All About Farming in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is one of the most important agricultural areas in the country. The diverse climate and unique landscape lend themselves well to growing a variety of crops to feed those throughout the states. If you've ever wanted to know more about the significance and challenges of farming in the Pacific Northwest, read on! If you are looking for farming equipment for sale, check out the selection at SS Equipment. We run multiple dealerships throughout Oregon and Washington.

The Scope of Farming in the Pacific Northwest

Agriculture is a key part of the cultural heritage of the states found in the Pacific Northwest. It's no surprise that farming these days is still very central to the way of life in these states. Today, over 40 million acres of land are used for farming and ranching in the Pacific Northwest.

The area is one of the nation's top producers for numerous crops, from seafood to wheat to berries. For example, almost 70% of the country's apples are grown in Washington and 99% of the nation's hazelnut crop comes from Oregon.

The Impact of Farming in the Pacific Northwest

Supporting Local Economies

Food and farming in Washington and Oregon are a key part of the local economies. These industries employ almost 400,000 people and make up almost 15% of regional economic activity.

Supporting the Environment

Farming in the Pacific Northwest helps support the environment as well. It helps provide habitat for many diverse plant and animal species, from migratory birds to endangered species. It also helps filter drinking water. It even absorbs floodwaters, which can help fight climate change.

The Challenges to Farming in the Pacific Northwest

Disappearing Farmland

Some of the best potential farmland and ranchland in the Pacific Northwest is disappearing, making it harder to keep up with growing food and crop needs.

Upcoming Generational Transfer

More than one-third of the Pacific Northwest farmland is going to change hands over the next 15 years. But it's not always known who the successor will be. In Washington state, for example, over three-quarters of farmers over the age of 65 years old don't yet have a succession plan or established heir.

Decreasing New Farmers

On the flip side, the numbers of new farmers have been declining year after year. Fewer people are entering the industry while more farmers are retiring out of old age. Access to affordable farmland is a large barrier for those who want to start farming in the Pacific Northwest.

Need for Regional Food Security

The farms in the Pacific Northwest grow many kinds of crops, some of which are used to feed those living in the region. But as populations living in the Pacific Northwest grow and more farmers retire, there comes a greater need for optimized infrastructure to package and distribute the crops to local populations.

The Future of Farming in the Pacific Northwest

In the last 15 years, acres used in farm production decreased by over 22%. The future for farming in the Pacific Northwest depends on many factors, from weather patterns to the number of new farmers joining the industry to the ability of agricultural conservation programs to protect and secure the land needed for farming. Of course, by being a farmer in the Pacific Northwest, you are doing your part to carry on this way of life!

We hope you found this guide interesting and informative! If you are in the market for farming equipment, make a visit to SS Equipment. Our friendly staff can help you find the perfect equipment for your unique needs and budget, so stop by and visit the dealership nearest to you today! We are located throughout Oregon and Washington.