Covering Crop Insurance

WThe official publicationHEAT of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers LIFE JANUARY 2017

WAWG: WORKING FOR WASHINGTON’S WHEAT FARMERS

IN THIS ISSUE: Sen. Judy Warnick: A champion of agriculture Putting a price on wheat’s contribution to state’s economy

Address Service Requested Service Address Exploring hallowed ground in

109 East First Avenue, Ritzville, WA 99169 WA Ritzville, Avenue, First East 109 Eastern Washington Washington Association of Wheat Growers Wheat of Association Washington WHEAT LIFE President’s Perspective Volume 60 • Number 01 WAWG needs you to come to Olympia www.wheatlife.org By Ben Adams The official publication of Every farmer has certain times of the year when they WASHINGTON are busier than normal, such as planting or harvesting ASSOCIATION OF time, but winter is usually a little slower. It’s a time to relax WHEAT GROWERS a bit, take care of those indoor tasks you’ve been putting 109 East First Avenue Ritzville, WA 99169-2394 off and maybe catch up on paperwork. But as president of (509) 659-0610 • (800) 598-6890 the Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG), for me, the coming of winter signals the start of meeting WAWG MEMBERSHIP season. We use this downtime to travel to Olympia and Washington, D.C., among (509) 659-0610 • (800) 598-6890 other places, to educate legislators, address legislative concerns and fight for our $125 per year right to farm. EDITOR Trista Crossley • [email protected] We have a lobbyist in Olympia who fights for us and is able to open some doors (435) 260-8888 for us, but nothing beats putting a legislator face to face with a farmer who’s fight- AD SALES MANAGER ing regulations that could sink the family farm or who can testify to the success Kevin Gaffney • [email protected] of voluntary conservation programs. WAWG will be heading over to Olympia Jan. (509) 235-2715 17-19 for our annual Olympia Days, and we need every grower who can spare the GRAPHIC DESIGN time to attend. The more people who come, the more legislators we can share our Devin Taylor • Trista Crossley story with. Last year, we met with more than 50 representatives and senators from AD BILLING both sides of the aisle, many of whom represent urban districts that have little Michelle Hennings • [email protected] connection to agriculture. I can’t stress enough how important it is for growers to (509) 659-0610 • (800) 598-6890 experience this process and be engaged. CIRCULATION All too often, we become apathetic and rely on somebody else to take care of Address changes, extra copies, subscriptions the industry’s problems. While that might work for a while, sooner or later, we all Chauna Carlson • [email protected] have to step up, get involved and do our share, or we won’t have an audience left (509) 659-0610 • (800) 598-6890 Subscriptions are $50 per year to talk to or an industry left to defend. Gathering at the local coffee shop to talk is simply preaching to the choir. We need to educate people on the west side who are WAWG EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR sometimes three or four generations removed from the farm. Michelle Hennings WAWG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE This year’s trip is especially important because of the upcoming fight to fund PRESIDENT education. We’ve already gotten a sense of the brewing battle with Gov. Inslee’s Ben Adams • Coulee City proposed budget that includes more than $4 billion in extra income that will have VICE PRESIDENT to come from somewhere. That could include elimination of our tax preferences, Marci Green • Fairfield additional B&O taxes, capital gains taxes and carbon taxes. Legislators will be SECRETARY/TREASURER looking everywhere to find money, and you can bet that agricultural program Jeffrey Shawver • Connell funding and tax exemptions will be under a microscope. PRESIDENT EMERITUS Kevin Klein • Edwall There are other issues the wheat industry will need to deal with as well, such as APPOINTED MEMBERS the Hirst decision that limits a landowner’s right to use wells to tap into ground- Ryan Poe • Hartline water sources, dam breaching and funding for Washington State University’s new Ben Barstow • Palouse plant sciences building and global animal health building. So if you can spare a few days, please consider joining us over on the west side. Contact the WAWG Wheat Life (ISSN 0043-4701) is published by the office at (509) 659-0610, and they’ll be able to give you hotel and meeting details. Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG): 109 E. First Avenue • Ritzville, WA 99169-2394 Thank you to all those growers who have already signed up. I look forward to see- Eleven issues per year with a combined August/ ing all of you in Olympia in a few weeks. September issue. Standard (A) postage paid at Ritzville, Wash., and additional entry offices. All photos are Shutterstock images or taken by Wheat Life staff unless otherwise noted. Contents of this publication may not be re- printed without permission. Advertising in Wheat Life does not indicate en- dorsement of an organization, product or political candidate by WAWG.

2 WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 Inside This Issue WAWG President’s Perspective 2 Membership Form 4 WAWG at Work 6 Policy Matters 18 Building a Foundation 22 WAWG’s busy season starts now So many legislators, so little time 24 Legislative pullout A list of who represents where 26 Champion of ag Sen. Judy Warnick fights for farmers 28 Covering crop insurance Convention panel discusses safety net threats 30 What’s on tap AMMO’s 2017 schedule of workshops 34 Questions? WSU FAQs on variety research, seed royalties 38 WGC Chairman’s Column 41 WGC Review 42 Merger mania Consolidation in ag companies continues 46 Putting a price tag on it Wheat contributes how much to economy? 48 Wheat Watch 50 Calling all angels Hallowed ground in Eastern Washington 52 The Bottom Line 60 Your Wheat Life 62 Happenings 64 Advertiser Index 66 Contributors Ben Adams, president, Washington Association of Wheat Growers T. Randall Fortenbery, Ph.D., Thomas B. Mick Endowed Chair in Grain Mike Miller, chairman, Washington Grain Commission Economics, Washington State University Scott A. Yates, communications director, Washington Grain Mike Krueger, president and founder, The Money Tree Commission Heidi Scott, writer, Spokane, Wash. Diana Carlen, lobbyist, Washington Association of Wheat Growers Curtis Evanenko, risk management advisor, The McGregor Risk Management Services

WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 3 WAWG MEMBERSHIP FORM Please check level of membership Thank you to our Student $75 Partnership $500 Grower $125 (up to 5 partners) Landlord $125 Convention $600 current members Family $200 (up to 2 members) Lifetime $2,500 We fight every day to ensure that life on the family farm continues to prosper and grow. Name WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT.

Farm or Business If you are not a member, please consider joining today. LEVELS OF MEMBERSHIP Address

City

State Zip Greensheet Newsletter Wheat Life Magazine National Wheat Grower Newsletter HarvestAnnual Prints Convention WAWG Registration Free One per Vote Member Producer/Landowners (Voting Membership) Phone Fax Grower or Landlord $125 X X X X Family $200 X X X X Email (2 family members) Partnership $500 X X X X X County Affiliation (if none, write state) (1-5 family members) Convention $600 X X X X X Circle all that apply: (2 individuals) Producer Landlord Individual Industry Rep. Business Owner Student Other Lifetime $2,500 X X X X X (1 individual) Return this form with your check to: WAWG • 109 East First Ave. • Ritzville, WA 99169. Non-Voting Membership Or call 800-598-6890 and use your credit card to enroll by phone. Student $75 X X X

WAWG’s current top priorities are: ✔ Fighting mandatory carbon emissions ✔ Preserving the ag tax preferences: regulations. • Sales tax exemption on fertilizer and pesticides ✔ Maintaining a safe and sound • Ag wholesale B&O exemption transportation system that includes rail, • Off-road fuel tax exemption river and roads. • Repair parts exemption Washington state continues to look for more revenue, and farmers’ tax exemptions are on the list. If these are important to your operation, join today and help us fight.

More member benefits: Washington Association • Greensheet ALERTS • WAWG updates of Wheat Growers • Voice to WAWG through opinion surveys 109 East First Ave. • Ritzville, WA 99169 • National Wheat Grower updates 509-659-0610 • 800-598-6890 • 509-659-4302 (fax) • State and national legislative updates www.wawg.org Call 800-598-6890 or visit www.wawg.org

WAWG at WORK ADVOCATING FOR THE WHEAT FARMERS OF EASTERN WASHINGTON WAWG makes sure wheat issues don’t get lost in D.C. transition Leadership and staff of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) recently trav- eled to Washington, D.C., to meet with various federal agencies as they make the transition to a new administration. Members of the Washington group were able to sit down with Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) to talk about the wheat industry’s national priorities. “There are a lot of changes happening in Washington, D.C., as the new administration prepares to take over,” said Michelle Hennings, executive director of WAWG. “We wanted to meet with the various agency transition teams to make sure the wheat industry’s voice is still being heard and that our concerns haven’t been lost in the shuffle.” Joining WAWG on the trip were Derek Sandison, director of the Washington Department of Agriculture (WSDA), and Jason Ferrante, WSDA assistant director. Glen Squires and Dana Herron, both from the Washington Grain Commission, and representatives of the Oregon and Idaho wheat Kyle Kunkler (center), a legislative assistant to Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), met with the Washington grower organizations also made group. the trip. The group was able to meet with staff from several U.S. concern to many Pacific Northwest Wheat Growers, and the group was able Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) to discuss those concerns with two of agriculture’s top congressional mem- departments, including the Natural bers’ staff: Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), chair of the Senate’s ag committee, and Resources Conservation Service, Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), also a member of the Senate’s ag committee. the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Hennings said the visits set the groundwork for a possible national coalition of Management Agency and the commodities that all have similar issues with quality discounts impacting crop Agricultural Research Service (ARS). insurance yields. Low falling numbers and how “We are still working on a solution for farmers with the Risk Management those quality discounts can affect Agency,” Hennings said. a producer’s yield is still a topic of Another Pacific Northwest effort involving falling numbers is being led by

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the WSDA’s Sandison, who scheduled meetings with the agencies involved in grain inspection, including FGIS (the Federal Grain Inspection Service) and ARS, to discuss Sign up for Olympia Days research funding for improving or replacing the current The Washington Association of Wheat Growers falling number test. In a statement to Wheat Life, Sandison (WAWG) will be making their annual trek to Olympia said the WSDA has been working with federal partners to Jan. 17-19 to meet with legislators and agencies. address the issue, making sure that the appropriate USDA Advocating for the Washington wheat industry is at the agencies are aware of the challenges the situation has cre- heart of what WAWG does, but we need growers’ help ated for the state’s wheat industry. to do it successfully. Last year we met with more than ARE WIREWORMS 50 legislators and staff, and we’d like to surpass that “One area we have been focusing on is technology,” he number this year. Many of the people we meet with are said in the statement. “The test WSDA currently uses was far removed from the farm, and they don’t understand first designed in the 1960s, and I believe newer technol- GETTING THE BEST OF how farming works and how harmful some regulations ogy would go a long way toward mitigating the current can be. We need growers to tell their story. If you are problem, specifically by allowing better segregation of low interested in participating, please contact the WAWG falling number wheat from high falling number wheat. YOUR WHEAT CROP? office at (509) 659-0610 for information on hotels and The discussions went well, and it was extremely helpful to meeting times. have the wheat industry join me in these meetings.” Albaugh is excited to introduce the Washington’s delegation was also able to spend time with the staffs of both of Washington state’s senators, Patty D.C., at the end of January to meet with the state’s federal First Biological Seed Treatment for Murray and Maria Cantwell, not to mention the offices delegation and many of the above-mentioned agencies. enhanced wireworm protection of Rep. Dave Reichert, Rep. Dan Newhouse, Rep. Cathy According to Hennings, because Congress was in recess McMorris Rodgers and Rep. Rick Larsen. during this last trip, the staffers had more time to spend WAWG’s leadership usually travels to Washington, with the wheat group.

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“We were able to sit down and spend a significant amount of time with the different offices and agencies to discuss where the wheat industry is and what our needs are,” she explained. “I felt our visit was very well received and very productive.” Some of WAWG’s top federal priorities include opposing any efforts to split the nutrition title out of the farm bill, protecting crop insurance and opposing the removal or breaching of dams on the Columbia-Snake River System. Other 2017 federal priorities include: • Supporting the approval and WAWG’s executive director, Michelle Hennings (far left, sitting), took part in a farm hall meeting led by expansion of trade agreements two Washington state senators, Judy Warnick (R-Moses Lake) and Sharon Brown (R-Kennewick), in the that provide new market access Tri-Cities area in November. Other ag commodities represented included potatoes, diary, cattle and for wheat; food processing. • Supporting an increase in funding for the Market Access hear concerns from area farmers. Also in attendance were various current and Program and the Foreign Market former state legislators as well as staff from members of Washington’s federal Development program; delegation. Executive Director Michelle Hennings represented the Washington • Removal of sequestration from Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG). Other commodities represented were farm program payments; and cattle, dairy, potatoes and food processors. • Supporting publicly funded ag- At the beginning of the meeting, each commodity was given a few minutes ricultural research at the amount to introduce themselves and address priorities and concerns. While many of the authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill commodity representatives shared some of the same priorities, Hennings chose ($10 million). to focus her time on saving the lower Snake River dams and the ongoing issues with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) contracts that give the department the right to terminate leases early and on short notice Senators bring with no compensation. She said the audience was very appreciative of the fact that WAWG and both senators were moving forward to address the issue. Other farm hall meeting commodities, including cattle, have had some of the same issues with DNR leases. to the Tri-Cities “I really liked the format of this meeting. We had the opportunity to prioritize our issues and then take questions from farmers and the public about their con- If farmers can’t get to Olympia cerns,” Hennings said. “I think this is something that should be happening in to talk to legislators about issues every district. It’s a great way for farmers who can’t travel to Olympia to make and concerns, what’s the next best sure their voices are heard and ask questions about what’s going on at the state option? Bring the legislators to the level.” farmers, which is exactly what happened in November at a farm hall Other speakers talked about tax exemptions, regulations, ports and water is- meeting in the Tri-Cities. sues such as drought and water quality. Washington State Senators Judy This is the second year that Warnick and Brown have held the farm hall meet- Warnick (R-Moses Lake) and Sharon ing, and it was standing room only. Warnick said she’d like turn the meeting Brown (R-Kennewick) invited a into an annual event, expand it to other areas of the state and maybe specialize host of commodity group lead- the discussions to fit the different areas of the state. ers to discuss each commodities’ “It was very gratifying to see that people want to come and talk. It brings so priorities and answer questions and many good folks together,” she said. “Probably the biggest message I heard both

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last year and this year is to try to help save family farms.” Besides helping to save family farms, labor issues was another area Warnick said farmers were concerned about, especially getting younger people involved in agriculture. “We need people from the full-time, college-educated career person that might have a desk job relating to agriculture to the manual laborer,” she said. “Labor issues are a key component of what our farmers and agricultural community need government help with.” Washington State Senators Sharon Brown (left), Judy Warnick (center) and Jim Honeyford took part in a farm hall meeting in the Tri-Cities area in November where they were able to hear farmers’ concerns and answer questions. A Benton County treasure who served his time (and then some) Editor’s note: It takes an army—not a literal one, of course—to keep a grassroots organization running smoothly, efficiently and effectively. At the Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG), some of the most important work is done out of the public’s eye by people whom you seldom hear about. Those people are precisely the reason WAWG is as effective as it is. To acknowledge the work those people have done or are doing, we will be running a semi-regular series honoring them. If you know a WAWG member who tends to fly under the radar but has devoted copious amounts of time and effort helping the association, drop us a line at [email protected]. Nobody’s really sure how long Dennis Moon served as the treasurer of the Benton County wheat growers. His son, David, knows it was more than 20 years. Wayne Dennis Moon, shown here with his wife, Diane, served more than 25 years as treasurer of the Benton County wheat growers. He passed away last Pearson, who served as county president in the late 1980s, summer. Photo courtesy of the Moon family. said Moon was the treasurer even then. However long he served, Moon, who passed away this past June, certainly sacrifice, financial or otherwise, dad took it to make the left some large shoes to fill. farm go. There were times he exhausted every credit av- “It started with my grandpa who was involved in every enue in his personal name to keep the farm going, to make committee he could be a part of. Dad followed suit. When sure everybody had a paycheck,” David explained. grandpa could no longer do it, my dad jumped in and Like many of his generation, Moon placed great impor- took it over,” David said. “Dad loved politics. He loved to tance on keeping his word, once telling his son “…At the stir the pot. He could argue the other side like nobody’s end of the day, you only have your word, and that defines business. He liked to have a good conversation about the who you are.” That sense of personal responsibility was issues.” well known to Moon’s acquaintances. Ella and Larry Moon might have liked politics, but he loved the family Childers worked with him through their fertilizer busi- farm and farming above just about everything else, his ness. Moon also served on a county political committee son said. with Ella. “The farm was everything. It didn’t matter what the ob- “On local issues and with the Benton County wheat stacle was, the farm was everything. If it meant personal growers, he (Moon) was always involved. You could count

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on him to be there,” Larry said. “In difficult matters, “Dennis wouldn’t budge (out of the secretary/treasurer somebody has to be the guy that digs the ditch. You could position). He was stubborn in a good way,” said Steve always count on Dennis if you needed help digging the Smith, one of Moon’s longtime friends. “Dennis was a ditch, or he would dig the ditch himself.” good-hearted person. I never heard him say anything Pearson, who farmed next to Moon for many years, negative about anyone. He was a very kind man.” agreed. One story that kept coming up from the people who “He was always there, you could always count on him. talked about Moon was his slight tendency towards You could always count on him to be a little late, but frugality. He was in the habit of reusing envelopes to mail he’d have a big smile when he got there,” Pearson said, correspondence in. laughing. “When Dennis would pay his bills—they may or may Pearson and Moon served on the wheat growers’ group not have come in on time—but they came in a used during a time when the area was hit particularly hard envelope. He’d just cross off the old address, write a new with regulations involving aerial chemical applications. one and put a new stamp over the old one,” Pearson, who Pearson said having Moon on the county’s leadership eventually left his farm and went to work for an ag inputs team was calming. company, recalled. “Dennis helped keep me steady,” he said. “He was quite “You had to be careful when those bills came in,” Larry a guy, and I’ll miss him.” Childers said, chuckling. “If you didn’t know he did that, In WAWG’s leadership structure, people who serve at you could easily throw it out thinking it was an old ragtag the county or state level typically start out in the secre- envelope. Then you’d open it up and there’d be a check tary/treasurer chair and then advance year by year to the in there. I think Dennis took great pleasure in doing that. vice president’s position and finally the president’s posi- That was the type of humor he had.” tion. But not Moon. “He was memorable in a good way,” Ella added.

