Glenn Vaagen

Hi, my name is Glenn. I'm the Program Director of the Pacific Northwest Ag Network. I've been blessed with multiple national farm broadcasting awards, receiving the 2019 Editor's Choice award, as well as the 2020 Excellence in Ag Reporting award from the National Association of Farm Broadcasters. I started my radio career as the Program and News Director at KMAX-AM in Colfax, WA. I also served as a reporter/anchor at KXLY-AM in Spokane, WA. Before launching the PNW Ag Network, I served as the Program and News Director for KBNW-AM/FM in Bend, OR. While there, our station was recognized for reporting excellence by the Oregon Association of Broadcasters in 2009. I'm a former University of Idaho football player, currently, I'm married with four children.

WSDA Gearing Up For the 6th Year Of Fighting The Japanese Beetle

This year, as in year’s past, the Washington State Department of Agriculture will deploy thousands of traps to monitor for Japanese beetle adults. While the program traps around nurseries and farms throughout the state, most traps are placed at pathways like airports, railways, or transfer stations. The Departmen...

USDA Food Prices Moved Up In December

According to the latest USDA Food Prices Outlook, food prices moved higher, both month-over-month and year-over-year. "For all food prices increased by .2% in December and they were 2.5% higher than they were in December of 2023,” noted USDA economist Megan Sweitzer. She added, when co...

Newhouse: DC Can Do A Lot To Help NW Farmers

Central Washington’s Dan Newhouse says now is a challenging time in farm country. He said there are many things Washington D.C. can do to help growers and producers in this corner of the country. Newhouse, a member of the House Ag Committee, said the farming industry is in desperate need of ag labor reform. “And though the ...

Proposed Bill Would Monitor Methane Emissions In Washington

Legislation introduced in the Washington House Environment and Energy Committee looks to monitor methane emissions in dairy and beef cattle. House Bill 1630 would require dairy farms and feed lots to report annually to the state Department of Ecology with the total metric tons of methane emitted the preceding calendar year. The proposal...

Study: Large Amount Of Water Lost Behind Snake River Dams

According to a new study by the Stockholm Environment Institute, the four lower Snake River dams are losing water to evaporation at a rapid rate; more than 30,000-acre feet of water each year. SEI estimates that's enough water for the household needs of 240,000 people. ...

WDFW OKs Coastal Razor Clam Digs Starting January 26th

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed Wednesday that razor clam digs on coastal beaches will kick off Sunday, January 26th, and run for seven days. Not all coastal beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to check the most updated list before heading out. Most su...

Legislation To Protect Snake River Dams Introduced

On Wednesday, Idaho Senator Jim Risch and Central Washington Representative Dan Newhouse introduced the Northwest Security Act. The legislation would o require the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bonneville Power Administration, and the U.S. Army C...

Stap: EPA Has A Vendetta Against Yakima Dairies

A recent decision by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold an EPA’s preliminary injunction against a group of Yakima Valley dairies means those dairies must continue to test for nitrate contamination. That recent ruling follows an appeal by the dairy farms against a previous court order mandating the expanded tests. Larry ...

Several From Washington Named To USApple Leadership

The U.S. Apple Association announced the newest members of its leadership development program, the NextGen Apple Fellowship, last week, and several come from the Northwest. Those selected to participate in the 2025 class include: Julieta Castillo -- Marketing Coordinator Superfresh Growers (Yakima, WA) Zachary Cohen -- Sales Cohen Produce Marketing (Shiremanstown, PA) William Gant -- Produc

WSDA Hosting Japanese Beetle Webinar

The Washington State Department of Agriculture will host a webinar Tuesday, focused on preparing for Japanese Beetle treatments this year. WSDA said the 45 minute on-line session will show those in impacted areas how the sign up for treatment, how to prepare for treatments, and know when the treatment is over. The Dep...