<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"><channel><title><![CDATA[ WACD Reading List / Raindrop.io ]]></title><link>https://raindrop.io</link><description><![CDATA[  ]]></description><language>en-US</language><generator>raindrop.io</generator><atom:link href="https://bg.raindrop.io/rss/public/15979489" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><lastBuildDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:10:06 GMT</lastBuildDate><item><title><![CDATA[ Endangered Sandhill Cranes Return To Methow Valley ]]></title><link>https://kpq.com/endangered-sandhill-cranes-methow-valley/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://townsquare.media/site/1134/files/2026/04/attachment-cranes.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ Two examples of a rare bird species have made their way back to North Central Washington this year. ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:09:51 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://kpq.com/endangered-sandhill-cranes-methow-valley/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ WILDLIFE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ SPECIES ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Forest Service plan to close research stations stokes fear as wildfire season approaches • Stateline ]]></title><link>https://stateline.org/2026/04/17/forest-service-plan-to-close-research-stations-stokes-fear-as-wildfire-season-approaches/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://stateline.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/forestland.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ The U.S. Forest Service’s plan to close scores of research stations could threaten the nation’s wildfire readiness, many foresters fear, and erode decades of work to understand timber production, soil health, pests and diseases, watersheds and wildlife. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:36:32 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://stateline.org/2026/04/17/forest-service-plan-to-close-research-stations-stokes-fear-as-wildfire-season-approaches/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ WILDFIRE ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Secretary Rollins Announces the Creation of the USDA Office of Seafood | USDA ]]></title><link>https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2026/04/15/secretary-rollins-announces-creation-usda-office-seafood</link><description><![CDATA[  ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:32:24 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2026/04/15/secretary-rollins-announces-creation-usda-office-seafood</guid><category>link</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ aquaculture ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ USDA ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Takeaways from AP-Grist report on aid for rural renewable energy | AP News ]]></title><link>https://apnews.com/article/climate-solar-energy-farmers-takeaways-4cf1ca36e4bc6409a72f13ad1d966d70</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/6e9218a/2147483647/strip/false/crop/6000x4000+0+0/resize/980x653!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fec%2F47%2Fd188530ee886beaf01ad80e255d1%2F067a65beda8343a5b1fe8e6cce9d2c67&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ The Associated Press and Grist have collaborated on a project to analyze how federal policy changes on energy are affecting farmers. They found that two programs critical for renewable energy growth have been sharply rolled back. One is a rural-focused initiative called REAP. The other is a clean energy tax credit. The news organizations found that in the fiscal year that started Oct. 1, the Department of Agriculture hasn’t awarded a single dollar in rural energy grants or loan guarantees. Its loan guarantee program has remained open, but the analysis found that the agency has awarded no new agreements this fiscal year. ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:13:34 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://apnews.com/article/climate-solar-energy-farmers-takeaways-4cf1ca36e4bc6409a72f13ad1d966d70</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ ENERGY ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Washington declares statewide drought, marks fourth year of drought in some agricultural areas ]]></title><link>https://www.nwpb.org/local/2026-04-08/washington-state-declares-fourth-consecutive-statewide-drought</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3eebfa6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1760x924+0+0/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2Fc3%2Fd4fed975423ebc525b0cad78c84e%2Fkachess-drought-2025-resized.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ On Wednesday morning, Washington state declared a statewide drought. ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:06:17 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.nwpb.org/local/2026-04-08/washington-state-declares-fourth-consecutive-statewide-drought</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ DROUGHT ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ National Weather Service foresees warm and dry seasons for rest of year | Capital Press ]]></title><link>https://capitalpress.com/2026/04/16/national-weather-service-foresees-warn-and-dry-seasons-for-rest-of-year/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://capitalpress.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/The-National-Weather-Services-Climate-Prediction-Center-forecasts-Oregon-Washington-and-Idaho-.