Spring planting moving quickly; not so state lawmakers
Washington Ag Today March 24, 2010 Planting of spring cereal grains and potatoes are advancing in Washington. The Weekly Crop Weather report from the Washington Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service says 15 percent of the state’s spring wheat crop was planted as of Monday, well ahead of last year’ pace at this time of just four percent, but only a point ahead of the five year average. Eight percent of the potato crop has been planted and ten percent of processing green peas. Apricot trees were in bloom in the lower Yakima Valley. Any progress in the special legislative session in Olympia, which is now in its second week? Senate Majority leader Lisa Brown says there has been. Brown: “I think we have made a lot of progress and I think we are now at the point where we have to get the revenue situation resolved so that we can move forward on the budget. And when that situation is agreed to everything else falls into place within a couple of days.” Republican Senator Mark Schoesler says there has probably been progress in the budget talks but it is hard to know because its just Democrats meeting with Democrats. As for when the special session may end? Schoesler: “Well, I hope to spend Easter with my family but watching the majority party unable to move forward, I am just hoping for Easter.” The House and Senate are trying to agree on a revenue package and operating budget in the face of a nearly three billion dollar deficit. Agriculture hopes to avoid losing any of its tax exemptions in the process. I’m Bob Hoff and that’s Washington Ag Today on the Northwest Ag Information Network. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