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OVER 470 STORES THROUGHOUT THE WEST! WWW.LESSCHWAB.COM 2017 Workshop Schedule: Jan 31 • Falling Numbers Forum Speakers: USDA-ARS, WSU Extension, WSDA and United Grain Corp. Location: Sherman McGregor Training Facility - Colfax, WA FEB 9 • World Economic Outlook Speakers: Mike Krueger (The Money Farm) and Dr. Randy Fortenbery (WSU) Location: Northern Quest Casino - Airway Heights, WA FEB 15-16 • Crop Insurance Outlook and FSA Tools Location: Feb. 15, Washington Wheat Foundation - Ritzville, WA Location: Feb. 16, Marcus Whitman Hotel - Walla Walla, WA FEB 21 • Outlook on Ag Policy and Weather 2017FARM Speakers: Dr. Elywnn Taylor and Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh Location: Hilton Garden Inn - Airway Heights, WA Feb 28, Mar 1 • Labor Management in Agriculture Location: Feb. 28, Hilton Garden Inn - Airway Heights, WA MANAGEMENT Location: Mar. 1, Marcus Whitman Hotel - Walla Walla, WA SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR EASTERN WASHINGTON PRODUCERS Apr 27 • Wheat College Speaker: Greg Kruger (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) Location: Pasco, WA TRAINING WAWG members admitted free of charge. Non-WAWG members $25. (Lunch provided) 2017 AMMO Sponsors:

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we are proud to offer these 2017 programs for our members and friends. For advance registration and more information: 1.877.740.2666 Like us! Email: [email protected] Web: wawg.org/ammo-workshops 2017 Workshop Schedule: Jan 31 • Falling Numbers Forum Speakers: USDA-ARS, WSU Extension, WSDA and United Grain Corp. Location: Sherman McGregor Training Facility - Colfax, WA FEB 9 • World Economic Outlook Speakers: Mike Krueger (The Money Farm) and Dr. Randy Fortenbery (WSU) Location: Northern Quest Casino - Airway Heights, WA FEB 15-16 • Crop Insurance Outlook and FSA Tools Location: Feb. 15, Washington Wheat Foundation - Ritzville, WA Location: Feb. 16, Marcus Whitman Hotel - Walla Walla, WA FEB 21 • Outlook on Ag Policy and Weather 2017FARM Speakers: Dr. Elywnn Taylor and Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh Location: Hilton Garden Inn - Airway Heights, WA Feb 28, Mar 1 • Labor Management in Agriculture Location: Feb. 28, Hilton Garden Inn - Airway Heights, WA MANAGEMENT Location: Mar. 1, Marcus Whitman Hotel - Walla Walla, WA SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR EASTERN WASHINGTON PRODUCERS Apr 27 • Wheat College Speaker: Greg Kruger (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) Location: Pasco, WA TRAINING WAWG members admitted free of charge. Non-WAWG members $25. (Lunch provided) 2017 AMMO Sponsors:

and will likely face significant opposition in the legisla- What’s coming down ture. While the legislature will consider what is included in the governor’s proposal, each chamber will develop the halls of Olympia in 2017? their own budget proposals during the legislative session By Diana Carlen and will eventually reach an agreement on a final 2017- WAWG Lobbyist 2019 budget. With the legislature needing to come up with up to $3.5 On Jan. 9, 2017, the legislature will be back in session in billion in the next biennium for education funding, the Olympia. Because it is an odd-numbered year, it will be Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) will a “long” session that is scheduled to last at least 105 days be vigorously defending agriculture’s ability to create jobs due to it being a budget year. The primary focus will be and compete in world markets by maintaining existing producing an operating, transportation and capital budget agriculture-based tax incentives. for the state for 2017-2019 that begins on July 1, 2017. The governor’s proposed carbon tax, which is now The most pressing issue in crafting the operating budget partially tied to education, will also be a big issue during will be how to address the McCleary decision, the 2012 the 2017 session. WAWG formally opposed the carbon State Supreme Court decision mandating that the state ful- tax initiative (I-732) that was soundly defeated by voters ly fund basic education. The Court has told the legislature in November. WAWG was concerned that the regulatory unequivocally that it must adopt a funding plan, including costs to comply with a carbon tax would raise fuel, fertil- revenue sources, by the time the 2017 session adjourns. izer, transportation and processing costs. As price takers, The state currently remains in contempt for failing to farmers cannot pass those costs on. The specific details adopt a funding plan and continues to accrue a daily fine of the governor’s new carbon tax proposal have not been of $100,000 that started accumulating in August of 2015. released at the time of printing, but if it raises the same Estimates are that the legislature must come up with as concerns as I-732, WAWG will oppose it as well. much as $3.5 billion over the next biennium for the fund- Another important issue for the agricultural commu- ing plan, but there is no agreement on the actual amount. nity in the upcoming session is a capital budget request to Finding that additional revenue is no simple task and is fund the new plant sciences building and the Washington sure to dominate the discussions during the 2017 session. Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Washington Disagreement on whether this requires new revenue (new State University. WAWG was pleased to see that the gov- taxes or raising existing taxes) or whether it can be done ernor’s proposed capital budget funded the construction based on existing revenue is going to be contentious. This of the plant sciences building, which will enable students may lead to at least one special session, if not more, to and faculty to carry out more cutting-edge plant science come to agreement. Two years ago, it took until June 30 research. However, the governor’s proposed capital budget to adopt an operating budget, and the stakes are much did not include funding for the Global Animal Health higher this year. Phase II, which is important to the agriculture community Each December, the governor gets the first cut in pro- as it’s the state’s only accredited lab combating animal posing a budget before session begins. Gov. Inslee did this diseases, zoonotic diseases and food-borne illness. last month, which also included his plan for funding edu- Finally, water is likely going to be a hot topic before the cation. The governor proposed raising $4.4 billion in new legislature in 2017. This is due to the recent Washington revenue through a $25 per metric ton of carbon emissions State Supreme Court case known as the Hirst decision tax, a 7.9 percent tax on capital gains in excess of $25,000, that restricts the use of exempt wells and severely re- an increase in the B&O tax on services and repealing cer- stricts rural development in the state. Both the Senate and tain tax incentives. House held work sessions on this decision recently and While the governor’s proposed budget begins the bud- heard about the havoc the decision is causing throughout get discussions, many of the proposals have been rejected the state. Several legislators have committed to introduc- recently by the voters (the carbon tax) and the legislature ing legislation to address the court case. WAWG will be (capital gains tax and closing of tax certain tax incentives) actively following these discussions.

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Wheat Life_Half_Bubble.indd 3 12/13/16 11:40 AM WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 19 WL POLICY MATTERS

In sum, the legislature has a lot Nation (WIIN) Act. The House approved the legislation on a 360-61 vote fol- of work ahead of them for the 2017 lowed by Senate action with a 78-21 vote. President Obama signed the legisla- session. WAWG will be participat- tion shortly thereafter. The bill included several provisions that will have an im- ing in their annual Olympia Days on pact on wheat farmers across the country. In particular, the bill ensures that the Jan. 17-19 to educate elected officials authorized funding through the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund will continue about the issues of importance to and authorizes a number of infrastructure projects to ports and waterways. the agricultural community, and Beyond waterways projects, the bill also includes a provision exempting con- we look forward to the opportunity tainers on separate parcels that have an individual capacity of not greater than to engage with the governor and 1,000 gallons and an aggregate capacity of not greater than 2,500 gallons from legislators. Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures requirements. Containers holding animal feed ingredients approved for use in livestock feed are also exempt. The legislation also includes drought provisions to expedite water storage and Continuing delivery as well as alternative water supply programs in the West. The provision also provides regulatory flexibility to capture more water in existing reservoirs resolution keeps during wet months in California. government open From NAWG Despite objections from some in the U.S. Senate over the bill’s contents, in mid-December, the chamber passed a continuing resolution (CR) to continue funding the federal government at largely FY 2016 levels through April 28, 2017. Unfortunately, action on a CR means that the funding increases for important wheat research programs that were included in the Senate and House versions of the FY 2017 Agriculture Appropriations bill are not yet enacted. The CR does contain a provision that would allocate resources to the Farm Service Agency’s direct and guaranteed operating and ownership loan programs, which have been in high demand following an extended period of low prices for wheat farmers. Water, SPCC laws reauthorized From NAWG In December, Congress final- ized legislation to reauthorize the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), officially called the Winter Infrastructure Improvements for the

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WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 21 BUILDING A FOUNDATION WHO ARE WE? The Washington Wheat Foundation was organized in 1988 to link growers and businesses as partners to support public information and research programs. The Foundation works to Working to advance the economically advance small grains industry the small grains by building support for industry by building programs and activities support through pro- Current board trustees volunteering their time to these efforts are (front row, from that increase public grams, activities and left) Ric Wesselman, past president; John Bartels, vice president; Pam Maier; Gail awareness of farming. Gering; Jim Kent; Katie Rosman; and Amy Reimer. Second row from left are Grant research that increase Miller, president; Mike Schrag; Jim Leffel, treasurer; Rusty McGuire; Amy Jenness, public awareness and administrative assistant; Tessa Wicks, secretary; and Ryan Janke. Not pictured is Walt Calendar: Neff. education. Washington Wheat WHEAT AMBASSADOR YEAR IN REVIEW—HALLIE GALBREATH Foundation meeting Feb. 13 at the Wheat Having the opportunity to represent the state of Washington as one of the 2016 Foundation Building in Washington Wheat Ambassadors has truly been a blessing. I am thankful to the Washington Ritzville, Wash. Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) for supporting me and making it possible for me to have had this experience. Washington Wheat Foundation meeting I remember standing in my kitchen just over a year ago and opening the letter informing me that I was being given the chance to be a wheat ambassador for the upcoming year. After June 5 at the Wheat receiving the good news, I was asked to prepare a presentation to deliver at the Washington Foundation Building in banquet during the Tri-State Grain Growers Convention. Arriving at the convention was Ritzville, Wash. nerve wracking and exciting all at the same time. Presenting in front of so many people who June Shoot June 14 at share the same passion for agriculture as I was an honor that I will never forget. Landt Farms in Nine Traveling to Olympia with WAWG was a unique opportunity that I would have never Mile Falls, Wash. had without the ambassador program. I met many inspiring people and gained insight into the agriculture and legislative world during this trip. As someone coming from a farm Reminders: background, it was fun to listen to other Washington farmers tell their stories to the legisla- • Like the National tors. My favorite thing about the trip was informing our legislators of the importance of Wheat Foundation protecting the wheat industry and the agricultural industry as a whole. Facebook page. Attending Ag Expo was another great experience. It was fun meeting more WAWG mem- • Remember the bers and answering questions for people who aren’t as involved in the industry. Foundation in your My final responsibility as a Washington Wheat Ambassador was to attend this year’s charitable giving. Go Washington banquet as they awarded the ambassadors that will represent our state for the to wawheat.org to find upcoming year. Watching them nervously prepare for their presentations reminded me of out more about ways how much I’ve learned since I was in their position just a year ago. They both did a wonder- that you can support ful job, and I am so excited for them to start their year as Washington Wheat Ambassadors. your industry. Overall, I am so grateful for this experience. I’ve truly enjoyed connecting with the wheat • Visit and share the growers’ staff as well as several farmers from across the state. Through the year, my appre- new “Let’s Grow ciation for WAWG and the supporters of the agricultural community has grown so much. Together” blog and I’m thrilled to continue to learn about the industry as I pursue a degree in agricultural food Facebook page. and business economics at Washington State University. I will carry the things I’ve learned this year with me as I continue to participate and grow in the agriculture field. My favorite takeaway from this year was realizing the immense support the farming community has, and I’m so proud to have been a part of that. Washington Wheat Foundation: P.O. Box 252, Ritzville, WA 99169 • (509) 659-1987 • wawheat.org

22 WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 Serving Donors. Strengthening Communities.

Strengthening communities in the Blue Mountain Region by serving donors in southeast Washington and northeast Oregon. Offering you – the landowners – the option of donating your farmland to the Community Foundation with the strong assurance that it will be kept in production with your family’s name, with profits devoted to the charitable causes or organizations you care about. BMCF’s experienced Board of Trustees and expert Farm Committee will provide oversight and technical assistance. Retaining exsisting tenant farmer is preferred and will be accommodated whenever possible.