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ The National Weather Service’s seasonal outlook predicts the Northwest will be hotter and drier than normal for the next three months and probably for the rest of the year. The […] ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:01:30 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://capitalpress.com/2026/04/16/national-weather-service-foresees-warn-and-dry-seasons-for-rest-of-year/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ WEATHER ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ AGR AgViabilityStudy ]]></title><link>https://cms.agr.wa.gov/WSDAKentico/Documents/Pubs/AGR5-2512-009-AgViabilityStudy.pdf?_gl=1*x5gxqd*_ga*NTgxNzg0ODIyLjE3NDczMzMwNzE.*_ga_9JCK8SVQPE*czE3NzYxMTMzNjgkbzQkZzAkdDE3NzYxMTMzNjgkajYwJGwwJGgw</link><description><![CDATA[  ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:12:33 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://cms.agr.wa.gov/WSDAKentico/Documents/Pubs/AGR5-2512-009-AgViabilityStudy.pdf?_gl=1*x5gxqd*_ga*NTgxNzg0ODIyLjE3NDczMzMwNzE.*_ga_9JCK8SVQPE*czE3NzYxMTMzNjgkbzQkZzAkdDE3NzYxMTMzNjgkajYwJGwwJGgw</guid><category>link</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Douglas Poole: I'm trying to heal 100 tears of tillage. Don't pull the support that makes it possible. ]]></title><link>https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/mar/29/douglas-poole-im-trying-to-heal-100-tears-of-tilla/</link><description><![CDATA[ By Douglas Poole ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:38:35 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/mar/29/douglas-poole-im-trying-to-heal-100-tears-of-tilla/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ CONSERVATIONDISTRICT ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ WA turns to goats for affordable, sustainable landscaping - The Columbian ]]></title><link>https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/mar/30/wa-turns-to-goats-for-affordable-sustainable-landscaping/</link><description><![CDATA[  ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:33:03 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/mar/30/wa-turns-to-goats-for-affordable-sustainable-landscaping/</guid><category>link</category><category><![CDATA[ INVASIVES ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Washington public lands agencies plan to reduce services following state budget cuts - OPB ]]></title><link>https://www.opb.org/article/2026/03/24/washington-public-lands-agencies-plan-to-reduce-services-following-state-budget-cuts/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://opb-opb-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DB3RFPVMTFFFVFI2WXZ425NMOQ.jpg?auth=783bd70d11841a93b09d348f34466db20f1683e04724e0bca612ef1e09c8d701&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675&amp;focal=722%2C502&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ The state’s three public lands agencies all had their budgets cut this year. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:35:36 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.opb.org/article/2026/03/24/washington-public-lands-agencies-plan-to-reduce-services-following-state-budget-cuts/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ STATE-GOVERNMENT ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ BUDGET ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Earthquake scientists reveal how overplowing weakens soil at experimental farm ]]></title><link>https://phys.org/news/2026-03-earthquake-scientists-reveal-overplowing-weakens.html</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://scx2.b-cdn.net/gfx/news/hires/2026/earthquake-scientists.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ Plowing, or tilling, is an age-old agricultural practice that readies the soil for planting by turning over the top layer to expose fresh earth. The method—intended to improve water and nutrient circulation—remains popular today, but concerns about soil degradation have prompted some to return to regenerative methods that disturb the soil less. ]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 19:01:05 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://phys.org/news/2026-03-earthquake-scientists-reveal-overplowing-weakens.html</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ SOILHEALTH ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Climate Resilience Plan for Washington Agriculture | Washington State Department of Agriculture ]]></title><link>https://agr.wa.gov/washington-agriculture/climate-resilience-plan-for-washington-agriculture</link><description><![CDATA[  ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:26:22 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://agr.wa.gov/washington-agriculture/climate-resilience-plan-for-washington-agriculture</guid><category>link</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ CLIMATE ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ The Best Wildfire Preparedness Supplies and Strategies of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter ]]></title><link>https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/tools-to-prepare-for-wildfire/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/07/ROUNDUP-WILDFIRE-PREP-SUPPLIES-3x2-1.png?auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;crop=1:1,smart&amp;width=1024&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ How to plan and protect yourself in areas at risk of wildfires. ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 02:11:26 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/tools-to-prepare-for-wildfire/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ WILDFIRE ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ ‘Skinny’ farm bill passes House Ag Committee at critical time for producers | Capital Press ]]></title><link>https://capitalpress.com/2026/03/06/skinny-farm-bill-passes-house-ag-committee-at-critical-time-for-producers/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://capitalpress.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/The-House-Agriculture-Committee-on-March-5-passed-a-802-page-farm-bill-34-17.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ Ag groups applaud act, Oregon Congresswoman says specialty crops left behind The House Agriculture Committee passed the 802-page farm bill 34-17 early the morning of March 5, after a 22-hour […] ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 20:43:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://capitalpress.com/2026/03/06/skinny-farm-bill-passes-house-ag-committee-at-critical-time-for-producers/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ FARMBILL ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Early outlook poor for irrigators in Yakima River basin | Capital Press ]]></title><link>https://capitalpress.com/2026/03/06/early-outlook-poor-for-irrigators-in-yakima-river-basin/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://capitalpress.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Yakima-River-basin-irrigators-with-junior-water-rights-are-projected-to-get-only-44-of-their-fu.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ The Bureau of Reclamation projects Yakima River basin irrigators with junior water-rights will get only 44% of their full allotments this summer, an early forecast that could go up or […] ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 20:41:45 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://capitalpress.com/2026/03/06/early-outlook-poor-for-irrigators-in-yakima-river-basin/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ WATERQUANTITY ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Washington is building wildfire risk and hazard maps. Mapmakers need your help ]]></title><link>https://www.nwpb.org/local/2026-02-26/washington-is-building-wildfire-risk-and-hazard-maps-mapmakers-need-your-help</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c4d0e7b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2400x1260+0+170/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F09%2FWildfire_Credit_Mike-Newbry-on-Unsplash.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ Washington state’s Department of Natural Resources is developing wildfire risk and hazard maps. It’s an effort to help the state and local communities better prepare for wildfires. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:19:02 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.nwpb.org/local/2026-02-26/washington-is-building-wildfire-risk-and-hazard-maps-mapmakers-need-your-help</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ WILDFIRE ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Seeking land connections at the Oregon Small Farms Conference | Capital Press ]]></title><link>https://capitalpress.com/2026/02/24/seeking-land-connections-at-the-oregon-small-farms-conference/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://capitalpress.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/Lauren-Gwin-director-of-Oregon-State-Universitys-Center-for-Resilient-Agriculture-Food-Syste.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ Event draws 750 people to Oregon State University campus CORVALLIS, Ore. — While the Oregon State University Extension Service Small Farms Conference on Feb. 21 had a plethora of educational […] ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:57:19 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://capitalpress.com/2026/02/24/seeking-land-connections-at-the-oregon-small-farms-conference/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ A Country Is Covering Its Barren Fields with Sheep's Wool, and the Results Are Turning Heads ]]></title><link>https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/02/sheep-wool-revives-barren-fields-iaustralia/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://dailygalaxy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/A-Costly-Farm-Waste-Is-Now-Helping-Crops-Survive-Longer-Without-Rain-scaled.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ In drought-stricken Australian fields, crops that were reduced to dust are being revived thanks to an unlikely agricultural product. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 20:01:32 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/02/sheep-wool-revives-barren-fields-iaustralia/</guid><category>link</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ DROUGHT ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ SOIL ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Could a new program in Washington help ranchers protect birds? ]]></title><link>https://www.nwpb.org/local/2026-02-11/could-a-new-program-in-washington-help-ranchers-protect-birds</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/aa7aab6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1000x525+0+140/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F56%2Fe4%2F826aea7d4c8b80db34be2d325c67%2Fweb-021026cf-ranchbirds-cattle-group.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ Bird species are on the decline across the U.S. for all different reasons, including habitat loss. But a new program in Washington hopes to create bird habitat by using ranches. