Resources & Reports
Land Values 2021 Summary
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) annual land values summary report is now available. The data shows “the United States farm real estate value, a measurement of the value of all land and buildings on farms, averaged $3,380 per acre for 2021, up $220 per acre (7%) from 2020. The United States cropland value averaged $4,420 per acre, an increase of $320 per acre (7.8% from the previous year). The United States pasture value averaged $1,480 per acre, an increase of $80 per acre (5.7%) from 2020.”
Washington farm real estate value averages $2,900 per acre, an increase of 5.1% from the previous year. Washington cropland value averages $2,700 per acre, an increase of 3.4% year over year. Irrigated cropland values are significantly higher than non-irrigated cropland values. The average irrigated cropland value is $7,800 per acre compared to $1,310 per acre for non-irrigated cropland. However, the year over year change was higher for non-irrigated cropland (5.6%) than irrigated cropland (2.0%). The Washington average pasture value per acre is $750, a increase of 1.4% year over year, reversing a downward trend over the last several years. The Washington values represent the largest year over year increases since at least 2017.
Washington State Farmers Markets rebounding from 2020
Reports from members of the Washington State Farmers Market Association (WSFMA) show that sales are strong so far this season. Shoppers are back in force and buying more. This is welcome news given the stress of 2020. Farmers markets offer outdoor shopping, community connections, as well as peak season products. Wildfire smoke and high temperatures remain concerns. The WSFMA launched a statewide campaign to inspire people to shop at their local farmers markets. Watch a video here, find a market online, or explore farmers market data.
Farmers Market Week
Governor Inslee recognized Washington’s approximately 160 farmers markets by proclaiming August 1-7, 2021 “Farmers Market Week.”
Local Food System Impact Assessments
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) collected impact assessments from 17 organizations, including the WSU Bread Lab, to document COVID-19 impacts on local and regional food systems. Visit the Local Food Systems Response to COVID webpage to find more resources related to COVID-19 and the food system. Key takeaways from the assessments include:
- Online platforms became essential and many farmers markets, CSAs, and food hubs plan to continue using them. CSA shares sold out quickly in 2020 and were often enough to compensate for the sales that were lost to restaurants. Similarly, many food hubs pivoted to direct to consumer sales, which helped make up for the loss of restaurant and school markets.
- Meat processors saw a decrease in demand from restaurants and specialty markets for value-added products and an increase in demand for slaughter services. Ranchers booked-out further in advance, but processors faced labor shortages with the increased severity of the pandemic.
- The flour shortage in the national supply chain opened an opportunity for regional millers to fill this gap even as supplies remained tight. Demand for baking and malt businesses is slowly returning as restaurants and retail bakeries reopen.
- Fishers have responded by selling significant amounts of their catch at dockside pick-up sites, and off-boat sales. Home delivery of community supported fisheries (CSF) have also been successful in seafood sales.
- Many independent groceries worked more closely with local farmers and produce suppliers. A remaining obstacle for smaller stores is investment in e-commerce, which larger grocers are doing successfully.
Targeted Cattle Grazing Slows Fire Spread
A recent United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) study shows using cattle grazing to create firebreaks on landscapes invaded by cheatgrass has successfully contained three rangeland wildfires in four years in the Great Basin. Through targeted cattle grazing, fuel breaks are created to help contain wildfire while still maintaining rangeland health. In early spring, cattle eat strips of highly flammable cheatgrass down to 2- to 3-inch stubble in strategic places. This reduces the fuel load and slows down the fire. You can read more about the study on the ARS News page.
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