Kari Isaacson, Executive Director Blue Mountain Community Foundation Walla Walla, Washington phone - 509.529.4371 email - [email protected] website - bluemountainfoundation.org

WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 23 WL FEATURE Ready, set, go... WAWG IS POISED TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AS THE 2017 LEGISLATIVE SEASON BEGINS

Leadership and staff of the Washington Association ment says it the best. “(We are) working for solutions to of Wheat Growers are always busy advocating for the problems of the farm, the farm home and rural community using Washington wheat industry, but January marks the unof- united, organized action to represent, protect and advance the ficial start of our equivalent of harvest season. On one social, economic and educational interests of wheat farmers of hand, we’ve got the state legislature set to convene on Jan. Washington State.” 9 with a large group of freshman legislators and a tricky budget to write. On the other hand, there’s a new federal administration taking over the oval office, which means a whole host of new governmental appointees we’ll need to establish relationships January is traditionally our with. We’ll be making legislative issue. On the fol- multiple trips to both the lowing pages, you’ll find a East and West coasts to handy list of all of our state make sure our voice is and federal legislators, as being heard. well as a profile of Sen. Judy For the past few Warnick. months, we’ve been prioritizing our state and national concerns. At the state level, with the need to fund education hovering over the legislature, we’ll be working to protect our ag tax preferences, advocating to keep existing ag program funding and working to find solutions to the call for increased pesticide regulations, water restrictions and taxes. At the national level, we’ll be working with our sister organization, the National Association of Wheat Growers, to make sure the wheat industry has a prominent voice in farm bill negotiation preparations. We’ll also be fighting back against those who want to cut crop insurance or otherwise damage our farmers’ safety net. It’s been a tough year for the wheat industry, with low prices, high expenses and the hits many farmers received from low falling number discounts. We will continue to work with the Risk Management Agency on how its falling number policy is being applied, and we’ll be supporting the efforts of the Washington Grain Commission and the Washington State Department of Agriculture to fine tune or replace the current falling number test. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover during this legislative session (both state and national), but fortunately, we’ve got a dedicated crop of leaders and members who are willing to get off the tractor, put on a tie and step into a legislator’s office. It may not be as satisfying as watching the wheat crop grow, but it is a vital part of protecting our livelihood. There are a lot of words you can use to describe what WAWG does, but in the end, we think our mission state-

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WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 25 State Representatives for your district, 1 Derek Stanford D-Bothell Shelley Kloba* D-Kirkland 2 Andrew Barkis R-Lacey state senators or J.T. Wilcox R-McKenna 3 Marcus Riccelli D-Spokane state representatives? Timm Ormsby D-Spokane LOOKING 4 Matt Shea R-Spokane Valley Bob McCaslin R-Spokane Valley leg.wa.gov 5 Jay Rodne R-Issaquah Paul Graves* R-Fall City 6 Mike Volz* R-Spokane Jeff Holy R-Spokane What the 2017 state State Senators 7 Shelly Short R-Addy 1 Guy Palumbo* D-Maltby 26 Jan Angel R-Port Orchard Joel Kretz R-Wauconda legislature is going to 2 Randi Becker R-Eatonville 27 Jeannie Darneille D-Tacoma 8 Brad Klippert R-Kennewick 3 Andy Billig D-Spokane 28 Steve O’Ban R-Tacoma Larry Haler R-Richland look like: 4 Mike Padden R-Spokane Valley 29 Steve Conway D-South Tacoma 9 Mary Dye R-Pomeroy 5 Mark Mullet D-Issaquah 30 Mark Miloscia R-Federal Way Joe Schmick R-Colfax State House of Representatives 6 Michael Baumgartner R-Spokane 31 Vacant 10 Norma Smith R-Clinton 7 Brian Dansel R-Republic 32 Maralyn Chase D-Shoreline Dave Hayes R-Camano Island 50(D) 48(R) 8 Sharon R. Brown R-Kennewick 33 Karen Keiser D-Kent 11 Zack Hudgins D-Tukwila 9 Mark Schoesler R-Ritzville 34 Sharon Nelson D-Maury Island Steve Bergquist D-Renton State Senate 10 Barbara Bailey R-Oak Harbor 35 Tim Sheldon D-Potlach 12 Cary Condotta R-Wenatchee 11 Bob Hasegawa D-Seattle 36 Reuven Carlyle D-Seattle Mike Steele* R-Chelan 25(D) 24(R) 12 Brad Hawkins R-E Wenatchee 37 Rebecca Saldaña* D-Seattle 13 Tom Dent R-Moses Lake 13 Judy Warnick R-Moses Lake 38 John McCoy D-Marysville Matt Manweller R-Ellensburg Sen. Tim Sheldon (D-Pot- 14 Curtis King R-Yakima 39 Kirk Pearson R-Monroe 14 Norm Johnson R-Yakima 15 Jim Honeyford R-Sunnyside 40 Kevin Ranker D-Orcas Island Gina R. McCabe R-Goldendale latch) has sided with Senate 16 Maureen Walsh R-Walla Walla 41 Lisa Wellman* R-Mercer Island 15 Bruce Chandler R-Zillah 17 Lynda Wilson R-Vancouver 42 Doug Ericksen R-Ferndale David V. Taylor R-Moxee Republicans in what’s 18 Ann Rivers R-Vancouver 43 Jamie Pedersen D-Seattle 16 William Jenkin* R-Prosser 19 Dean Takko D-Longview 44 Steve Hobbs D-Lake Stevens Terry R. Nealey R-Dayton known as the Majority Coa- 20 John E. Braun R-Chehalis 45 Dino Rossi R-Sammamish 17 Vicki Kraft* R-Vancouver lition Caucus (MCC). The 21 Marko Liias D-Mukilteo 46 David Frockt D-Seattle Paul Harris R-Vancouver 22 Sam Hunt D-Olympia 47 Joe Fain R-Auburn 18 Brandon Vick R-Battle Ground MCC controls the Senate 23 Christine Rolfes D-Kitsap County 48 Vacant Liz Pike R-Camas 24 Kevin Van De Wege D-Sequim 49 Annette Cleveland D-Vancouver 19 Jim Walsh* R-Aberdeen with 25 votes to the Demo- 25 Hans Zeiger R-Puyallup Brian E. Blake D-Longview crats’ 24. *Freshman legislator 20 Richard DeBolt R-Chehalis Ed Orcutt R-Kalama 21 Strom Peterson D-Edmonds Lillian Ortiz-Self D-Mukilteo 22 Laurie Dolan* D-Olympia WAWG’s 2017 Beth Doglio* D-Olympia The Washington State Legislative 23 Sherry V. Appleton D-Poulsbo state priorities include: Building is comprised of more Drew Hansen D-Poulsbo 24 Mike Chapman* D-Port Angeles • Fighting mandatory than 173 million pounds of stone, Steve Tharinger D-Sequim brick, concrete and steel. It is the 25 Melanie Stambaugh R-Puyallup carbon regulations Joyce McDonald R-Puyallup fth-tallest masonry dome in the 26 Jesse Young R-Gig Harbor world and the tallest in North Michelle Caldier R-Port Orchard • Ag tax preferences 27 Laurie Jinkins D-Tacoma America, rising 287 feet high. Jake Fey D-Tacoma • A safe and sound 28 Dick Muri R-Steilacoom Christine Kilduff D-University Place transportation system 29 David Sawyer D-Tacoma Steve Kirby D-Tacoma 30 Mike Pellicciotti* D-Federal Way Kristine Reeves* D-Federal Way That you can nd your federal senator or 31 Drew Stokesbary R-Auburn DID YOU Phil Fortunato R-Auburn representative by going to one of these 32 Cindy Ryu D-Seattle Ruth Kagi D-Lake Forest Park KNOW?sites: senate.gov or house.gov 33 Tina Orwall D-Normandy Park Mia Su-Ling Gregerson D-SeaTac 34 Eileen L. Cody D-Seattle Joe Fitzgibbon D-Burien U.S. Representatives U.S. Senators 35 Dan Griffey R-Allyn Suzan DelBene (D) 203 Cannon HOB Patty Murray (D) Maria Cantwell (D) Drew C. MacEwen R-Union District 1 - Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, 202-225-2006 154 Russell SOB 511 Hart SOB 36 Noel Frame D-Seattle King counties Derek Kilmer (D) Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510 Gael Tarleton D-Ballard 318 Cannon HOB District 6 - Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, (202) 224-2621 (202) 224-3441 37 Sharon Tomiko Santos D-Seattle Washington, DC 20515 Mason, Kitsap, Pierce counties Eric Pettigrew D-Seattle 202-225-6311 1520 Longworth HOB 38 June Robinson D-Everett Rick Larsen (D) Washington, DC 20515 What the 2017 Congress Mike Sells D-Everett District 2 - Whatcom, San Juan, Skagit, 202-225-5916 39 Dan Kristiansen R-Snohomish Island, Snohomish counties John Koster R-Arlington Pramila Jayapal (D) is going to look like: 2113 Rayburn HOB District 7 - Snohomish, King counties 40 Kristine Lytton D-Anacortes Washington, DC 20515 U.S. House of Representatives Jeff Morris D-Anacortes 202-225-2605 Dave Reichert (R) 41 Tana Senn D-Mercer Island District 8 - Chelan, Kittitas, Pierce counties 194(D) 241(R) Judy Clibborn D-Mercer Island Jaime Herrera Beutler (R) 1127 Longworth HOB District 3 - Pacific, Lewis, Thurston, Wah- 42 Luanne Van Werven R-Lynden Washington, DC 20515 U.S. Senate 2(I) Vincent Buys R-Lynden kiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, Skamania, Klickitat 202-225-7761 counties 43 Nicole Macri* D-Seattle Adam Smith (D) 46(D) 52(R) Frank Chopp D-Seattle 1130 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 District 9 - Pierce, King, Thurston counties 44 John Lovick D-Mill Creek 2264 Rayburn HOB Mark Harmsworth R-Mill Creek 202-225-3536 Washington, DC 20515 The 2016 elections saw a 79 percent voter 45 Roger Goodman D-Kirkland Dan Newhouse (R) 202-225-8901 Larry Springer D-Kirkland District 4 - Okanogan, Douglas, Grant, turnout in Washington state, with more than 46 Gerry Pollet D-Seattle Adams, Franklin, Benton, Yakima counties Denny Heck (D) 3.34 million ballots cast. Besides the race for Jessyn Farrell D-Seattle 1641 Longworth HOB District 10 - Pierce, Thurston, Shelton counties president, voters were choosing their 425 Cannon HOB 47 Mark Hargrove R-Covington Washington, DC 20515 congressional delegation, most of the state Pat Sullivan D-Covington (202) 225-5816 Washington, DC 20515 Legislature, the governor and all nine state- 48 Patty Kuderer D-Seattle 202-225-9740 Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R) wide executives, a third of the Supreme Joan McBride D-Kirkland District 5 - Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, 49 Sharon Wylie D-Vancouver Lincoln, Spokane, Whitman, Walla Walla, Court, nine ballot measures and a number of Monica Jurado Stonier D-Vancouver Columbia, Garfield, Asotin counties local races and propositions. *Freshman legislator State Representatives for your district, 1 Derek Stanford D-Bothell Shelley Kloba* D-Kirkland 2 Andrew Barkis R-Lacey state senators or J.T. Wilcox R-McKenna 3 Marcus Riccelli D-Spokane state representatives? Timm Ormsby D-Spokane LOOKING 4 Matt Shea R-Spokane Valley Bob McCaslin R-Spokane Valley leg.wa.gov 5 Jay Rodne R-Issaquah Paul Graves* R-Fall City 6 Mike Volz* R-Spokane Jeff Holy R-Spokane What the 2017 state State Senators 7 Shelly Short R-Addy 1 Guy Palumbo* D-Maltby 26 Jan Angel R-Port Orchard Joel Kretz R-Wauconda legislature is going to 2 Randi Becker R-Eatonville 27 Jeannie Darneille D-Tacoma 8 Brad Klippert R-Kennewick 3 Andy Billig D-Spokane 28 Steve O’Ban R-Tacoma Larry Haler R-Richland look like: 4 Mike Padden R-Spokane Valley 29 Steve Conway D-South Tacoma 9 Mary Dye R-Pomeroy 5 Mark Mullet D-Issaquah 30 Mark Miloscia R-Federal Way Joe Schmick R-Colfax State House of Representatives 6 Michael Baumgartner R-Spokane 31 Vacant 10 Norma Smith R-Clinton 7 Brian Dansel R-Republic 32 Maralyn Chase D-Shoreline Dave Hayes R-Camano Island 50(D) 48(R) 8 Sharon R. Brown R-Kennewick 33 Karen Keiser D-Kent 11 Zack Hudgins D-Tukwila 9 Mark Schoesler R-Ritzville 34 Sharon Nelson D-Maury Island Steve Bergquist D-Renton State Senate 10 Barbara Bailey R-Oak Harbor 35 Tim Sheldon D-Potlach 12 Cary Condotta R-Wenatchee 11 Bob Hasegawa D-Seattle 36 Reuven Carlyle D-Seattle Mike Steele* R-Chelan 25(D) 24(R) 12 Brad Hawkins R-E Wenatchee 37 Rebecca Saldaña* D-Seattle 13 Tom Dent R-Moses Lake 13 Judy Warnick R-Moses Lake 38 John McCoy D-Marysville Matt Manweller R-Ellensburg Sen. Tim Sheldon (D-Pot- 14 Curtis King R-Yakima 39 Kirk Pearson R-Monroe 14 Norm Johnson R-Yakima 15 Jim Honeyford R-Sunnyside 40 Kevin Ranker D-Orcas Island Gina R. McCabe R-Goldendale latch) has sided with Senate 16 Maureen Walsh R-Walla Walla 41 Lisa Wellman* R-Mercer Island 15 Bruce Chandler R-Zillah 17 Lynda Wilson R-Vancouver 42 Doug Ericksen R-Ferndale David V. Taylor R-Moxee Republicans in what’s 18 Ann Rivers R-Vancouver 43 Jamie Pedersen D-Seattle 16 William Jenkin* R-Prosser 19 Dean Takko D-Longview 44 Steve Hobbs D-Lake Stevens Terry R. Nealey R-Dayton known as the Majority Coa- 20 John E. Braun R-Chehalis 45 Dino Rossi R-Sammamish 17 Vicki Kraft* R-Vancouver lition Caucus (MCC). The 21 Marko Liias D-Mukilteo 46 David Frockt D-Seattle Paul Harris R-Vancouver 22 Sam Hunt D-Olympia 47 Joe Fain R-Auburn 18 Brandon Vick R-Battle Ground MCC controls the Senate 23 Christine Rolfes D-Kitsap County 48 Vacant Liz Pike R-Camas 24 Kevin Van De Wege D-Sequim 49 Annette Cleveland D-Vancouver 19 Jim Walsh* R-Aberdeen with 25 votes to the Demo- 25 Hans Zeiger R-Puyallup Brian E. Blake D-Longview crats’ 24. *Freshman legislator 20 Richard DeBolt R-Chehalis Ed Orcutt R-Kalama 21 Strom Peterson D-Edmonds Lillian Ortiz-Self D-Mukilteo 22 Laurie Dolan* D-Olympia WAWG’s 2017 Beth Doglio* D-Olympia The Washington State Legislative 23 Sherry V. Appleton D-Poulsbo state priorities include: Building is comprised of more Drew Hansen D-Poulsbo 24 Mike Chapman* D-Port Angeles • Fighting mandatory than 173 million pounds of stone, Steve Tharinger D-Sequim brick, concrete and steel. It is the 25 Melanie Stambaugh R-Puyallup carbon regulations Joyce McDonald R-Puyallup fth-tallest masonry dome in the 26 Jesse Young R-Gig Harbor world and the tallest in North Michelle Caldier R-Port Orchard • Ag tax preferences 27 Laurie Jinkins D-Tacoma America, rising 287 feet high. Jake Fey D-Tacoma • A safe and sound 28 Dick Muri R-Steilacoom Christine Kilduff D-University Place transportation system 29 David Sawyer D-Tacoma Steve Kirby D-Tacoma 30 Mike Pellicciotti* D-Federal Way Kristine Reeves* D-Federal Way That you can nd your federal senator or 31 Drew Stokesbary R-Auburn DID YOU Phil Fortunato R-Auburn representative by going to one of these 32 Cindy Ryu D-Seattle Ruth Kagi D-Lake Forest Park KNOW?sites: senate.gov or house.gov 33 Tina Orwall D-Normandy Park Mia Su-Ling Gregerson D-SeaTac 34 Eileen L. Cody D-Seattle Joe Fitzgibbon D-Burien U.S. Representatives U.S. Senators 35 Dan Griffey R-Allyn Suzan DelBene (D) 203 Cannon HOB Patty Murray (D) Maria Cantwell (D) Drew C. MacEwen R-Union District 1 - Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, 202-225-2006 154 Russell SOB 511 Hart SOB 36 Noel Frame D-Seattle King counties Derek Kilmer (D) Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510 Gael Tarleton D-Ballard 318 Cannon HOB District 6 - Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, (202) 224-2621 (202) 224-3441 37 Sharon Tomiko Santos D-Seattle Washington, DC 20515 Mason, Kitsap, Pierce counties Eric Pettigrew D-Seattle 202-225-6311 1520 Longworth HOB 38 June Robinson D-Everett Rick Larsen (D) Washington, DC 20515 What the 2017 Congress Mike Sells D-Everett District 2 - Whatcom, San Juan, Skagit, 202-225-5916 39 Dan Kristiansen R-Snohomish Island, Snohomish counties John Koster R-Arlington Pramila Jayapal (D) is going to look like: 2113 Rayburn HOB District 7 - Snohomish, King counties 40 Kristine Lytton D-Anacortes Washington, DC 20515 U.S. House of Representatives Jeff Morris D-Anacortes 202-225-2605 Dave Reichert (R) 41 Tana Senn D-Mercer Island District 8 - Chelan, Kittitas, Pierce counties 194(D) 241(R) Judy Clibborn D-Mercer Island Jaime Herrera Beutler (R) 1127 Longworth HOB District 3 - Pacific, Lewis, Thurston, Wah- 42 Luanne Van Werven R-Lynden Washington, DC 20515 U.S. Senate 2(I) Vincent Buys R-Lynden kiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, Skamania, Klickitat 202-225-7761 counties 43 Nicole Macri* D-Seattle Adam Smith (D) 46(D) 52(R) Frank Chopp D-Seattle 1130 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 District 9 - Pierce, King, Thurston counties 44 John Lovick D-Mill Creek 2264 Rayburn HOB Mark Harmsworth R-Mill Creek 202-225-3536 Washington, DC 20515 The 2016 elections saw a 79 percent voter 45 Roger Goodman D-Kirkland Dan Newhouse (R) 202-225-8901 Larry Springer D-Kirkland District 4 - Okanogan, Douglas, Grant, turnout in Washington state, with more than 46 Gerry Pollet D-Seattle Adams, Franklin, Benton, Yakima counties Denny Heck (D) 3.34 million ballots cast. Besides the race for Jessyn Farrell D-Seattle 1641 Longworth HOB District 10 - Pierce, Thurston, Shelton counties president, voters were choosing their 425 Cannon HOB 47 Mark Hargrove R-Covington Washington, DC 20515 congressional delegation, most of the state (202) 225-5816 Washington, DC 20515 Pat Sullivan D-Covington Legislature, the governor and all nine state- 48 Patty Kuderer D-Seattle 202-225-9740 Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R) wide executives, a third of the Supreme Joan McBride D-Kirkland District 5 - Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, 49 Sharon Wylie D-Vancouver Lincoln, Spokane, Whitman, Walla Walla, Court, nine ballot measures and a number of Monica Jurado Stonier D-Vancouver Columbia, Garfield, Asotin counties local races and propositions. *Freshman legislator WL FEATURE The ties that bind EASTERN WASHINGTON LEGISLATOR WORKS TO DEFEND SMALL BUSINESSES, AGRICULTURE