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:50:29 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.nwpb.org/local/2026-02-11/could-a-new-program-in-washington-help-ranchers-protect-birds</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ HABITAT ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ New Washington FSA director: Farmers and ranchers first | Capital Press ]]></title><link>https://capitalpress.com/2026/02/14/new-washington-fsa-director-farmers-and-ranchers-first/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://capitalpress.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/Patrick-Bell-Washington-State-executive-director-for-the-USDA-Farm-Service-Agency-promises-res.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — Patrick Bell took over as the new state executive director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Washington Jan. 6. “I’ve been a strong, consistent supporter of […] ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:47:48 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://capitalpress.com/2026/02/14/new-washington-fsa-director-farmers-and-ranchers-first/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ FSA ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ How To Move From High Performer To High-Impact Leader ]]></title><link>https://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylrobinson/2026/02/07/top-leadership-communication-mistake-high-performers-make/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/698777bc320415f058cef900/0x0.jpg?format=jpg&amp;height=600&amp;width=1200&amp;fit=bounds&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ High performers often struggle after promotion. Here’s how leadership communication, clarity and context separate effective managers from overwhelmed teams. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 08:43:44 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylrobinson/2026/02/07/top-leadership-communication-mistake-high-performers-make/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ MANAGEMENT ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ LEADERSHIP ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Washington ranks last in farmer take-home pay in 2024 | Capital Press ]]></title><link>https://capitalpress.com/2025/12/04/washington-ranks-last-in-farmer-take-home-pay-in-2024/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://capitalpress.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/income-copy.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ Washington ranked 50th in the nation for returns to farm operators in 2024, with nearly -$295 million. WSU financial advisor Jon Paul Driver says the driving force is a strong U.S. dollar. ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 22:47:41 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://capitalpress.com/2025/12/04/washington-ranks-last-in-farmer-take-home-pay-in-2024/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ NRCS Priorities | Natural Resources Conservation Service ]]></title><link>https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/priorities</link><description><![CDATA[  ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:00:11 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/priorities</guid><category>link</category><category><![CDATA[ USDA ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ NRCS ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Conservation Month Swag signs, stickers, buttons | Sticker Mule ]]></title><link>https://www.stickermule.com/scc?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://cdn.stickermule.com/core/profile/79837c87-84a9-469c-821e-b306317b30f6.png&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ Shop for signs, stickers, buttons by Conservation Month Swag. ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:32:28 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.stickermule.com/scc?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ ELECTIONS ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ New Copernicus Satellites Will Help Track Emissions, Ice, and Crops Like Never Before ]]></title><link>https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/copernicus-satellites-emissions-ice-crops/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://dailygalaxy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/New-Copernicus-Satellites-Will-Help-Track-Emissions-Ice-and-Crops-Like-Never-Before-scaled.png&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ New Copernicus satellites will revolutionize environmental monitoring, offering precise data on emissions, ice, crops, and climate change, all powered by cutting-edge technology from ESA. ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 07:37:15 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/copernicus-satellites-emissions-ice-crops/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ SOILHEALTH ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ The Dramatic Change in U.S. Ag Land Price-Rent Ratio ]]></title><link>https://www.agriculture.com/partners-the-dramatic-change-in-u-s-ag-land-price-rent-ratio-11882719</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://www.agriculture.com/thmb/p83oNEHaZd11BIkfLtNTISM6LSA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2210-08-117_farm_field-f65eddce6ef844728a6aae8338b85f9a.