Western Innovator: An unlikely career for Christmas tree specialist
Priya Rajarapu grew up in a family that celebrated every religious festival, so her house had presents from Santa Claus and a plastic Christmas tree — southern India doesn’t have real Christmas trees. Her career path, she acknowledged, was unlikely. “I never could have imagined,” she said. Rajarapu is the new Christmas tree specialist for the Oregon State University Extension Service and focused on the crop year-round. Her start date, fittingly enough, was Dec.
USDA announces extra purchase of apples, other commodities
USDA announces extra purchase of apples, other commodities Published 11:29 am Tuesday, August 12, 2025 The USDA will purchase up to $35 million of fresh apples for distribution through nutrition assistance programs across the country. The commitment will support growers in a time of poor market conditions and comes in addition to normal purchases of apples for school lunch programs, the military and other programs, said Jim Bair, USApple president and CEO.
USDA announces extra purchase of apples, other commodities
The USDA will purchase up to $35 million of fresh apples for distribution through nutrition assistance programs across the country. The commitment will support growers in a time of poor market conditions and comes in addition to normal purchases of apples for school lunch programs, the military and other programs, said Jim Bair, USApple president and CEO. “This is a win-win for growers and hungry Americans and helps USDA be efficient with taxpayer dollars,” Bair added. On Aug.
Judge: Exempting livestock from air emissions reporting is lawful
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency didn’t violate the law by exempting livestock facilities from reporting their air emissions as hazardous substances, according to a federal judge. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly has rejected arguments from environmental and community groups who claimed EPA’s exemption is inconsistent with a federal emergency response statute.
‘Lowest prices we’ve seen in years,’ WSU small grains economist says
December wheat futures contracts set a record low price last week, and there’s not much room for upside in the near future, says Washington State University’s small grains economist. Wheat ending stocks at the end of May were the largest in six years, said Randy Fortenbery, Thomas B. Mick Endowed Chair in Small Grains Economics. “That’s putting a damper on the market, and the other commodities aren’t doing a lot better,” Fortenbery said, referring to corn and soybeans.
Costs soars as Grant County PUD moves to take farmland for transmission line
A 31-mile transmission line slated to cross farmland and opposed by some property owners in Grant County, Wash., will cost an estimated $86 million, more than double the original estimate. Inflation, supply-chain problems, and higher than expected planning and right-of-way expenses pushed up costs, Grant Count Public Utility District spokeswoman Christine Pratt said in an email Aug. 8.
Justice Department warns if tariffs fall, catastrophe will follow
The Justice Department ramped up political pressure on a federal appeals court, claiming in a letter to justices that striking down President Trump’s tariffs would be a catastrophe and could bring on another Great Depression. The Aug. 11 letter came 11 days after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit pressed Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate to defend the legality of Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. The letter, signed by Shumate and Solicitor General D.
Nuclear project eyed for part of former Lava Ridge wind site
Sawtooth Energy & Development Corp. aims to develop a nuclear power project on a small portion of the south-central Idaho site where the Lava Ridge wind development was planned. Pocatello-based Sawtooth is working on developing Midpoint Small Modular Reactor Project No. 1 on 320 acres in Jerome County, according to a company-prepared Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
Washington State Fair honors ag roots for 125th year
The Washington State Fair will mark its 125th anniversary by honoring the state’s farming history. “We felt that it was a perfect moment in time to not only reflect back to our fair’s and our state’s agricultural roots while looking forward to the future,” said Stacy Van Horne, the fair’s public relations manager. The Washington State Fair runs Aug. 29 through Sept. 21 in Puyallup, Wash. It is closed Tuesdays and Sept. 3.
Teen ambassadors’ ties to Junior Livestock Show of Spokane ‘run deep’
The ambassadors to the Junior Livestock Show of Spokane are spending their summer putting up dryland and irrigated alfalfa and showing at county fairs and volunteering at an animal shelter. Maeve Korthuis, a student at Lind-Ritzville High School, and Stella Nelson, of Stanwood High School, were named ambassadors during the show in May. “My commitment to the Junior Livestock Show of Spokane runs deep,” Korthuis said. “I sold my first ever market steer, Rocket, at Junior Show when I was 9 years old.
New WSU Center for Global Heath director says ‘Disease has no borders’
PULLMAN, Wash. — The biggest priority for Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine’s Paul G. Allen Center for Global Health is finding new and alternate funding venues in the face of federal budget cuts, the center’s new director says. The center focuses on infectious disease, antimicrobial resistance, rabies control and prevention and zoonotic diseases worldwide. Viveka Vadyvaloo became the center’s director July 1.
U.S. sugar economist: Growth prospects decent, but uncertainties remain
New federal policy and trade developments, continued producer-level challenges and the potential for domestic supply to increase over the long term leave American Sugar Alliance economist Rob Johansson prepared for additional change but cautiously optimistic. Sugar is a sizable industry in several Western states.
Pacific Northwest grain conventions to scatter across region
The annual Tri-State Grain Growers Convention in Idaho, Oregon and Washington will fragment into different conferences across the region during the next two years. Farmers from the three states usually gather in November for the annual convention, which has been held at various locations throughout the three states, most often Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Each state takes turns hosting the convention.
Skagit officials, farmers seek promise Seattle won’t take farmland
Skagit County, Wash., commissioners and farmers fear Seattle’s plan to win federal approval to continue operating three dams will allow the city to take farmland in the Skagit Delta to create salmon habitat. The tentative plan, which has not been publicly released, calls for the city’s utility, Seattle City Light, to spend $150 million to acquire up to 1,300 acres in the delta for fish restoration, according to people familiar with the matter.
Boise BLM extends fire control timetable due to recreational shooting
U.S. Bureau of Land Management Boise district officials reduced staffing density on the 916.8-acre Victory Fire for firefighter safety reasons and extended the control timetable due to recreational shooting in the vicinity.
Washington seeks members for Wolf Advisory Group
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking candidates for a two-year appointment to its Wolf Advisory Group. The group makes recommendations to Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind on managing wolves. Four positions are vacant. The group has two-day meetings at least four times a year. Fish and Wildlife reimburses group members for travel expenses.
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