By Trista Crossley uses to educate her colleagues from both Although Washington Sen. Judy sides of the aisle about agriculture and Warnick isn’t primarily a producer, she rural development. has deep ties to the agricultural indus- “When I was given the gavel, it was try, and she’s known throughout the kind of fun. It’s lots more responsibility, state as a stalwart champion of farmers. but I can also help direct and craft legis- Warnick (R-Moses Lake) first entered lation,” she said, adding that the Senate public service in 2007 when she was leadership may expand her commit- elected as a state representative for the tee to also include trade. “Agricultural 13th District. In 2014, she ran to fill the products are dependent on good trade state senate position being vacated by lines, keeping those trade lines open Janéa Holmquist Newbry. Warnick and working with other countries and easily won the seat with more than 80 our own ports to keep them open.” percent of the vote. The 13th District One of the hardest parts of serving includes all or parts of Grant, Kittitas, in the state legislature for Warnick is Lincoln and Yakima counties. Warnick trying to convince people and agen- and her husband, Roy, own a small busi- cies who haven’t been on a farm or who ness in Moses Lake, and it was that business, she said, that have different goals than farmers that producers are good propelled her to first run for office. stewards of their land. “A lot of regulatory issues that the government decides “It’s frustrating when I hear that farmers don’t know impact our small businesses. That was the first thing that what they are doing,” she said. “It is a slow process to got me interested in state government and going over to educate not only agencies but other colleagues in the Olympia to advocate for small businesses,” she explained. legislature because a good many of them don’t understand “Since I’ve been there, I’ve realized how the ag community farming. I sometimes get impatient trying to say that we is really impacted as well. We are in need of legislators need the water, we need the land, and yes, we need to use that understand what farming is all about.” fertilizer sometimes. I get frustrated when it just doesn’t Warnick’s ties to Washington agriculture began with her seem to sink in that we are doing a good job.” maternal great-grandparents who homesteaded in the late Warnick encouraged farmers to get involved in local 1800s near Edwall. That farm remained in the family until and state associations, such as the Washington Association the 1980s, and Warnick, herself, grew up on a small farm of Wheat Growers, Farm Bureau and Grange. She said one in Deer Park. Besides their small business, the Warnicks of the most impactful things producers can do is travel also own a farm in Grant County that they lease out. to Olympia to meet with legislators and staff and invite That background, Warnick said, gives her a connection to them to tour farm operations. She emphasized the need to agriculture. She referenced a drawing she has hanging in include legislators’ staff, because of how critical their sup- her office of her uncles bringing in grain in horse-drawn port role is when crafting and understanding legislation. wagons in the 1920s. Looking at the upcoming legislative session, Warnick “It reminds me of where I came from. It’s in my blood said herbicide/pesticide regulations and the recent state and in my DNA to be a farmer,” she said, adding that supreme court decision that limits permit-exempt wells her favorite part of holding office is traveling around her are two of the challenges that agriculture will have to face. district and meeting people. “When we were told several And looming over everything is education funding. years ago that District 13 was going to include Lincoln “The biggest issue we are all facing is how to fund County, I was ecstatic. I love Lincoln County and the McCleary. It’s going to impact every other decision we people who live and work there.” make this year as far as budgets,” she explained, adding Warnick is chair of the Senate Agriculture, Water and that protecting current funding for ag programs is impor- Rural Economic Development Committee, a position she tant. “I’ll also be working with Sen. Sharon Brown and

28 WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 FEATURE WL others to educate the new administration in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), especially regarding leases. We are trying to put legislation together to make DNR be more flexible with farmers.” Sens. Warnick and Brown were both involved in an issue last summer regarding the early termination of DNR leases in Benton County. It was their involvement that encouraged DNR to offer some compensation to the farmers who were losing their leases and shed some light on DNR’s lease language that many farmers have found questionable. For more information see the November 2016 issue of Wheat Life at wheatlife.org/pastissues.html for more information. The two senators also recently hosted a farm hall meeting in the Tri-Cities to hear directly from the Washington State Sen. Judy Warnick owns a business in Moses Lake, as well as a small farm in Grant agricultural community about is- County. Photo courtesy of Judy Warnick. sues and topics of concern. Saving and protecting family farms was Warnick laughed but pulled no punches when asked what she thought the the biggest message Warnick heard role of government should be in a farmer’s life. from the attendees at the meeting. “Get out of the way. Give us the right to farm the way we know how to do Labor issues and encouraging young it. The government’s role should be to help with infrastructure, to build roads, people to take up ag careers were build railroads,” she said. “I just enjoy this job so much, representing good also discussed. See page 10 for more people trying to make a living and making the world a better place for their information. own children. I see that every day, not just in agriculture.” WARRANTY FOREVER!* POWERTRAIN PROTECTION, FOREVER! New & Used

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(From left) Chandler Goule, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers, moderated a panel on crop insurance at the recent 2016 Tri-State Grain Growers Convention that included Marva Ulleland, vice president of insurance services at Northwest Farm Credit Services; Rick Williams, senior risk management specialist at the Risk Management Agency’s (RMA) regional office in Spokane, Wash.; and Tara Smith, vice president of federal affairs with Michael Torrey & Associates. Covering crop insurance Convention panel discusses threats to farmers’ safety net

By Trista Crossley Convention in November. Also on the panel were Rick Folklore says things happen in threes, so perhaps its no Williams, senior risk management specialist at the Risk surprise that an expert in defending crop insurance has Management Agency’s (RMA) regional office in Spokane, identified three areas where the program is likely to come Wash., and Marva Ulleland, vice president of insurance under fire. services at Northwest Farm Credit Services. The panel was led by Chandler Goule, CEO of the National Association Tara Smith, vice president of federal affairs with Michael of Wheat Growers. Torrey & Associates, a governmental affairs firm in Washington, D.C., that represents the crop insurance and When it comes to cuts in crop insurance, Smith said the reinsurance bureau, said private sector delivery, means farm bill isn’t the only place where the knife can hide. She testing and cuts to the premium discount are the areas she pointed to the incident in October 2015 when a $3 billion expects to see targeted in the coming year. cut to the program was included in a federal budget bill. After a groundswell of grassroots protest, that cut was “I think as we look at the budget process and the appropriations process next year, we see three big buckets fixed in a later transportation bill. where you could end up seeing attacks to crop insurance, “Crop insurance can come up in the unlikeliest of because, for better or worse, this isn’t our first rodeo. places,” she explained. “We do have an annual budget and We’ve seen these attacks on crop insurance in the past, so appropriations cycle in Washington, D.C., and those are we sort of know where those hits are going to come,” she both opportunities for folks to take jabs at crop insurance, explained. so we really need to be diligent.” Smith was part of a panel answering questions about Also taking aim at crop insurance are organizations on crop insurance at the 2016 Tri-State Grain Growers the far right, such as the Heritage Foundation, and on the

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far left, such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG). acknowledged that there are some challenges with the FN Both of those particular groups have called for cuts to the coverage, such as discount tables, which are set a year in farmers’ safety net. Even newer members of Congress advance of harvest and often don’t match elevator dis- have expressed concerns with premium assistance, which, counts. Another concern with many growers is the fact Smith reminded the room, was put in place to encourage that a quality issue can impact yield. participation in crop insurance in order to move away “With FN discounts, you are covered right at the 299 from ad hoc disaster assistance. and below level. That covers even shallow losses, and “It worked,” Smith said, “And now that it’s worked, maybe that’s something we need to look at, because once everybody wants to go backwards, because a lot of those you are covered for a peril, you have to report any adjust- folks on the Hill now weren’t around in 2000 when these ment that peril may have cost your production,” Williams discussions were had the first time. We’ve been there be- explained, adding that other perils generally don’t kick in fore, and the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.” until damage levels are much higher. “So if you experience Education backed by solid facts is the way to counter those little losses that aren’t covered, we aren’t adjusting this kind of thinking, Ulleland added. She said all of the your APH (actual production history). Maybe that’s one commodity groups need to stick together and be strategic thing as a group that we need to really sit down and look in their approach to 2018 Farm Bill negotiations. it. Where do we really need to start covering FN? If the FN is 250 or higher, maybe you as a producer can take on that “These groups (speaking of Heritage and EWG) are risk, and we start discounting at something below that.” using less than statistical information to tell their story, and I think that’s one of the lessons we learned through Another question that was directed at Williams in- the last farm bill negotiation. The planes that land don’t volved how certain types of fire losses are handled for make news. People want to hear the scary part, the bad APH purposes. Currently, if a farmer experiences a part. That’s what makes the news. Farming has a great, combine fire that results in damage to a field, the loss isn’t great story to tell, and we need to get better at telling that,” covered by crop insurance because it isn’t considered a Ulleland said. naturally occurring event. According to Williams, in the mid-1980s, development of most crop insurance programs was turned over to private companies, with RMA assuming a more administrative CHROME ALLOY role. Once a crop insurance program is approved by the WEAR PARTS federal crop insurance board of directors, RMA works with private insurance companies to sell and service it to R & H Machine offers an extensive line of cultivator farmers. Besides educating both crop insurance companies points and shovels to fit S-tine, Triple K, or C shanks, and and consumers about existing and future programs, the KMC. All are cast of high Chrome Alloy to give extremely long life in abrasive soils. Our parts outwear standard or agency also works within the ag industry to make sure the hardfaced points by an average of twenty times. programs are working. “It’s always been our office policy that we get out and do Extremely long wearing as much as we can to help the growers understand what these products are, plus it gives us a boot on the ground,” Maintain uniform tillage Williams said. “We are out there and can see how the programs are working.” Save costly downtime In the Northwest, more than 70 commodities are covered by crop insurance. Williams said that as of Cut replacement costs November, RMA has paid out almost $14 million in losses to Washington wheat producers for the 2016 crop year. Uses standard hex-head bolt Low falling numbers (FN) is almost certainly respon- sible for some of those claims, and Williams was asked Shock absorbing washers included how RMA addresses a quality problem like FN. RMA implemented FN coverage in 2011 after Pacific Northwest R & H MACHINE . 115 ROEDEL AVE . CALDWELL ID 83605 grower groups approached the agency and asked for it to 1-800-321-6568 . www.rhmachine.com . 208-459-1507 be included in wheat policies under quality protection. Because FN is a problem in other areas of the country, Setting the Standard for Wear! the coverage was implemented nationwide. Williams

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is back in town Agricultural Marketing & Management Organization

By Trista Crossley Testing Program. He will be talking about how variety In just a few weeks, the Agricultural Marketing and selection impacts falling numbers. Management Organization (AMMO) will kick off its 2017 • Alex McGregor, president of The McGregor Company, schedule by taking aim on a subject Eastern Washington will give an industry perspective on the issue. wheat growers love to hate: low falling numbers. The AMMO falling numbers forum will be held In the past, AMMO workshops have focused on more Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, at the Sherman McGregor Training timeless topics, such as business succession or leadership Facility in Colfax, Wash., from noon to 4 p.m. As with skills. This year, the series is making an effort to address all AMMO workshops, lunch is provided, and WAWG current topics of concern, said Lori Williams, AMMO members are admitted free of charge. The fee for non- coordinator for the Washington Association of Wheat WAWG members is $25 per person. Advanced registra- Growers. tion is required at least three days prior to the program. “We wanted to meet some of the current needs of our Registration forms are available online at the website growers by being flexible and offering programs on more wawg.org/ammo-workshops. Interested individuals can timely topics,” she said. “Back in the fall when we began also register by phone at (877) 740-AMMO (2666). our planning process for this year, we wondered if falling “The AMMO program is a great value for WAWG mem- numbers would still be relevant in January. The further we bers,” Williams said. “We wanted to provide additional got into it, we realized it’s not going away. Even now, after benefits to our members, and one way we could do that harvest, people are still concerned with what causes low was to provide education programs at no charge.” falling numbers, the testing process, how to mitigate risk, Other sessions on the 2017 schedule are: etc.” • World Economic Outlook. Mike Krueger, founder There have been numerous falling number discussions of the Money Farm, will talk about who wins when it through the later half of 2016 throughout the region, but comes to world production vs. record world demand. WSU Williams said most of them seemed to focus on only one professor Randy Fortenbery will address the commodity facet of the problem. The AMMO workshop aims to be market situation and outlook. a one-stop shop that covers all the falling number bases, • Crop Insurance Outlook. Crop insurance experts will from what causes it to how it affects end-use products to address new policy changes for 2017 and discuss options what the industry is doing to help growers out. Part of the to better manage your risk in current economic conditions. session will also feature Bryan Liedl, a United Grain Corp. In addition, Farm Service Agency (FSA) representatives senior white wheat marketer who will talk about the mar- will demonstrate their latest online mapping tool, FSA keting issues surrounding low falling number wheat. Farm+, which allows growers to access and view their FSA Other speakers will include: data. • Camille Steber, a molecular geneticist with the • Agriculture Policy and Weather. Dr. Elywnn Taylor, a U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural professor at Iowa State University, will discuss the weather Research Service (ARS). Steber runs a lab on the outlook in 2017 and beyond, and how it relates to ag. Dr. Washington State University (WSU) campus that focuses Barry Flinchbaugh, a top advisor to the USDA and a pro- on genetics and disease research. She is known through- fessor at Midwest University, will address future ag policy out Eastern Washington as one of the experts on the under President Trump and the new Congress. genetic causes of low falling numbers. • Labor Management in Agriculture. This workshop • Craig Morris, director of the USDA-ARS Western will focus on regulations and documentation require- Wheat Quality Laboratory, will talk about the effects of ments that ag employers need to be aware of relating to low falling number wheat on baked products. payroll, Worker Protection Standards and more. Pesticide • Ryan Higginbotham directs the WSU Cereal Variety credits to be offered.