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ The ratio of U.S. cropland price to cropland cash rent has nearly doubled since 1998. Empirical analysis so far has not identified any statistically significant explanatory factor, so this article’s purpose is to call attention to this dramatic change. ]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 12:08:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.agriculture.com/partners-the-dramatic-change-in-u-s-ag-land-price-rent-ratio-11882719</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ FARMLAND ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Bell Appointed Washington FSA Executive Director ]]></title><link>https://pnwag.net/bell-washington-fsa/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://townsquare.media/site/1144/files/2026/01/attachment-pat-bell-wsfb.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ USDA announced Tuesday that Patrick Bell will serve as State Executive Director for Washington’s Farm Service Agency. ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:54:23 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://pnwag.net/bell-washington-fsa/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ USDA ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ FSA ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ The Power of Leading Without Recognition - Simon Sinek ]]></title><link>https://simonsinek.com/stories/would-you-still-lead-if-no-one-ever-knew-your-name/?utm_source=Facebook&amp;utm_medium=Company&amp;utm_campaign=Stories_Would-You-Still-Lead-If-No-One-Ever-Knew-Your-Name</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://simonsinek.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/0_0-5.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ Leadership isn’t about the spotlight—it’s about trust, service, and impact. Discover why the most influential leaders remain invisible. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 19:11:40 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://simonsinek.com/stories/would-you-still-lead-if-no-one-ever-knew-your-name/?utm_source=Facebook&amp;utm_medium=Company&amp;utm_campaign=Stories_Would-You-Still-Lead-If-No-One-Ever-Knew-Your-Name</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ LEADERSHIP ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Oak-killing pest spreads through Willamette Valley, threatening native trees - OPB ]]></title><link>https://www.opb.org/article/2025/12/22/oak-borer-beetle-pest-threaten-trees-willamette-valley/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://opb-opb-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OFACVEA2LBBELOYKGZMCVREQTQ.jpg?auth=444368bd7c01290b8d19443ed1ee2add0d2b997f023ecd092a4c088ec9435177&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675&amp;smart=true&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ Oregon officials have found the Mediterranean oak borer in six counties across the valley, just as another pest is killing ash trees in the region. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:52:12 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.opb.org/article/2025/12/22/oak-borer-beetle-pest-threaten-trees-willamette-valley/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ INVASIVES ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ TREES ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Remote towns in WA hit hard by floods, mudslides – leaving some residents isolated ]]></title><link>https://www.nwpb.org/2025-12-13/remote-towns-in-wa-hit-hard-by-floods-mudslides-leaving-some-residents-isolated</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/534f22d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1200x630+0+247/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F26%2F2d%2Fca2ba3d848f1a38bcf7a8bf98feb%2Fstehekin1.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ Flooding and landslides have left communities along upper Lake Chelan dealing with major damage, nearly a year after wildfire weakened hillsides in the area. A town only accessible by boat is cut off from the rest of the area because of the atmospheric river fallout. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:34:52 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.nwpb.org/2025-12-13/remote-towns-in-wa-hit-hard-by-floods-mudslides-leaving-some-residents-isolated</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ FLOODING ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Hooked on worms: Spokane couple casts new vermiculture business ]]></title><link>https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/dec/09/hooked-on-worms-spokane-couple-casts-new-vermicult/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://thumb.spokesman.com/xeThcA4VGs6s4u1moukaP7RqPWY=/2500x1405/smart/media.spokesman.com/photos/2025/12/08/6937735079e20.hires.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ In a small Spangle workshop, immediately off of Highway 195, thousands of worms are slowly burrowing into their new home, nestled cozily under heated blankets and as much food as they could ever want. