Washington Agribusiness: Status And Outlook

Washington Agribusiness: Status And Outlook

Washington Agribusiness: Status And Outlook. I'm Greg Martin with Washington Ag Today.

Washington State University has released an annual report by their School of Economic Sciences called Washington Agribusiness: Status And Outlook. The report takes a close look at the states agricultural economy from tree fruit to specialty crops, cattle and small grains. The Ag Networks David Sparks takes a look at the report.

SPARKS: There is a reason that Washington is known as the apple state. That's because according to this new report in the 10 year period from 2004 to 2014 Washington State produced 60% of all the apples produced here in the U.S. The state is also tops when it comes to pear and sweet cherry production and what would beer be without Washington State hops. The Status and Outlook report took last years fire and drought into consideration when looking at the cattle industry. One common drought management practice for cattle producers is to wean calves early but that can result in underweight cows going to market. The wildfires destroyed a great deal of fencing was lost which decreases grazing access. On an upside, Washington's average all-milk price set a record high in 2014. Washington dairies also saw record profit margins.

Thanks David. The report also features a look at the growth of the hard cider industry in the state and shows it's one of the fastest-growing in the U.S. alcoholic drinks market. Even though the cider industry in Washington State is relatively small compared to the rest of the U.S., growth has been very strong going from 50-thousand gallons in 2007 to over 420-thousand in 2014.

And that's Washington Ag Today. I'm Greg Martin, thanks for listening on the Ag Information Network of the West.

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