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WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 37 WL FEATURE WSU wheat and barley research, royalties FAQs From Washington State University with the remainder distributed among Washington State University (WSU) the WSU Agricultural Research Center, breeds cereals for diverse climates in the wheat or barley breeder and the Washington, with a focus on locally im- WSU Office of Commercialization. portant resistance traits and high stan- WSU royalties are priced competitively dards while training the next generation and are below private company royalty of plant breeders. rates. WSU does not set the total retail seed price—seed sellers do. In 2015, The cereal breeding industry is chang- gross royalties before expenses brought ing rapidly. Public breeding programs in $856,000. need adequate financial resources to remain viable. For the past four years, How do royalties benefit the WSU wheat and barley research has future of wheat and barley? been supported by royalties and protect- WSU is committed to releasing ed by plant-back restrictions, both critical to the long-term outstanding varieties by having the best wheat and barley survival of our public breeding program. breeding programs in the country. Royalties are reinvest- Below, WSU provides answers to frequently asked ed in our breeding and support programs to develop new questions in order to provide clarity about royalties and varieties addressing diverse market requirements and plant-back provisions. production conditions for Washington growers. Royalties and commercialization of WSU wheat varieties protect our What are wheat and barley royalties? germplasm, which has a 120-year development history. Royalties are payments made on each pound of seed Certified seed ensures that Washington wheat maintains sold from proprietary wheat varieties developed by corpo- consistent high quality, uniformity and is true to type rations and universities or research institutions. Royalties year after year. WSU varieties give farmers an option in are collected by seed dealers and are paid to the develop- addition to private company varieties and are developed ing company or university. Royalties are common in the specifically for the unique climatic regions of eastern seed industry. They have been established by all compa- Washington. nies as well as most public (university) wheat breeding For the next several years, royalties from WSU wheat programs. and barley varieties are being used to pay for WSU’s share Why did WSU begin charging royalties? of the cost of the new Washington Grains Plant Growth Facility, opened in fall 2015. This facility speeds and In 2012, in response to reductions in state support and improves the breeding process. Future royalties will be increased costs of developing new wheat and barley vari- reinvested in variety development (breeding) programs eties, WSU began charging royalties on all new varieties. and other research that supports variety development. Less than one third of the cost of WSU research, includ- Why does WSU use certified seed and “no ing variety development, comes from state and federal plant-back” restrictions? formula funds. The remainder of the cost is from extramu- ral sources. Costs for developing new wheat and barley Newer WSU varieties are protected under plant variety varieties have risen dramatically. Increasing demand for patents and/or contracts, where the seeds are sold under higher yielding varieties with excellent end-use quality a “no plant-back” restriction. To ensure genetic purity, and disease resistance that are specifically adapted to the identity and minimum established quality standards, royalty-bearing WSU varieties are available only as certi- various growing areas require advanced technology, more fied seeds. This protects the buyer as certified seeds and intense testing and seed increases conducted in locations the replanting restriction provide an assurance to the user such as Arizona or the southern hemisphere to reduce the that the purchased seed meets a specific standard level of time to development. high genetic purity, germplasm identity, high germinating How much do growers pay? ability and minimum amounts of other crop seed, weed WSU’s current royalty is 2 cents per pound of seed. seed and inert matter. Seventy percent of net proceeds from royalties are distrib- A list of WSU varieties that are under a “no plant-back” uted to the WSU wheat and barley breeding programs, restriction can be found at washgenetics.com.

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WHEAT LIFE WHEAT By Mike Miller By Mike Let’s use the the of PhilippinesLet’s example and their pur has man chosen a young with family, Joe, a young All the is while, Joe in with toe-to-toe combat the has seenJim Peterson markets built and collapse over there is a prediction from groupsYes, that some be The punchThe line is this: us of serving Those rep as your chase grain. assistantSowers, regional Joe vice president Associates Wheat based in Manila, U.S. for is essen This as an ischasing a group example. PAFMIL group largeof millers as that a single operate entity pur to tial taking for care a market of that is often the Pacific 1 customer soft of wheat. white No. Northwest’s raiseto his kids halfway to in around order the world Along farmers Washington make wheat help money. with his staff, nurtures he relationships throughout the Philippine grain chain. millers From bakers to and into the culture retail of and customer sales, if the wheat designed does not breeders have andthat private public will Joe or Not us first.a perform it hear perfectly, about business traded from over publicly a parent company or seas—him. then He has track to backwards. the problem in lay handling?Does Local it Shipping? milling? the At has thebakery? origin Or its possibly problem the at port thewhere grain an or upcountry loaded, was elevator field. a specificeven farmer’s Canadians, Russians Australians, and the Turks, rest of wanting a cheaper us price. at replace to the world thing one his But career. that remains the said, he same, is the ability service to the of the U.S. customer through Associates. commissionsstate Wheat With and U.S. increased as as well from the production the world, U.S. surplus the on and a huge books as this we maybe year, industry niche more need markets explore to that can inhelp times production. over of lieve inlieve will the we decades few next wheat be of short declining to to in due but order acres here domestically, smaller at look to build might markets, have more we countries and as during potential. little helps, Every bit and see years out the 10 look to tough the times, bad it’s possibilities future for growth. resentatives the on Washington Grain Commission take Revisiting ourour strategic markets plan very seriously. is a good thing. our is commission for a health It physical directionand provides the to also staff. each It of allowed us around the the table chance feel about we see to how arethe we serving roles in on can in, we and work what the future. - - - -

Our Vision Statement: Provide the world’s best small the Provide world’s Our Statement: Vision Our allocate Responsibly assess Mission Statement: build to theseIn on order takes it statements people One these of recently occasions in place took Denver, At our November Washington Grain Commission our November At Jim Peterson, vice president for research for vice Limagrain president Jim Peterson, at investment that University, The Washington State In export the we upwards case Washington wheat, of grains fundsment small benefit to grainproducers. as asfrom from much around our local the part world just the shoot or ment bull opportunities where on lie for in thewheat global markets. into the opportunities dove and we has that glob wheat meeting, revisited a refresher our we strategic plan for the most isn’t it me, Believe and any needed updates. our and CEO staff but have the end to day, way desirable condensed and fine tuned thisworkingdocument to the claritypoint of andminutes effectiveness.after Forty-five and begun, full had had our updates we made had we from each around seat engagement the table. ners. Ourners. job as commissioners and staff is connect to the the among dots with partners create to a better work we return our assessment investment for on payers. Cereal Seeds, those is of one partners and a longtime from meetings away and he I slide friend. Occasionally, share or each an on other’s catch to up airport layover families and kids, check the on develop status wheat of primarily necessarilybut inally, Jim and Asia. I don’t agree quality where lies in the trading standards, but agreed disagree to have we in belongs whether on a it circle”“target if or raising the “bar” a rating for system agree cannot that wheat however, do, is We the solution. sell itself. Limagrain, and othersSyngenta, are WestBred pouring into our better to state industry the wheat The is massive. changes these are bringing outlays industry the to wheat are a conversation sometimes that’s but controversial, anotherfor point here time. is that My are whether you breeding need you wheat operation, private or a public sellinghelp product. your the of same our Varieties 90 percent of of production. class are ports, segregated not and at the once vessel is becomes the it the to property country, intended loaded of a group or a single either company a government, of flour millers one. as operate that 42 WASHINGTON GRAIN COMMISSION WHEAT LIFE funding for K-12 for funding of believes some Jesernig But education. decision mandating additional the McCleary particularly said. Jesernig the votes to come we up with work policies can with,” like to build ag industries resource-based natural allowed companies and timber, are these the coalitions that have input processing, vegetable agriculture, around built tions and chicken grape and timber.for fruit or guys coali The other’s issues, that but time has since long Same passed. each less about cared and wheat guys guys the cattle cohesively.together might have There atime when been tant all for and of natural the ag resource industries to work Washington In any case, all it’s farmers. that impor more it is of fewer side the Eastern east losing because clout issue of population and demographics redistricting than in Washington state, at now but 38 stands to 11. at 31 began vide to 18 lines drawn were first district when east-west isside of the Cascades also The instructive. di each on of districts the number are tober state politics, no replacement gazing ball for experience Crystal 50 Democrats to 48 Republicans. to 48 50 Democrats versus In the House, 24 the split isDemocrat, Democrats. Republicans, and a conservative coalition of 24 by amajority led Jan. 9with the Senatebegins session legislative day regular operative. political (WGC) Washington Grain Commission’s takes own,” alife of on its the said each legislativebecause session what may maydict or not happen, body.the law-making itcomes to ball when has crystal lobbyist no ture turned of agricul legislator of the state department and director legislative session will play Unfortunately, out. the former would haveJesernig the inside track how on the 2017 the Washington State Legislature, you might think Jim Numerous issues face state lawmakers this session, Iwould but argue itis an more is amajor shift, “That As important as the majority of Rs and Ds in and Ds each cham of Rs as the majority important As life of the upcoming 105-The thing in one all I’ve that learned time is not to pre “The 30 sessions of in observing or participating After

JANUARY 2017 ------problem. is everybody’s problem commodity’s as almost it’s one if agriculture’s Washington coalition shrinking, Jesernig said with but industries, wine grape or fruit tree the as itaffects as much wheat the industry don’t affect migrants, illegal what happens,” justit’s said. wait and see he kickedright But in. now,that get tariffs bunch of retaliatory will have We’ll that problems. whether ends up with a see with his and into we get rhetoric, campaign war, atrade we nificant stays trade he If concerns. completely consistent particular. in of Washington the lifeblood and wheat farmers in general trade, any makes regarding moves he particularly erning, how the president’s translates rhetoric campaign into gov cially the wheat industry,” said. he to Washington critically important be agriculture, espe are to going they manage the issues their purview under Trump Those problems. appointees and howportation Columbia-Snake we have system, barge rivers’ trans huge tocan’t get market the is Without essentially worthless. of abushel grain that that because is in Colfax industry ofthe mindsWashington of segment ahuge wheat table. dam breaching the puts on That back river operations. regulating which Opinion been had down the Biological to Simons, Michael of strike Portland, hasout decided Judge Court District aFederal because important That’s will have influence over the Columbia-SnakeRiver System. absolutely huge,” indicating said, appointees both Jesernig Administration) are appointments two Fisheries. Those (National NOAA for Oceanic and Atmospheric Protection Agency) and the Northwestern Administrator 10are the Region Administrator the EPA for (Environmental in President Trump’s hands. agriculture regional be will decisions affecting the biggest Meanwhile, there are other issues that could agricul fall issues, likeOther how the new president deals with think“I that philosophically President Trump has sig TrumpOther influences maybe felt depending upon thing on important the most decision is probably “That “Two the state for appointments federal of the biggest - - - - - WASHINGTON GRAIN COMMISSION 43 WL ------JANUARY 2017 JANUARY

WGC REVIEWWGC WHEAT LIFE WHEAT “The grower is conscientious, but for a number rea “The of conscientious, is grower biotypeThe newly discovered a little just not is resistant Jeanette work student, is Rodriguez, graduate a WSU When it comes to Jesernig’s work for the WGC and the the and for WGC the work Jesernig’s When to it comes One getting priorities those of is a capital budget applying that the 1950s the known since have Scientists Jesernig is also involved with transportation with and involved issues Jesernig also is implement funding to ensure helpingJesernig to also is cide resistance. In this instance, the grower had been grower the grow instance, this In resistance. cide years. five for more than basis on wheat a yearly winter ing system. the compelled use was sons to By working togeth jointed the of control complete feel that er we optimistic biotypegoatgrass possible before opportunity is an it has more effec can The we spread. how to question remains, herbicide and stewardship?” success grower facilitate tively Burke asked. greenhouses the experiments In in conducted Beyond. to more times resistant 144 is goatgrass resistant the WSU, at some get out response of even plants. To susceptible than biotype, resistant the the times six use had to researchers labeled Beyond. of rate use known is It identify to ing resistance. of mechanism the tant perspectivetant industry for agriculture and wheat the in he said. urban in Washington,” rural even and advancing two are agri “we priorities that industry, wheat better things make order in to around coalescing is culture said. he farmers ranchers,” for and build sciences plant million $59 the includes passed that While it might University (WSU). State Washington at ing putnot Jesernig money farmers’ in said the pockets now, fundinglegislature’s of the new building will help farm effectivecompeting at with cropping are our systems weeds. but no weed The manage competitive, systems are it.” lasts input ment overuse if we same herbicide every more rapidly selects year for herbi discussion he’s involved with. involved discussion he’s That’s anincredibly impor ers prosper long the in run. As part package, of all that of supporting is industry, wheat the $38 including agriculture, center diagnostic finish theanimal two-thirds of to million at WSU. on the already protectingwith ag the tax all incentives books. be defense going on to “We playing defending are protecting and we how now, have we taxthe incentives food.” produce the Voluntary Program, Stewardship now in the planning capi million operating request million a $16 and stages. A $5 Commission Conservation State the budget from tal request year. this before bewill coming legislature the - - - - - , the scientist who is leading the the leading who is scientist , the

A trait developed by BASF developedA trait BASF by me“If back when had asked I started you working on Researchers have been lookingResearchers have for imazamox resistant “He very much brings a rural Washington angle to any any to angle “He very a rural Washington brings much “In other states where EPA’s WOTUS rule has ex rule has WOTUS “In where states other EPA’s Speaker House Schoesler, Majority Mark Leader “Senate Jesernig said having Sen. Mark Schoesler, a RitzvilleJesernig Sen. said Mark Schoesler, having research. “The fact that more than 10 years have passed “The have years research. fact 10 more than that how of introduction indication an is herbicide’s the since through mutagenesis—a process mutagenesis—a process through exposing wheat involves which its alters which a chemical bath to herbi make-up—farmersgenetic Beyond been using have 2006 in expect whenthis to Beyond to see to resistance it have should said ‘we have I would goatgrass, jointed in said Ian Burke already!’,” goatgrass since the first the Clearfield since goatgrass were varieties wheat Eastern in Washington on a widespread basis planted beginning in crop the 2003/04 a team Thirteen later, years year. University State Washington of announced has scientists (WSU) biotype found a resistant they in field. the kill a host on to wheat cide their weeds, of goatgrass with list. the of top the at Selecting for resistance a long time coming resistance a long Selecting for Frank Chopp and Governor Jay Inslee, those are the top top the are those Inslee, Governor and Chopp Jay Frank he said, in brokers power three referring the to three,” a find to striving always is Schoesler Olympia. Although Jesernig state, puts said he never for entire the balance hat. rural Washington or his hat wheat his away tion. EPA’s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) nonpoint regulatory U.S. the of (WOTUS) Waters tion. EPA’s “navi constitutes view what of rule expansive their with been has gable waters” bedeviling farmers U.S. the across make not may repealing WOTUS state, Washington But in for bigfarmers. a difference of that Washington. Eastern for ence ture’s way. Trump has made it clear he’s no fan regula of he’s made it clear has Trump way. ture’s wheat farmer and leader of the state senate’s Majority farmerwheat leader and senate’s state the of a big differ makes a position power of in Caucus, Coalition panded EPA’s jurisdiction to little jurisdiction to creeks, authority that is panded EPA’s see I don’t benefit much Unfortunately, go away. to likely most already same the of restrictions since here, have Department of been State) applied (Washington the by of pollute’ interpretations to underEcology its ‘potential Act. voluntary, That’s why Water Clean State’s Washington incentive-based stewardship programs are so important to said. he farmers,” Washington’s 44 WASHINGTON GRAIN COMMISSION WL WHEAT LIFE the commission’s Life Wheat the Washington of Commission Grain portion Review (WGC) Once monthpast a year,for the effort. I have the recorded It!,” was All born. About “Wheat and the podcast, system, to that merge with anew delivery talent saw that Ineeded up. print Awriter for publications all my professional life, I of delivering information had changed, and I hadn’t kept to read the magazine. acommissioner board, didn’t he told me have(WGC) time Washington Grain Commission an issue discussed by being the Life a Wheat Two years out Ipointed ago, when difficult more becoming tofind. likewith amagazine Life Wheat is faster. time to sit The down we conduct our lives. Everything reach. was of out nobody adoption, swift a and after along, came phones the news of the day. cell Then to his get commentfarmer on to had wait untilyears ago, to Ioften 8p.m. reach awheat nowAnd aword from your director of communications asked to help protect and prolong the use andasked prolong to protect help are producers Wheat System. Production Beyondof benefits herbicide and Clearfield gram is essential the long-term to preserve multifaceted resistance management pro emphasis resistant on jointed goatgrass. A an Production System—with Clearfield® of the benefits the long-term at preserving WSU“BASF research is supporting aimed program/. samples-to-the-wsu-resistance-testing- atProgram smallgrains.wsu.edu/submit- to the WSU Resistance Testing Herbicide submitted be can samples Questionable with which theysamples have concerns. they are managing and to submit any to scout jointed goatgrass patches in fields wheat. goatgrass to aClearfield that resistance did not result across from of WGC REVIEW Some of you maySome have with my earlier experimented I realized then the technology wasAt I crestfallen, first, Technology has how changed 30 as an agricultural working reporter Istarted When BASF has issued the following statement: Growers and fieldmen are encouraged