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:55:54 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/dec/09/hooked-on-worms-spokane-couple-casts-new-vermicult/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Why small farmers can’t fix our hunger problem | Cassandra Loftlin | The Guardian ]]></title><link>https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/04/small-farmers-american-hunger-problem</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/57dbafeab5849796cda7c35480e5d928f5869d40/1033_0_3591_2874/master/3591.jpg?width=1200&amp;height=630&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=crop&amp;precrop=40:21,offset-x50,offset-y0&amp;overlay-align=bottom%2Cleft&amp;overlay-width=100p&amp;overlay-base64=L2ltZy9zdGF0aWMvb3ZlcmxheXMvdGctb3BpbmlvbnMucG5n&amp;enable=upscale&amp;s=7349b245ddd70b1557776655f7a88062&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ Big farmers grab the lion’s share of US government support, and recent cuts have chipped away at small growers’ markets and margins ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:34:14 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/04/small-farmers-american-hunger-problem</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ food system ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ New Self-Fertilizing Wheat Could Transform Farming ]]></title><link>https://scitechdaily.com/new-self-fertilizing-wheat-could-transform-farming/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://scitechdaily.com/images/Wheat-Grain-Farmer-Hands-Successful-Harvest.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ Scientists developed wheat that helps create its own natural fertilizer, promising cleaner and more affordable farming. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:22:37 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://scitechdaily.com/new-self-fertilizing-wheat-could-transform-farming/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ SOIL ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Bear Gulch Fire in Olympics contained after 20k acres burned | The Olympian ]]></title><link>https://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article312957145.html?link_source=ta_first_comment&amp;taid=6922db3c15378a0001afad64&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://www.theolympian.com/public/latest-news/y5dik3/picture312957156/alternates/LANDSCAPE_1140/bear-gulch.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ The Bear Gulch Fire was contained Nov. 6 after burning 20,232 acres near Lake Cushman in Olympic National Forest; there are still site closures around the lake. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 23:09:57 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article312957145.html?link_source=ta_first_comment&amp;taid=6922db3c15378a0001afad64&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ WILDFIRE ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ In Washington, Birds Are Giving ‘Yelp Reviews’ of Forest Restoration Work ]]></title><link>https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/climate/washington-birds-habitat-health.html?auth=login-google1tap&amp;login=google1tap&amp;smid=url-share&amp;unlocked_article_code=1.2U8.vO3B.iA-EW089tThe</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/11/18/multimedia/18cli-50x50-wash-promo-wklz/18cli-50x50-wash-promo-wklz-facebookJumbo.jpg?gift=1&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ A collective of land trusts, conservancies and tribes is capturing birdsong with audio gear and A.I. for clues about habitat health. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:04:33 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/climate/washington-birds-habitat-health.html?auth=login-google1tap&amp;login=google1tap&amp;smid=url-share&amp;unlocked_article_code=1.2U8.vO3B.iA-EW089tThe</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ WILDLIFE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ HABITAT ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Wildfires are Chelan County’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, new report shows | Local News | wenatcheeworld.com ]]></title><link>https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/wildfires-are-chelan-county-s-largest-source-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions-new-report-shows/article_d6ab3bec-de80-475b-8c12-c558d792edb6.html</link><description><![CDATA[  ]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 19:14:22 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/wildfires-are-chelan-county-s-largest-source-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions-new-report-shows/article_d6ab3bec-de80-475b-8c12-c558d792edb6.html</guid><category>link</category><category><![CDATA[ WILDFIRE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ CLIMATE ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ WA Forest Practices Board approves new rule restricting timber harvests | Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune ]]></title><link>https://www.gazette-tribune.com/news/wa-forest-practices-board-approves-new-rule-restricting-timber-harvests/88369/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://www.gazette-tribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/40875262_web1_WEB-251120-OVG-CntrSq-Oly-Natl-Prk-4.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ The Forest Practices Board approved a water buffer rule drawing criticism from local counties that say their economies will be negatively impacted. ]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 19:13:16 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.gazette-tribune.com/news/wa-forest-practices-board-approves-new-rule-restricting-timber-harvests/88369/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ FORESTRY ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ The Eight Habits of Highly Effective Nonprofit Leaders ]]></title><link>https://joangarry.com/habits-nonprofit-leaders/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://joangarry.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Blog_Post_FB_graphic.