Sierra Dawn McCLAIN
Capital Press
Eugene, OR, United States
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Past articles by Sierra:
USDA spends $29 million to boost domestic fertilizer production
USDA will distribute $29 million in grants between eight American fertilizer companies in an effort to boost domestic fertilizer production. → Read More
Western U.S. producers explore truffle cultivation
America's truffle industry is gradually gaining momentum. Landowners across the West are exploring how to grow truffles, edible subterranean fungi widely prized as a delicacy. → Read More
Livestock antibiotics will soon require prescriptions
After June 11, 2023, over-the-counter livestock antibiotics will require veterinary prescriptions under a U.S. Food and Drug Administration policy. → Read More
Pistachio industry contributes $6.4 billion to California's economy
The pistachio industry contributes more than $6.4 billion annually to California's economy, according to a new study. → Read More
California storms improve state, federal water allocations
Officials are forecasting increased water deliveries this year for California districts that rely on the State Water Project and Central Valley Project. → Read More
Sierra Pacific to build new mills in western Oregon
Sierra Pacific Industries, a California-based forest products company, plans to build two new mills in Lane County, Ore. → Read More
Researchers match right sheep to landscape
Researchers and ranchers are exploring how to select for sheep with specific rangeland outcome goals in mind. → Read More
From exports to avian flu: Ag officials talk about issues facing Western producers
At the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture's western policy conference, state officials talked about marketing, poultry issues, wildlife concerns, pest management, reusing waste, legislation and other topics. → Read More
Researchers, companies breed better blueberries
Public and private blueberry breeding programs are developing new blueberry varieties with traits intended to meet the needs of growers, processors and consumers. → Read More
Inside the 2023 Farm Bill: A conversation with the bill's authors
WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the 2018 Farm Bill set to expire on Sept. 30, the race to pass a new farm bill is underway in Congress. To snatch a first glance at the 2023 Farm Bill, Capital Press talked with the bill’s lead authors: Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Rep. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson, R-Pa., chair of the House Agriculture Committee. → Read More
Farm groups react to new WOTUS rule
The Environmental Protection Agency and Department of the Army have updated the rule on "waters of the United States," or WOTUS, which could impact farmers nationwide. Farm groups said the → Read More
Omnibus bill spends billions on ag, rural communities
Just before funding for the federal government was set to expire on Dec. 23, Congress passed and President Biden signed a $1.7 trillion spending bill. The package includes billions of → Read More
Farmers change habits in uncertain times, survey finds
A recently released survey by consulting firm McKinsey & Co. found that U.S. farmers are embracing new habits, products and technologies to manage market unpredictability. → Read More
Canadian consumers get a taste of Cosmic Crisp apples
A recent survey of Canadian consumers found that, after trying a Cosmic Crisp apple sample, 97% of those polled said they liked the variety and would buy it. The survey's → Read More
Labor Dept.'s proposed independent contractor rule could impact ag
The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a new set of guidelines for distinguishing employees from labor contractors. The rule could have far-reaching impacts across American industries, including the transportation → Read More
Tree fruit growers navigate outside investment opportunities
During a panel session at the Washington State Tree Fruit Association's annual meeting, four experts advised farmers on how to navigate outside investment opportunities in the tree fruit industry. → Read More
Seattle, Tacoma ports less congested than a year ago
The ports of Seattle and Tacoma are significantly less congested than they were a year ago, due to increased infrastructure and decreased global shipping volumes. Last December, the ports had → Read More
Cosmic Crisp apple expands into new markets, still faces challenges
This year's batch of Cosmic Crisp apples – the largest crop yet – will roll into stores Dec. 1. Growers continue to face challenges, including less-than-ideal prices, but their hopes → Read More
King Estate acquires Pfeiffer Winery in south Willamette Valley
King Estate Winery in Eugene, one of Oregon's largest wine producers, has acquired longtime vineyard partner Pfeiffer Winery and Vineyards, a 70-acre site near Junction City. The purchase reflects a → Read More
November storm disrupts apple harvest, further shrinking crop
The 2022 apple crop is significantly smaller than average, owing in part to spring and fall storms. Although growers can't control the weather, experts say new forecasting models leveraging big → Read More