JANUARY 2017 article that addressed article section, providing it as a sort providing itas asort section, is is Commission Grain Washington the for communications of Yates, director A. Scott - - help preventhelp resistance of the onset herbicide in weeds.” to Guidelines Stewardship Clearfield the in highlighted requirements and byrecommendations following technologies fulness ofthe specific these acre. an ounces 36 than more were rates until toBeyond torespond failed goatgrass jointed resistant The Beyond. of acre per 6ounces at treatment after days 23 biotypes (right) resistant and (left) Susceptible horse’s mouth. Tracy. the world wheat market the news about from Get the retirementpresident of Alan of upon the organization to be Associates,overseas Wheat soon U.S. for operations this to is thetune episode into! Listen to the end. river closure.the ongoing Plus, you if want to sing, hear me about AssociatesWheat talking rounds the program out Walthrew, Steve Seattle. alandlord from of U.S. Wirsching as wellwith Janet program, educational as an interview the WGC-funded Kaelber, Week, of Wheat Kara the director Growers Convention.Grain There’s with also an interview in apresentation bill at strategy the Tri-State farm ing out his about background talking and lay Growers, of Wheat Chandler the new CEO Goule, of the National Association thedoes work. ing auto to atractor. steer It’s great to have, the tractor but Washington wheat industry. It! is All Wheat like About add read coverbe to cover by any and all value the who audience,is ized Life second Wheat to none and should Life Wheat ment for people. thatcast of agreater the attention would merit of number to pod create myencouragement, became aweekly goal Life Wheat of Episode 2is Vince Peterson, all vice about president of in January. debuts Episode 1includes new podcast The It! isn’t AllWheat as About areplace intended to serve on tape. Last fall, however, Last tape. on with my board’s . As a magazine devoted amagazine to. As aspecial - - - - - WASHINGTON GRAIN COMMISSION 45 WL - - - JANUARY 2017 JANUARY

WGC REVIEWWGC WHEAT LIFE WHEAT - as program director. After running of four years more than Bippert, had been working the at 35, “It amazes me always Bippert in up grew com the as occurred just graduation “My WGC, the of saidGlen Bippert’s CEO Squires, place, I took and retired his Mick “When Tom Reporting for duty! Grainone short, employee Washington the (WGC) its to full comple returns Commission staff of ment Januaryin the of addition with BippertJoe Department State Agriculture of Washington marketing its manager of as international program. served also He has a hops field as Departmentsupervisor state’s the in and of Services (DES). Enterprise career has my turns the very but ex I’m taken, of all focus to now cited energy on is grain. It my begoing to a refreshing Bippert said. challenge,” loggingMaytown, community a small south tree Olympia.of on a 120-acre family lives His degree farm He his business received in there. 2008 in focus estate real a with from finance University. Young Brigham he said, crashed,” market estate real mercial a and Washington led back to which him job DES. the with There, he managed mil dollars of contracts of lions between U.S. the Department food state and Agriculture of agencies. distribution do double to experience duty him allow will at knowledge of his Although commission. the Spanish) fluent (and marketing international analytical advantage, it’s his an and is skills experience made him contracting state that in particularly attractive. the As agency, a state under a host falls regulations of commission and requirements. Bippert’s presence in the is expectedoffice contracting to be allow to to freeing upSquires done more efficiently, energy tasks the additional to which devote put money farmers’ in pockets. a person hired has It me. never replace we to been a challenging—and sleepless—few years get everythingto Joe on is that but done, now be will board, commission grain the I believe moreeven effective,” Squires said. - - - - - , and he has his pulse on how the Trump Administration will will Administration Trump the on how pulse his he, and has Think of how cell phones have changed our lives in the last 20 years. 20 last the in changed lives our phones have cell how of Think Take a moment right now and pick up your smart your up pick and now phone a moment right from the Take Change is tough, but ultimately rewarding. Adding a new arrow arrow a new Adding rewarding. but ultimately tough, is Change For those who don’t have smart phones, who those have can Wheat don’t All stream For you Wheat All About It! has a Facebook About a Facebook Wheat All has It! About for Wheat All aiming podcasts It! I’m be to entertaining, in be may they meaning minutes, 20 of average run an will Programs I understand can be phone spotty cell coverage country, the in Episode 4 includes excerpts from Charlie Plumb’s emotional pre emotional Plumb’s excerpts from 4 includes Episode Charlie Episode 3 is devoted to Phillip Brasher’s presentation at the Tri-State Tri-State the at presentation Brasher’s Phillip to devoted 3 is Episode Listening to a podcast to Listening about farming wheat Eastern in Washington ears. your to be but music it could transformational, be that won’t table beside you or out of your holster, pocket or purse. If you have pocket or purse. have If you table holster, beside or out your of you About for Wheat All Or WGC the It! search go to account, iTunes an there. from download and above mentioned website of technology to your quiver of tools will not only make you more you only not make will tools of quiver technologyof your to industrythe of aware youprovides for more that make itefficient, will lifestyle. family’s your and you About It! over your computers. Go computers. wagrains.org/cast. your to About over It! page where I’ll post fea of photos listen the of belief many my It’s that minutes. 25 to anywhere from 15 On are there hand, other the connections can be satellite and costly. is fast, 4G where coverage Washington Eastern throughout locations free provide or wifi. that locations coffee trip your Getavailable on a for parts town throughout to Librarians sip. download and you while been also let to contacted only not willing are and have rural areas your help they wifi,set their will up use podcastpatrons download. sentation during the grain grain the during sentation Vietnam-era A convention. he talked prisoner war, of about resiliency the the of four episodes spirit. All human be Beginning will released once. at Februaryin episodes new be will re leased week. each tured individuals and PowerPoint from There slides presentations. is address, email an also [email protected]. books photo about all and sound. have formative Think about of it. We about it sounds. nothing how looks agriculture have butwhat we like, a piece machinery of think you or special have other vehicle You smart your of phone feature record the Use noise? a lovely makes Record it Got address. a good above the to email and farming joke? on the are Words song, Special Treat? our intro like sendand it in. You send and version own it in. I want your or recite page. Sing Facebook HEARto from you! town—or get to to drive far the to to that have reach ers to I want farm—and about learning industry wheat their spent. well time is Grain Growers Convention last November. Brasher is senior of editor is Brasher November. last Grain Convention Growers AgriPulse impact listen. A must agriculture. 46 WASHINGTON GRAIN COMMISSION WHEAT LIFE SEED, COMPANIES INPUT AND CHEMICAL SCALE LOOK ECONOMIES FOR OF Merger mania Thomas B. Mick Endowed Endowed Mick B. Thomas State University’s (WSU) (WSU) University’s State Director of Washington Washington of Director at Washington State State Washington at School of Economic Economic of School Chair in Economics Economics in Chair Randy Fortenbery University Alan Love Sciences

JANUARY 2017 2016. are farmers aresult, As $123.8 2013 in billion to $71.5 in billion from years, U.S. four fallen last has income farm economy. farm sagging the in found be Over the can market. the impact on likely the to determine more difficult at it once,” much happening making of stuff amount Love as Or put companies. it, six ing “There’s ahuge place nearly involv simultaneously mergers taking three are there instance, Only, combination. proposed this in a from result will that prices in changes likely to project techniques and guidelines well-established are there mean that lower efficiencies costs. in result will scope and of scale economies that and small be of reduced will competition effects petitive anticom the that argue will companies the said Sciences, of State Washington University’s (WSU) of Economic School Love, more innovation? or less innovation Alan in result director or input it lower prices Does higher anticipate input prices? it Will wave consolidation atsunami.” become has this like looks Grassley Charles (R-Iowa)by Sen. he said,“To combinations, potential to look me, the into it world’s ofpercent the organized At pesticides. ahearing of percent all 64 patented and seed September, Bayer Germany-based to buy for Monsanto $66 agreed billion. amount). for Monsanto asimilar Then, in from offer down an Syngentater had turned products. agricultural represent would one of which combination, would out companies initial created be of the years, three two within that is plan the combined, be would companies two initially the Although billion. end of 2017, before the could occur nies deals. opposition to the barring Yates ScottBy A. Much of the reasoning behind all of these mergers mergers of these all behind reasoning Much of the mergers laws and guide But, that policy he said,the farmer? for the or abad farmer thing for the thing agood consolidation is So would 59 (later sell four) standing left three companies the mergers go through, three all If Next for 2016, up, Syngenta billion (not February $43 offered in long af ChemChina, 2015, amerger December valued in at off $130 announcing Dow things DuPont and kicked even compa larger three into companies chemical and seed large The of six consolidation R W ASHINGT EP ON GRAINC OR - - OMMISSION TS - - WGC REPORTS WL

Farmers will need to get smarter from the neck up to compete Dana Herron doesn’t mince words talking about ciency by big companies provides opportunities for in- what increased consolidation in the seed and chemical novative farmers to cut their costs in a similar fashion industry will mean for Eastern Washington and boost their bottom lines. farmers. The co-owner of Tri-State Seed “Little guys have to be smarter and farm and a commissioner for eight years on the from the neck up rather than from the neck Washington Grain Commission, he said the down. You put five or six guys together and ultimate loser is going to be the farmer. suddenly you’re a big guy. What’s wrong “He is already being shoved in a corner, with that? If a combine costs three-quarters and now he’s going to pay more for seed and of a million dollars and a tractor three or four chemicals. In the economic outcomes I’ve ex- hundred thousand dollars, you will see shar- perienced, increased consolidation has never ing. You have to work the system. The system meant cheaper prices,” he said. is the system,” he said. “The key is you need WASHINGTON COMMISSION GRAIN But Herron said you’ve got to play with the to pay attention to change, and see how you hand you are dealt. Dana Herron can adapt.” Co-owner of Tri-State He anticipates that just as companies are “I don’t think objecting (to the mergers) is Seed in Connell, Wash. worth the time. We have to work with it, and merging, the drive to achieve “economy of the sooner the industry comes to that conclusion, the scale” in farming will continue. better off we will be,” he said. “With equipment so expensive, you have to cover For Herron, the current wave of consolidation actu- more acres. Whether you like to admit it or not, there ally started a decade ago and is simply now cresting. will be fewer of us, a lot fewer. Eventually, we’ll see joint ventures, like potato and vegetable processors, “The economic considerations have already taken and when that happens, you will see the elimination place. There are already fewer input suppliers and of smaller farms because the big guys like to play with fewer people generally dealing with agriculture—that the big guys,” he said, adding that he’s already seen it all shook out 10 years ago. It is not going to get any occur in his business. worse. It has already taken place,” he said. “If I’m not doing business with the big guys, I’m not But he is not without hope. The drive toward effi- going to have a business,” he said.

spending less on seeds, fertilizer and pesticides. That in Monsanto), or the deal can get hung up anywhere along turn is hurting the large companies’ sales. CEOs view a long line of government agencies that have a regulatory mergers as a way to build the bottom line while boosting duty to sign off on it. One of the first stops in the U.S. for market share and growth. They also say it will increase deals that cross national boundaries is the Committee on funding for research. But opponents say lack of competi- Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS). tion will stifle innovation and raise prices, both of which This committee can prevent mergers (even those where will ultimately affect the consumer. the companies aren’t based in the U.S.) citing national Randy Fortenbery, who holds the Thomas B. Mick security issues and has done so recently in two deals chair in economics at WSU, said it is true that research is selling U.S. technology companies to the Chinese. CFIUS incredibly expensive. recently looked at the Syngenta/ChemChina deal, how- “You do have to have a certain economy of scale to pull ever, and didn’t try to block it. It also didn’t try to stop it off. But if you are only one of a couple of large firms, the sale of Smithfield Foods to a Chinese company last then that reduces the incentive to broadly innovate,” he year. said. But CFIUS isn’t the only potential roadblock to a merg- It is not a sure thing whether any of these proposed er. The Federal Trade Commission or the Department mergers is going to become a reality. The company of Justice could also try and block the deals. And then being purchased may not want to sell (see Syngenta/ there’s the U.S. Congress and President Donald Trump.

WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 47 WL WGC REPORTS Wheat’s contribution to state’s economy By T. Randall Fortenbery Table 1: Washington agricultural exports ranked by value Washington wheat prices have declined over the last Fruits, Fruits, Other plant Vegetables, Dairy Year Wheat fresh processed products* processed products few years, but the sector remains an important contribu- 2000 1 2 3 4 5 6 tor to the Washington economy. This is particularly 2001 1 2 3 4 5 6 true in Eastern Washington. Because most of the wheat 2002 1 2 3 4 5 6 grown in Washington is exported, the wheat sector 2003 2 1 3 4 5 6 brings a significant number of new dollars into the 2004 1 2 3 4 5 6 Washington economy. Table 1 shows wheat’s ranking 2005 3 1 2 4 5 6 among all Washington agricultural exports by year. 2006 3 1 2 4 5 6 2007 1 2 3 4 5 6 Understanding the overall importance of the wheat 2008 1 2 3 4 5 6 sector when considering public policy alternatives is 2009 4 1 3 2 5 6 critical. Policy changes that affect agribusiness will not 2010 3 1 2 4 5 6 only impact the wheat sector directly, but other business- 2011 1 2 3 4 5 6 es in communities supported by wheat sector activities 2012 3 1 2 4 5 6 (the wheat sector includes wheat production, processing 2013 2 1 3 4 5 6 2014 4 1 3 2 5 6 and transportation to market). *Includes sweeteners and products, other horticulture products, planting seeds, cocoa, coffee, and other processed foods. Recently completed research at Washington State SOURCE: USDA ERS University (WSU) estimates the economic contributions of wheat to the broader state of Washington’s economy. Indirect effects result from the farmer buying inputs This provides insight to legislators and others of the role or services for the farm, including seed and fertilizer wheat plays in Washington. The study was completed in from a local dealer or machine parts from an implement the summer of 2016, but because of the lag in publishing dealer. The money spent with the dealers represents an data, the analysis is based on 2014 data. additional economic contribution from the farmer because the dealers can now use the new revenue to make The research uses a technique called input-output purchases for their businesses. By estimating the part analysis (I-O). I-O is widely used to measure the contri- of dealers’ business purchases that result from business butions an economic entity has to an overall economy. It with the farmer, we can identify the farmer’s additional identifies the interactions between various players in an economic contribution beyond his/her direct contribu- economic system and leads to the estimation of multi- tion from selling wheat. This contribution helps dealers pliers that reflect the total economic activity generated pay wages to employees, buy electricity from the local based on a specific sector’s activity. For example, the utility and buy fuel from the local distributor, etc. analysis can measure how a dollar earned by a wheat Induced effects come from the farmer spending rev- farmer is circulated among other local businesses when WASHINGTON GRAIN COMMISSION WASHINGTON enue from selling wheat on personal goods and services. the dollar is spent and the contribution that makes to the For example, he/she takes their family to a movie at the larger economy. local theater or stops at the local restaurant for lunch. An I-O model can be thought of as a spreadsheet that The sum of all the effects—direct, indirect and induced identifies the flow of dollars between buyers and sellers. effects—comprise the farmer’s total contribution to eco- The columns represent buyers (those in demand of goods nomic activity. Some of the effects will be local, but some and services) and the rows sellers (suppliers of goods will transcend the local community because all goods and services). An individual cell represents the exchange and services cannot be provided locally. between a specific buyer and seller. To conduct I-O analysis, we need to know the total Three things are generally of interest in an I-O analy- export sales of the sector of interest (to measure the sis: direct effects, indirect effects and induced effects. All direct effect) and the business expenses incurred (these three can be measured in two different ways: through are needed to estimate the indirect effect). For the wheat total revenue generated from sector sales, or through study, we aggregated all wheat sales across regions jobs supported by a sector’s activity. In both cases, direct and across wheat classes and then developed a cost of effects represent an individual business or business sec- production budget for each wheat class in each produc- tor’s sales to other sectors. If a farmer sells $100 worth of tion region. Production regions were divided by rainfall wheat for export, then the farmer’s direct contribution to zone, and total wheat sales across each zone separated the economy is $100. by winter and spring wheat allowing for total revenue to

