Workers organized by the tiny one-farm farmworker union called FUJ declared victory with an agreement signed with a Yakima fruit plant. This reminded us of the “victory” claimed by the United Farm Workers (UFW) in an extended legal battle against a Tri-Cities dairy farm. Seattle media dutifully reported the union accusations ..
A large concern of many farmers in today’s climate is the future of their farm. For Austin Allred, owner of Royal Dairy and Moxee Dairy, two of the most important things he can do are diversify and become more sustainable. In an interview with Capital Press, Allred, who is co-president ..
With new guidelines in place for essential workers, there’s an important question about fairness. Workers are classified as essential due to their important contribution to society. Grocery store workers are essential because they market and sell food; medical workers are essential because they provide healthcare; farm workers are essential because ..
The Straight Facts About Nitrate and Water What do you know about nitrate and groundwater? If you follow recent media reports and others dating back to 2008, you may have some misunderstandings that need to be corrected. These reports are generated by an Oregon-based lawyer and ..
A few local anti-dairy activists and their Oregon attorney are working to convince the Yakima community that there is a public health crisis because of nitrate in drinking water. They present this as an "environmental justice" issue, and claim that dairy farms are the culprit. They rely on news media ..
What? Journalists taking on the role of activist? How could it be? But, yes, we have numerous examples of how reporters often doing so-called "investigative" reports stretch the definition of responsible journalism. One characteristic of activist is the belief that the end justifies the means. They believe so strongly in ..
Hoard's Dairyman, a leading national publication serving the dairy community, published the story announcing the support of the American Dairy Coalition for Pacific Northwest dairy farmers in their fight with the EPA. The long standing battle concerns a science report from 2012 that purports to show current dairy operations are ..
PRESS RELEASE September 6, 2019 American Dairy Coalition joins Washington State farm groups requesting completed science review of study devastating dairy farms (EVERSON, WA) The American Dairy Coalition, a farmer-led national dairy policy group, on August 28 sent a letter to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler requesting the Administrator complete ..
The Tri-City Herald reported September 6 that a federal judge in Richland temporarily blocked the government from a 50% increase in piece rate pay for farm workers. This means these workers can continue to earn the $17 per hour they receive in the blueberry harvest in Eastern Washington. If the ..
Dr. Frank Mitloehner, also known as the Green House Gas Guru, is a professor at UC Davis in the Department of Animal Science. He specializes in studying the impact of animals, cows in particular, on climate change. You have to watch the video to get the answer, but here's a ..
