WA farm groups send letter to state leaders over dramatic drop in ag profitability

(The Center Square) – Several farming groups, including Whatcom County-based Save Family Farming, have sent a letter to Washington state leaders regarding recent data indicating the state ranks last in farmer take-home pay for 2024.

According to the USDA Economic Research Service’s farm income and wealth statistics report, in 2024, returns for Washington farm operators totaled $295 million in the red, ranking the state last in the nation for financial returns for operators. The state’s gross farm receipts totaled $13.8 billion, while expenses totaled $14.1 billion.

The letter, signed onto by 17 other state agricultural organizations, notes the industry faces a difficult economic climate, with many operators struggling to break even.

According to the letter to Gov. Bob Ferguson and state legislative leaders, Washington farmers report that the <...