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ The 8 Habits of Highly Effective Nonprofit Leaders ]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 18:07:35 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://joangarry.com/habits-nonprofit-leaders/</guid><category>link</category><category><![CDATA[ MANAGEMENT ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ LEADERSHIP ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Yakima Valley drought forces WA farmers to rip out apple trees ]]></title><link>https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/nov/16/yakima-valley-drought-forces-wa-farmers-to-rip-out/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://thumb.spokesman.com/kmpXEOY6jZhPD2whcWoC-7UzLpI=/2500x1405/smart/media.spokesman.com/photos/2025/11/16/691a56208042c.hires.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ THE YAKIMA RIVER BASIN – Heavy fall rains might have returned to Western Washington, but east of the Cascade crest, people still look to the skies, waiting for much-needed water. ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 05:06:13 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/nov/16/yakima-valley-drought-forces-wa-farmers-to-rip-out/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ WATERQUANTITY ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Eco-friendly ag practices may be easier than farmers think | Cornell Chronicle ]]></title><link>https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2025/11/eco-friendly-ag-practices-may-be-easier-farmers-think</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://news.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/styles/story_thumbnail_lg/public/2025-11/agro1-a.jpg?itok=hwihg9_E&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ Fruit and vegetable farmers across the U.S. said that labor was the biggest barrier to adopting sustainable practices, with many farmers perceiving the labor requirements to be higher than they are. ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 12:36:37 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2025/11/eco-friendly-ag-practices-may-be-easier-farmers-think</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Washington forest board takes 200,000 acres out of production | Capital Press ]]></title><link>https://capitalpress.com/2025/11/13/washington-forest-board-takes-200000-acres-out-of-production/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://capitalpress.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Forest-Buffers-copy.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ OLYMPIA — The Washington Forest Practices Board took 200,000 acres of timberland out of production, voting 7-5 to require loggers to stay farther back from streams without fish. The close […] ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 22:28:08 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://capitalpress.com/2025/11/13/washington-forest-board-takes-200000-acres-out-of-production/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ FORESTRY ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Fast Company: The wizard of crops: Microsoft’s ‘Oz’ aims to transform farming ]]></title><link>https://www.fastcompany.com/91438757/the-wizard-of-crops-microsofts-oz-aims-to-transform-farming</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://images.fastcompany.com/image/upload/f_webp,q_auto,c_fit/wp-cms-2/2025/11/p-1-91438757-microsoft-oz-farming.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ The wizard of crops: Microsoft’s ‘Oz’ aims to transform farming ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 14:13:25 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.fastcompany.com/91438757/the-wizard-of-crops-microsofts-oz-aims-to-transform-farming</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ AI ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Rainfall's origin reveals a hidden driver behind drought risks for farmers ]]></title><link>https://phys.org/news/2025-11-rainfall-reveals-hidden-driver-drought.html</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://scx2.b-cdn.net/gfx/news/2025/new-study-reveals-sour-1.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ A new University of California San Diego study uncovers a hidden driver of global crop vulnerability: the origin of rainfall itself. ]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2025 03:36:00 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://phys.org/news/2025-11-rainfall-reveals-hidden-driver-drought.html</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ CLIMATE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Yahoo: Researchers make stunning discovery after examining farmland treated only with organic fertilizers for decades: '[Will] help us to move forward' ]]></title><link>https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/researchers-stunning-discovery-examining-farmland-104525693.html</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lAQCJ_66lvB954tnkqZF0Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI0MDA7aD0xMzUwO2NmPXdlYnA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_cool_down_737/57799e9b15a63409ce83a563a09661b4&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ &quot;Understanding the role of the different minerals, chemicals, and microbes involved will help improve models...&quot; ]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 02 Nov 2025 19:23:33 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/researchers-stunning-discovery-examining-farmland-104525693.html</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ SOIL ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ CARBON ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Vancouver rooftops abuzz with pollinators - The Columbian ]]></title><link>https://www.columbian.com/news/2025/oct/27/vancouver-rooftops-abuzz-with-pollinators/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1019826083-Hilton-bee-garden_103.