Can Washington’s agriculture industry survive on H-2A workers? Many of the state’s 340,000 undocumented immigrants work in the agricultural sector. For farmers, mass deportation could exacerbate labor shortages. by Reneé Dìaz Wenatchee World / February 18, 2025
Environment How damming the Columbia River transformed Central Washington The river's dams drive electricity, flood control and commercial ships, and also helped turn the desert east of the Cascades into fruitful land. by Henry Brannan The Columbian / December 25, 2024
Environment Bird flu is spreading at PNW farms — among animals and workers Washington and Oregon are two of six states where humans have tested positive for avian flu, but researchers suspect there are more unreported cases. by Rachel Spacek InvestigateWest / December 11, 2024
Human Elements Can butterflies adapt to survive climate change? Edmonds College professor Dr. Gwen Shlichta is studying cabbage white butterflies to find what their feeding patterns might mean for other organisms. January 8, 2024
Equity Small Axe Farm grows Seattle-area Black agricultural community The four-acre farm near Woodinville expands the work of the Black Farmers Collective to develop shared resources and solutions. by Syris Valentine High Country News / September 18, 2023
Human Elements The Dairy Farmers An endangered but resilient flower has created a home for itself on a family's farm. March 31, 2023
Environment Human Elements: What's black and white and helps lupines grow? Meet the dairy cows — and farmers — who are stewards of the rare flower outside Chehalis, Washington. by Sarah Hoffman / March 31, 2023
News Some farmers question WA state's plan to pay workers overtime Implementing the 40-hour work week could cause a financial challenge for tree-fruit growers, where mechanization is minimal. by Mai Hoang / February 23, 2023