48 WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 WGC REPORTS WL be impacted by different prices for Table 2: Historic Washington wheat data* spring and winter wheat. Acres Bushels Price Value Data on Washington wheat Year Planted Harvested (000) Yield Produced (000) per bushel Produced (000) 2000 2,475 2,420 68.1 164,880 $2.70 $443,369 production was estimated based 2001 2,460 2,350 55.9 131,350 $3.23 $423,681 on National Agricultural Statistics 2002 2,450 2,390 54.3 129,770 $3.83 $496,873 Service data and average prices 2003 2,400 2,345 59.4 139,345 $3.75 $521,163 across each rainfall zone. Table 2004 2,330 2,275 63.1 143,500 $3.68 $524,493 2 provides a summary of total 2005 2,280 2,225 62.6 139,300 $3.32 $456,316 Washington wheat production and 2006 2,280 2,225 62.1 138,250 $4.49 $617,865 value over time. While the 2014 2007 2,170 2,137 58.7 125,342 $7.58 $949,132 2008 2,290 2,225 52.7 118,790 $6.26 $745,163 value of Washington wheat produc- 2009 2,290 2,225 55.3 123,085 $4.85 $594,267 tion was well below values during 2010 2,330 2,285 64.7 147,890 $6.24 $925,265 the relatively high-priced years of 2011 2,380 2,345 71.6 167,880 $6.80 $1,134,673 2011-2013, they were still quite high 2012 2,200 2,165 66.6 144,125 $8.06 $1,162,209 relative to earlier years. 2013 2,210 2,175 66.9 145,530 $6.97 $1,014,032 WASHINGTON COMMISSION GRAIN 2014 2,320 2,250 48.2 108,460 $6.59 $714,858 Because the value of total wheat * 2015 Data from NASS suggests that total value of wheat production declined even further in 2015, to $629.1 million. sales varies from year to year, actu- SOURCE: USDA ERS, NASS al estimated contributions also vary a bit from year to year. Despite this, Table 3: Direct effects however, the actual multipliers are Industry Sales (000) Value Added (000) Income (000) Jobs relatively stable across years unless Wheat Production $625,500 $97,126 $40,665 1,904 there is a significant change in an Wheat Transportation $47,079 $21,427 $14,670 231 economy’s business structure (i.e. Wheat Processing $52,520 $4,686 $2,221 35 the impact a single dollar earned Total Direct Effects $725,099 $123,240 $57,555 2,170 by a farmer has on the economy does not change significantly from Table 4: Total contributions by industry and type year to year—he/she may just have Industry Sales (000) Value Added (000) Income (000) Jobs Wheat $644,684 $100,105 $41,912 1,962 fewer dollars to circulate in some Transportation and Warehousing $76,234 $34,894 $23,406 356 years). Flour Milling $52,959 $4,725 $2,239 35 Tables 3 and 4 show the estimat- Agriculture $154,415 $119,065 $104,542 2,708 ed contributions of the Washington Forestry $147 $104 $96 1 wheat sector in 2014. Because the Mining $3,635 $1,228 $448 18 Utilities $16,335 $7,406 $2,164 17 economic contribution of a sector is Construction $13,972 $6,264 $4,781 79 based on new dollars brought into Processed food $5,471 $1,026 $626 47 an economy, wheat sales in Table Manufactures $94,067 $16,836 $6,231 77 3 are about 88 percent of the total Wholesale and retail trade $85,387 $57,108 $31,136 518 wheat revenue reported in Table 2. Services $309,005 $195,568 $94,228 2,214 This is the value of wheat that was Miscellaneous $18,776 $5,123 $3,936 135 actually exported from Washington Total $1,475,089 $549,453 $315,744 8,168 and resulted in new dollars enter- ing the Washington economy. An Table 3. However, these jobs support another 2,708 jobs in the broader agricul- additional amount of the total tural sector (Table 4). Thus, the jobs multiplier from wheat to other agricultural wheat sales reported in Table 2 is industries is 1.24; every job in the wheat sector supports another 1.24 jobs in captured in the wheat processing other agricultural industries. For the entire economy, the wheat sector jobs category. This represents wheat multiplier is 3.76. A similar calculation can be made to derive the total sales sold in Washington that was pro- multiplier, or a measure of how each dollar in wheat sector exports contributes cessed and then the flour exported. to additional sales in other sectors. Based on Tables 3 and 4, the total wheat From row 4 down in Table 4 the sector sales multiplier is about 2.03. multiplier effects are identified by It is important to note that the contributions estimated only account for industrial sector. For example, di- farmers’, processors’ and transporters’ wheat activity. Because many wheat- rect jobs in the wheat sector (includ- related businesses are also engaged in other agricultural activities, these ing production, transportation and estimates represent the lower range of the total economic contributions of processing) are 2,170 as reported in agribusinesses engaged in the wheat sector.

WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 49 50 WASHINGTON GRAIN COMMISSION WHEAT LIFE precedented. The world produced awheat of almost crop un is years. This nine last sevenwheat of the in crop world the that produced is has arecord production chart estimate. or stress. no crop little with conditions growing and of excellent result moisture the be Thatmal. could also alower nor havemight in content resulted protein than frost/freeze the events not much. anything, impacted If butyield reductions, it’s evident now were yields that of significant fears caused that September in freezes and of frosts aseries West spring. and suffered Australia winter were probably ever their best throughout the (east of Australia west) nearly and all across Conditions of wheat. That up is awhopping 2015. 35 from percent produce 32.6 will mmt Australia that is latest estimate Science Economics and Resource and Agricultural anew,set Bureau of record. The Australian all-time top grades. two the in be will crop durum 20 of percent the than less that are estimates even worse. Some was affected crop durum the appears grade or ones It twos. wheat will spring crop of the percent 50 than Less wheat durum. spring and with lems (including snow). prob That quality some crop created cold wet and turned period harvest problem the that is U.S.covered covered Canada’s the Canada. western also that conditions excellent generally The growing same year. last from percent now production is up to year. be forecast last 44 Durum down 7.32015. actually is acres Harvested from percent at pegged 53.2 acre.is per in That up 42.8 bushels is from upis 15 year. last from percent The average wheat yield 31.7 (mmt). to be tons now metric estimated million That Wheat downward market drums W The most interesting thing about the world about the wheat thing The most interesting 1shows latest world the Chart wheat production now to wheat forecast also is crop The Australian not asurprise. are production estimates The Canadian WASHINGTON COMMISSION GRAIN

JANUARY 2017 HEAT December. Total wheat production is in wheat again production estimate Canadian their increased Stats Canada dead biggerget of the winter. even in MikeBy Krueger World wheat to production continues The negative wheat beat on. goes W - - - ATCH estimate of how many acres of winter wheat of how of winter U.S. acres many estimate farmers lowand prices. big world of the year because surplus marketing coming fewer be of wheat acres the planted in will there assume in 2016. 2015 significantly in again before falling also We 2007/08. wheat in high prices and 2009 in peaked Acres 2010 and 2008, 2009 in record soared the following area world the in vested decade. area over last the Harvested decade. isn’t demand, it’s awesome the production over last the years. The problem wheat nine with last the in records rapidly,ed but seven production not enough fast to offset world newsgood that is expand wheat also has demand The 2012. numbers. in mmt incredible 640 Those are than 760 2016. in mmt That to compares aworld of less crop Chart 1:Chart World production wheat World wheat harvested area (in 1,000 HA) area 2: harvested Chart wheat World 205,000 210,000 215,000 220,000 225,000 230,000 The U.S. Department of Agriculture will release their their release will The U.S. of Agriculture Department wheat 2shows the har what with happened Chart has

2006/2007

2007/2008

2008/2009

2009/2010

2010/2011 Wheat

2011/2012

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2015/2016 The Hightower Report

2016/2017 - - WHEAT WATCH WL

Chart 3: All U.S. wheat acres already reporting a significant increase in soybean seed sales for 2017. It’s hard to paint a bullish wheat picture today based on current fundamentals of big U.S. and world wheat production and ending supplies. There is no question world wheat acres will be lower in 2017. The question, of course, is what will yields be in 2017? There are some problems with the U.S. hard red winter wheat crop across the Southern Plains. The western areas (roughly 25 percent of the region) had a very dry fall. Some of these acres never germinated, and those acres that did have very shallow root systems. The weekly drought monitor map clearly shows the areas being impacted.

It was also very cold in mid-December. There are some WASHINGTON COMMISSION GRAIN similar issues with the winter wheat crop in parts of Chart 4: Wheat-COT-Futures and Options the Black Sea region. The critical months are March and April. The last remaining bearish wheat market factor is that the speculative trading funds continue to hold record (or near record) large short positions in Chicago wheat futures. They have been short the wheat market for many months now. There has been no reason to force them to cover these short positions and likely won’t be a reason until and unless there are significant crop problems in Brazil or Argentina over the next few months or conditions remain dry across major world winter wheat production regions next spring. Chart 4 shows the size of the fund short position in Chicago wheat futures and options. planted in the fall of 2016. Most analysts are looking for World corn and soybean supplies also remain very another decline in winter wheat acres. Hard red winter large following record yields in 2016. Soybean prices wheat prices in the Southern Plains are, in some cases, have remained firm in the face of a huge U.S. soybean below $3 per bushel. Basis levels are at all-time lows export program. There have also been some early season and by a very wide margin. Ending supplies of hard red weather concerns in Argentina. It was warm and dry winter wheat will be very large. there into mid to late December. The key to corn will be Some analysts believe that Kansas farmers will plant how Brazil’s Safrinha corn crop (their second crop corn) the lowest number of wheat acres in more than 100 develops in January and February. This crop was significantly smaller in 2016 because of hot weather during years. Total U.S. winter wheat acres will likely decline pollination. by a million acres or more. Chart 3 shows the history of U.S. wheat acres going back to 1996. The 2017 chart point Mike Krueger is president and founder of The Money Farm, will be another sharp leg down. We also expect to see a a grain advisory service located in Fargo, N.D. A licensed com- significant reduction in spring wheat acres next spring. modity broker, Krueger is a past director of the Minneapolis Soybean yields and prices simply blow wheat returns per Grain Exchange and a senior analyst for World Perspectives, a acre away across the Northern Plains. Seed dealers are Washington, D.C., agricultural consulting group.

The good news is that world wheat demand has also expanded rapidly, but not fast enough to offset seven production records in the last nine years. The problem with wheat isn’t demand, it’s the awesome production over the last decade.

WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 51 WL FEATURE Calling all angels Old German churches are as much a part of Adams, Lincoln counties’ landscape as wheat fields are | Story and photos by Heidi Scott

We love our barns. We preserve our schoolhouses. But to bulge. Ben Roth, the local carpenter who had been hired when we come home, we come home to our churches. In to help... “Spent many sleepless nights before deciding to install Adams and Lincoln counties, many of these churches are two long, heavy horizontal iron rods through the interior of the markedly European in design, thanks to the influence sanctuary, which could then be tightened to line up the exterior of German settlers, many of whom came from the Volga walls.” (Leisle et al, 3) His solution worked, and the walls region of Russia. are sturdy to this day. In 1862, 14 covered wagons containing 17 Russian- A far cry from the elaborate Gothic and Renaissance German families arrived in Ritzville. After settling home- cathedrals of their homeland, the immigrants believed in steads, the new arrivals planted wheat, just as they had in simplicity. Their churches were built to be adaptable, used Russia. They were undaunted by the remote conditions, not only for worship, but also for community events, meet- even though the closest city was Walla Walla, a five-day ings and celebrations. The church was the community journey away. They thrived despite the odds. center, and German was the principle language of teach- It’s interesting to note that these Germans lived for more ing and worship, at least initially. than a century in Russia without assimilating into the “Hearing familiar words and songs was important to those Russian culture. Yet after coming to America, they were who had come so many miles to the Pacific Northwest and knew assimilated within a generation. In America, they were they would never return to their native soil. At the same time encouraged to prosper and given the respect they craved. some of these churches offered second services in English and It also helped that they found common religious ground in gave instruction to adults to help them learn the new language.” their new home. (Pearson, 8) “While by no means all of the German immigrants were Church services were traditionally held four times a devout Christians, it is clear that many of them regarded their week: Wednesday evening, Saturday evening and Sunday Bibles as being just as indispensable as their rifles or plows. Once afternoon and evening. a German farmer had settled his family in some modest degree of comfort, he made the organization of a church and … church One item that distinguishes nearly every church is the building a top priority.” (Wirsing, 53) presence of a steeple. This was deliberate. Steeples were designed to catch the attention of anyone scanning the The immigrants stoutheartedly worked to build their horizon, advertising where worship services were offered. churches despite little money, few convenient materials It also served to remind people, “If you can see the church, and limited free time. The settlers rarely had professionals then the church—and God—can see you.” (Stemp, 14) at their disposal. It was common for leaders and interested members to work out designs themselves and hope for the The steeples of five German-heritage churches can still best, but sometimes this didn’t work. During construction be seen rising into the skies of Adams and Lincoln coun- of the Zion Church in Ritzville, the height of the steeple ties. Three of these are still offering services for local and weight of the roof was too much, and the walls started congregations.

References and Towns in Northcentral and Northeastern “Russia-Germans Come to Settle Area,” Washington,” Kjack, A. J., Luminary Media Adams County Centennial Edition: 1883-1983, “125th Anniversary Celebration: Group, 2003. 1983. Celebrating the History of German Congregationalism in Ritzville.” Zion “A Brief History of Zion Congregational “The Secret Language of Churches & Congregational Church booklet. United Church of Christ on the Occasion of its Cathedrals: Decoding the Sacred Symbolism Centennial Year,” Elizabeth Leisle and Betty of Christianity’s Holy Buildings,” Richard Journal of the American Historical Society Telecky, 1988. Stemp, Duncan Baird, 2010. of Germans from Russia. Edited by Ruth Amen, 1978. “Early Churches of Washington State,” “Builders, Brewers, and Burghers: Arnold Pearson and Esther Pearson, Germans of Washington State,” Dale R. “Steeples and People: Country Churches University of Washington, 1980. Wirsing, 1977.

52 WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 FEATURE WL

(Above) The Zion Congregational Church United Church of Christ in Ritzville, Wash., was completed in 1901 and cost $6,000. (Below) The church is still used today for services and community activities. The Zion Church When it was first organized, the church was called the German Evangelical Zion Church. Today, it is called the Zion Congregational Church United Church of Christ, but is often referred to simply as the “Zion Church.” The church is located three blocks from the railroad tracks and a block off Main Street in Ritzville. In those days, churches were traditionally built at least a block away from the main business areas of the towns in order to keep distance from saloons or other businesses of ill repute. Completed in 1901, it has had at least six name changes since it’s organization, but the Zion Church building is beautiful under any name. “The shingled cylindrical turrets at each corner of the belfry and at the front corner of the main roof are the most distinc- tive feature of this church. Also unusual are the spherical metal finials on top of the turret and steeple.” (Pearson, 150) welcomed into the fold of the Zion Church in the 1930s and The building was completed at a cost of $6,000. 40s. Congregations ebbed and flowed and pastors came and The church is still being used for services and com- went, but the church has remained a keystone of the commu- munity activities today. A majority of the members nity ever since the first pastor, Reverend August Boether, was of both the Rosenoff and Immanuel churches were hired in 1888.

WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 53 WL FEATURE The Rocklyn Church In the early 1880s, a number of German immigrants organized a Methodist congregation near the Rocklyn railway station between Davenport and Harrington, meeting in the home of Gottlieb and Mina Mielke for six years. They hired their first pastor in 1884, the pioneer minister Reverend Adam Buehler, who organized German missions in Rosalia and Ritzville. In 1889 on an unassuming dirt road six miles west of Highway 28, they built the Zion United Methodist (Below) The Zion United Methodist Church of Rocklyn was originally built in 1889. Still used Church of for service today, it sits on a lonely dirt road between Davenport and Harrington, Wash., surrounded by wheat fields. (Above) The interior of the building has been remodeled Rocklyn. The several times through the decades. (Left) The walls of the church are lined with photos of its church was re- founding families, including this one from the Ludwig Hoffman family taken about 1897. placed and rededicated in 1905 and continues to hold services to this day. Legend says that the founders of the church told their sons to always take care of the church after their fathers died. The original deed to the church was six acres, including space for the church and cemetery. Five of those acres are voluntarily farmed by members who donate all the profits back to the church. Many of the descendants of the original founders continue to attend. Some members even travel from Hawaii to attend the Christmas service and other special events. Current pastor Michelle Mitchell says she works hard to keep the church open with services and community activities. “I certainly don’t want it to close on my watch,” she said.

54 WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 FEATURE WL The Rosenoff Church The First German Congregational Church, also known as the Rosenoff Church because it sits on Rosenoff Road, was the first church building con- structed in the area by the Russian-German settlers in 1888. It has also been referred to affectionately as the “Mother Church.” The church was built five miles west from what would later become Ritzville. The congregation aligned with practices of a pious religious organization called “The Brotherhood,” with laymen leading services, supported by visits from ministers. The congregation used oil lamps to light the room, with men and women sitting on opposite sides. In 1912, the first car came to Adams County, chang- ing everything. It wasn’t long before the members re- (Above) The First German Congregational Church was alized it was much easier to drive the now-convenient built in 1888 on Rosenoff Road few miles to Ritzville than it was to maintain the west of Ritzville. Photo courtesy building and pay for the ministers they had eventu- of Ron Jirava. (Below) Today, the building stands behind the ally chosen to lead the congregations. The Rosenoff home of Ron Jirava and is used church closed in 1916. Today, the building stands as a shop. (Right) Owner Ron behind the home of Ron Jirava, a former president of Jirava found one of the church’s original arched windows filled the Washington Association of Wheat Growers. with frosted glass. He hopes to Jirava’s great-grandparents owned the land where be able to restore it. this church stood. For a time, it was used for dances and meetings, then for grain storage. Eventually, tired of farming around it, they moved the aging structure so it could be restored and repurposed as a shop in 1955. Jirava still uses the shop, preserving the outside of the building as best he can. “Dad should never have painted it red,” he said. “Those paint advertisements that say their paint doesn’t weather are not true. They should test it here in Eastern Washington. All the dry weather with no humidity is terrible on paint.”

WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 55 WL FEATURE

(Below) The Christ Lutheran Church stands 16 miles north of Davenport. It was built in 1906 by residents of Egypt, Wash., a community that has largely since disappeared. (Above) Weekly services are still held in the church. It also functions as a community center.

The Christ Lutheran Church Mollenauer in 1891, who held services in the school build- Sixteen miles north of Davenport, in the almost-ghost ing until they could build their church in 1906. town of Egypt, this building greets travelers with open “Materials were purchased in Spokane and hauled to the doors. Despite the sparse population, this pristine German construction site by members. The church was used only for reli- Lutheran church still functions as a community center. gious services and the congregation followed German tradition: In 1882, Andrew Reinbold and his uncle walked 670 men sat on one side of the church, women and children on the miles from Miles City, Mont., to Fort Spokane, where they other.” (Pearson, 166) a heard rumors that a railway would extend north from True to their German heritage, a brass band was formed Davenport. A handful of young friends and family joined by the members to accompany services. them from southern Germany, and they all settled just a Eventually, the town of Egypt faded due to the growing few miles from Fort Spokane. use of the automobile, the abandonment of Fort Spokane The first church service was held in the home of and the railway that never came. But the church remains a Reinbold in 1890, and the small congregation hired Pastor glistening tribute to the community that once was. Seed, Fertilizer & CLASS 8 TRUCKS Chemical Application 521 N. EASTERN • SPOKANE, WA Equipment (509) 534-9088 • [email protected] AGPRO designs the drill to YOUR specs….. Three Drill Frame Designs! Two Opener Styles! Four Seed/Fertilizer Point Options! Seed Boxes from 70-210 bushel!

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WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 57 WL FEATURE

(Above left) The German Evangelical Congregational Immanuel Church was built between 1900 and 1908 just a few miles north of the Rosenoff Church, west of Ritzville, Wash. Photo courtesy of Dennis Thompson. (Above right) The original plaster work still shows part of a German phrase meaning, “The Lord is in his temple. All the world is silent.” The metal plates that cover the ceiling are original to the structure. (Below) The property the church sits on was purchased by Dennis Thompson in 2005. He is working to restore the building.

The Packard Church The interior of the church is still remarkable. Some of the original plaster work remains with a German phrase Originally called the German Evangelical that translates to, “The Lord is in his temple. All the world Congregational Immanuel Church, this building has also is silent.” The congregation quit holding services in 1933 been referred to as the “Packard Church” or “County and sold the property to Otto Amen who took down the Line Church.” It sits just a few miles north of the Rosenoff steeple and opened the front of the church and installed Church down a bumpy dirt road and was erected some- bay doors. It was used to store equipment and vehicles for time between 1900 and 1908. decades. The steeple was 154’ 5” and overlooked wheat fields in Dennis Thompson bought the property in 2005 and is every direction. The original church had three rows of working to restore the building to its original splendor. He pews, and the floor was built to slope seventeen inches has been able to gather the tip of the steeple, some original toward the front, probably so those sitting in back could pieces for the interior and poured a new foundation for see a little better during the services. A special clamshell a steeple. From the written minister histories, as well as ceiling improved the sound of the choir and organ. At its marriage, death and membership records, which are all peak, the property included a parsonage, two outhouses, a in German, Thompson can track the history of the church barn for storing wood and coal, a horse barn, an in-ground back to 1917. He also has the bank statements. altar and a parking area for horses and buggies. It served the community of Packard and the families of the Blue “They sure bought a lot of Christmas candy that year,” Bell School. Thompson said. Washington Wheat Foundation Annex (in Ritzville, Wash.) Rental Includes: Seats 100 • Full service kitchen • Wi-Fi Free coffee and tea • Pull out wall divider 2 large screens • Free parking 18 x 22 lobby to gather or serve buffet Separate board meeting room (seats 12) $50 (0-4 hours) or $100 (4+ hours)

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WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 59 THE BOTTOM LINE What is the whole farm revenue protection program? By Curtis Evanenko the insurance year for the WFRP policy begins and will The McGregor Risk Management Services impact how this policy will fit your operation. WFRP The 2014 Farm Bill authorized expansion of risk man- is designed to work as a standalone policy or in concert agement tools for growers, including Whole Farm Revenue with individual MPCI policies. If WFRP is purchased Protection (WFRP). WFRP provides a risk management along with a MPCI policy, the WFRP premium is reduced safety net for all commodities grown or raised on the farm by the liability credit provided from said MPCI policy. under a single insurance policy. In effect, the WFRP policy Correspondingly, any indemnities received on the indi- is a revenue insurance policy for the farm tax filing entity. vidual MPCI policies will be considered revenue to count The WFRP policy protects the insured for loss of anticipat- under the WFRP policy. ed revenue due to unavoidable natural causes that occur This past August, the RMA made two significant chang- during the insurance period, which include: es that make WFRP more applicable and better suited for • Drought; our region. First, wheat was expanded to include different commodities by type and practice, i.e. summer fallow, • Freeze; continuous cropping, irrigated, nonirrigated and spring • Market volatility; and and winter wheat are now each a separate commodity • Quality issues such as too high/too low protein or low type. Additionally, dry peas were further divided into two falling numbers. commodities, creating dry peas and garbs/chickpeas com- WFRP provides the opportunity to protect contract modity types. Lentils were already a separate commodity prices for commodities, whether specialty grains or by type. This will allow producers growing wheat, pulses or forward contracting or preselling production, or assuring other small grains rotations to qualify for higher levels of top prices for commodities subject to quality such as hay, coverage. fruit or vegetables. Traditional Multi-Peril Crop Insurance An insured may obtain a maximum farm revenue (MPCI) policies are not able to capture the full value or coverage of $8.5 million with WFRP. The approved farm additional prices that are in play with commodities. For revenue amount is determined from your farm operation example, if you raise any commodities for seed production report and is the lesser of expected revenue for the insur- that provide a premium in addition to the market price, ance year or your whole farm historic average revenue. WFRP will allow you to capture the premium plus the The following information is necessary to obtain WFRP base price, protecting the full value insurance: of those bushels grown. A traditional • Five consecutive years of farm tax revenue protection policy or yield pro- Sponsored by the history (Schedule F or other farm tection policy can only offer the Risk Agricultural Marketing tax forms). For tax year 2017, 2011- Management Agency’s (RMA) estab- 2015 Schedule F forms or similar lished price or projected harvest price. & Management are required; A hay producer who wishes to insure Organization. • If farm tax forms other than the quality of their product (traditional For more information and Schedule F were filed, it must be policies, if available, assure tonnage a schedule of classes visit possible to complete a substitute but not quality) can consider a WFRP Schedule F form; or policy and protect the expected value wawg.org/ammo-workshops/ of high quality hay produced. • Qualified beginning farmers and ranchers require three years of With that said, WFRP is not for farm tax history. all operations nor is this a magical crop insurance policy. The farm tax WFRP is not a one-size-fits all policy, year, whether a calendar year filer or rather, it should be customized to fit a fiscal year filer, determines when the individuality of your particular

60 WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 THE BOTTOM LINE WL farming operation, including your Coverage Level .50 .55 .60 .65 .70 .75 .80 .85 level of comfort for assumed risk. The coverage level you qualify for Qualifying Crops - 1 .670 .640 .640 .590 .590 .550 n/a n/a depends upon the number of eligible Qualifying Crops - 2 .800 .800 .800 .800 .800 .800 n/a n/a commodities produced in the opera- Qualifying Crops - 3 .800 .800 .800 .800 .800 .800 .710 .560 tion. A diversification calculation is Factor Subsidy completed to determine the qualifying revenue threshold necessary for delay contacting your crop insurance agent to get the documentation gathering each qualified commodity. What process initiated. Additional WFRP eligibility requirements include: matters and is of significance is the total annual farm revenue and the • Cannot not have an underlying CAT coverage on any crop; amount of revenue from each par- • Information supporting recent farm operation expansion; and ticular crop. Livestock can also be • Commodity diversification requirements have been met. an eligible commodity, but expected Every farm’s crop insurance needs are different, and what works for one farm sales cannot exceed $1 million. may not work for another. There may be factors unique to your operation that Catastrophic (CAT) coverage is not this column doesn’t address, making any possible WFRP policy different than available, and coverage levels range what I’ve covered above. Please work with your crop insurance agent to find the from 50 to 85 percent: best crop insurance fit for your situation. • Two or fewer commodities allow Have a blessed and prosperous New Year! up to 75 percent coverage; and

• Three or more eligible com- Curtis Evanenko has more than 25 years of crop insurance experience serving the modities allow 80 percent and 85 Pacific Northwest from both the wholesale and retail sides of the business. He cur- percent coverage. rently serves as a risk management advisor with The McGregor Risk Management A premium subsidy of up to Services and has accreditations as an agribusiness and farm insurance specialist (AFIS) with International Risk Management Institute Inc., as well as a certified insurance coun- 80 percent is available. The chart selor (CIC) with The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. He can be outlines coverage level, subsidy and reached at (509) 540-2632 or at [email protected]. qualifying commodities required for W F R P. To give you an idea of protection and cost with the liability credit for an underlying MPCI policy, here are some examples of WFRP guaranteed revenue (liability) and the corre- sponding premium: • 2 commodities at $800,000 revenue, $5,000 premium; • 5 commodities at $750,000 revenue, $4,000 premium; • 4 commodities at $450,000 revenue, $6,000 premium; • 6 commodities at $1.3 million revenue, $12,000 premium; or • 3 commodities at $900,000 revenue, $7,000 premium. WFRP is now available in all counties in all 50 states. The sales VISIT US AT closing date for our region is Mar. 15. If you have any interest at all, don’t www.wheatlife.org

WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 61 Beating the storm east of Almira in July 2016 Photo by Alison Viebrock

In the middle of winter’s cold and snow, sometimes it’s hard to remember what the fields will look like come summer, like this wheat field in Harrington. Photo by Jillian Connolly

These two have a love for each other and harvest! Taylor (3) and Ashlyn Taylor (1) take a “tractor” seat near Kamiak Butte in Whitman County. Their parents are Jarod and Ali Taylor. Photo by Alishia Taylor Your wheat life...

(Above) Gideon P. Foged (10 months) got to visit daddy (Wade Foged) and grandpa (Jens Foged) on the family wheat farm in Mansfield, Wash., on the first day of harvest. Photo by Abby Foged. (Left) Grandson Carson Greene (16 months) checking the wheat at Greene Ridge Farms in Asotin County. Photo by Mark Greene.

Don Sieverkropp drives the combine, while Karl Sieverkropp takes over the semi during harvest near Creston. Photo by Shelley Sieverkropp. HAPPENINGS

All dates and times are subject to change. Sherman McGregor Training Facility, AND FSA TOOLS. AMMO workshop Please verify event before heading out. Colfax, Wash. Lunch is provided. focusing on crop insurance options No charge for WAWG members; cost to better manage risk in the current JANUARY 2017 for nonmembers is $25. Preregister economic conditions. Crop insur- 6-7 CASCADIA GRAIN CONFERENCE. at least 3 days in advance by calling ance policy changes for 2017 will also Learn about the latest science, (877) 740-2666 or print out and mail be discussed. Farm Service Agency techniques and developments for form at wawg.org/ammo-workshops/ personnel will also be on hand to growing small grains and pseudo- demonstrate their new online map- grains in Western Washington. South FEBRUARY 2017 ping tool. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Puget Sound Community College 7-9 SPOKANE AG EXPO. The largest Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla in Olympia. Registration required. farm machinery show in the Inland Walla, Wash. Lunch is provided. No cascadiagrains.com Northwest. More than 250 agriculture charge for WAWG members; cost for nonmembers is $25. Preregister 9 WAWG BOARD MEETING. Meeting suppliers and service companies all at least 3 days in advance by calling starts at 10 a.m. at Washington Wheat under one roof. Held at the Spokane (877) 740-2666 or print out and mail Foundation Building, Ritzville, Wash. Convention Center. agshow.org form at wawg.org/ammo-workshops/ (509) 659-0610, wawg.org 9 WORLD ECONOMIC OUTLOOK. AG POLICY AND WEATHER. 10-11 CROPPING SYSTEMS AMMO workshop focusing on world 21 AMMO workshop looking at weather in 2017 CONFERENCE 2016. Three Rivers economic outlook as it relates to and beyond by Dr. Elywnn Taylor, Convention Center in Kennewick, small grains as well as the U.S. and a professor at Iowa State University, Wash. Registration and more info at world supply and demand for wheat, directseed.org/events/annual-conference/ corn and soybeans. Featured speak- and future ag policy under President ers are Mike Kruger, founder of The Trump and the new Congress by Dr. 13-22 LAKE CHELAN WINTERFEST. An Money Farm, a marketing advisory Barry, Flinchbaugh, a USDA advi- event for the whole family! Winterfest firm in North Dakota, and Dr. Randy sor and an ag economics professor is two weekends of ice sculptures, Fortenbery, an ag economics profes- at Midwest University. 10:30 a.m. to music, wine tasting, ale tasting, kids sor at Washington State University. 2 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in activities, polar bear splash, beach 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northern Airway Heights, Wash. Lunch is pro- bonfire, fireworks and more! Chelan, Quest Casino in Airway Heights, vided. No charge for WAWG mem- Wash. lakechelan.com/winterfest/ Wash. Lunch is provided. No charge bers; cost for nonmembers is $25. 14-15 BAVARIAN ICE FEST. Snow for WAWG members; cost for non- Preregister at least 3 days in advance sculptures, games and fireworks. members is $25. Preregister at least by calling (877) 740-2666 or print out Leavenworth, Wash. leavenworth.org 3 days in advance by calling (877) and mail registration form at 740-2666 or print out and mail form at wawg.org/ammo-workshops/ 18-19 2017 NORTHWEST HAY EXPO. wawg.org/ammo-workshops/ Three Rivers Convention Center, 28 LABOR MANAGEMENT IN Kennewick, Wash. For more informa- 15 CROP INSURANCE OUTLOOK AGRICULTURE. This AMMO ses- tion visit wa-hay.org/convention AND FSA TOOLS. AMMO workshop sion will discuss Worker Protection focusing on crop insurance options Standards compliance, including 21 WINTERFEST. Experience the fun to better manage risk in the current training, record keeping and posting and excitement of winter games in economic conditions. Crop insur- requirements. Pesticide credits to be Deer Park! A community celebration ance policy changes for 2017 will offered. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hilton with events for the whole family. also be discussed. Farm Service Garden Inn in Airway Heights, Wash. Deer Park, Wash. deerparkchamber.com Agency personnel will also be on Lunch is provided. No charge for 24-26 NW AG SHOW. Everything hand to demonstrate their new online WAWG members; $25 for nonmem- for every farmer under one roof. mapping tool. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at bers. Preregister at least 3 days in Portland Expo Center, Portland, Ore. the Washington Wheat Foundation advance at (877) 740-2666 or by going nwagshow.com Building in Ritzville, Wash. Lunch to wawg.org/ammo-workshops/ 31 FALLING NUMBERS FORUM. is provided. No charge for WAWG members; cost for nonmembers is $25. AMMO workshop featuring indus- Submissions Preregister at least 3 days in advance try and research experts who will Email listings to [email protected]. by calling (877) 740-2666 or print out be discussing everything from what Include date, time and location of and mail registration form at causes low falling numbers to how wawg.org/ammo-workshops/ event, plus contact info and a short the falling number is used in grain description. marketing. Noon to 4 p.m. at the 16 CROP INSURANCE OUTLOOK

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66 WHEAT LIFE JANUARY 2017 Tip the ﬁ eld in your favor.

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