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ For some guests staying at the Hilton Vancouver Washington hotel, scoring a room with a view won’t mean a picturesque city skyline or Columbia River vista. Instead, visitors will see the hotel’s new rooftop pollinator gardens. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:48:35 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.columbian.com/news/2025/oct/27/vancouver-rooftops-abuzz-with-pollinators/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ POLLINATORS ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Washington fish hatcheries: Washougal facility to close as WDFW cuts back due to funding ]]></title><link>https://www.koin.com/news/washington/southwest-washington-fish-hatchery-set-to-close-as-wdfw-cuts-back-due-to-funding/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://www.koin.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/807lpr.jpg?w=1280&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ WDFW said the shortfall left the agency with “no viable option but to move towards closure of this facility.” ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 22 Oct 2025 20:07:15 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.koin.com/news/washington/southwest-washington-fish-hatchery-set-to-close-as-wdfw-cuts-back-due-to-funding/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ WDFW ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ ORCA ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ SALMONIDS ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Can We Bury Enough Wood to Slow Climate Change? ]]></title><link>https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-wood-vaulting-could-help-slow-climate-change/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://static.scientificamerican.com/dam/m/503d2618fad468e1/original/fire_killed_trees_loaded_in_chamber.jpg?m=1760558464.621&amp;w=1200&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ Wood vaulting, a simple, low-tech approach to storing carbon, has the potential to remove 12 billion tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year—and some companies are already trying it ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:25:48 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-wood-vaulting-could-help-slow-climate-change/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ CLIMATE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ FORESTRY ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ CARBON ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ NPR: 'Broadcasting' has its roots in agriculture. Here's how it made its way into media ]]></title><link>https://www.npr.org/2025/10/15/nx-s1-5573073/broadcasting-word-origins-history</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7662x4310+0+331/resize/1400/quality/100/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5c%2Fc6%2Fb37aa06e4d5cb56de150c2fa78c5%2Fgettyimages-2206434484.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ The word 'broadcasting' dates back centuries, and originally described a method of sowing seeds. But it took on a new meaning with the rise of radio in the 1920s. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2025 20:00:01 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.npr.org/2025/10/15/nx-s1-5573073/broadcasting-word-origins-history</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Range Riders - SARE Western ]]></title><link>https://western.sare.org/news/range-riders/</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://western.sare.org/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2025-06-24-at-2.24.31-PM.png&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ Most Western SARE research projects use science to develop new knowledge, insights or practices to help farmers and ranchers in their quest to be more successful and sustainable. Some, though, rediscover and refine old knowledge – like the effectiveness of range riding to protect livestock from predators like wolves, mountain lions and bears. “It’s fascinating […] ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:42:24 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://western.sare.org/news/range-riders/</guid><category>article</category><category><![CDATA[ AGRICULTURE ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ LIVESTOCK ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ SPECIES ]]></category></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Historic drought forces Yakima Basin water shutdown | king5.com ]]></title><link>https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/historic-drought-yakima-basin-water-shutdown/281-d8a07d63-9890-4943-90b4-cc7cedcb7303</link><description>&lt;img src=&quot;https://yt3.googleusercontent.com/fRekUR64ECwa5A-MYbyA9xu4aWcYpyCK0CjKkoBO4uCXk5zsZbI4nODsg2Cv6p9CK_4QIOm9ie8=s900-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj&quot; /&gt;&lt;br/&gt;<![CDATA[ KING 5 News (NBC Seattle)

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[KING 5 Media Group, a TEGNA company] ]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 04 Oct 2025 15:37:22 GMT</pubDate><guid>https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/historic-drought-yakima-basin-water-shutdown/281-d8a07d63-9890-4943-90b4-cc7cedcb7303</guid><category>link</category><category><![CDATA[ DROUGHT ]]></category><category><![CDATA[ WATERQUANTITY ]]></category></item></channel></rss>