State farmers, ranchers broke records
Washington farmers and ranchers produced a record $5.9 billion worth of food and milk last year.
Despite steep declines in the value of apples and potatoes, the rise in milk, hay, pears, cherries and chickens helped make up the difference, according to the Washington Agricultural Statistics Service.
Washington is among the most diverse agricultural states in the country. Massive irrigation projects, mild winters and distinct growing regions have helped make the state a leader in crops ranging from red raspberries to asparagus and hops.
The production value does not necessarily reflect a windfall to farmers. It does not, for example, take into account the cost of growing crops.
“Even though certain crops may vary slightly in total production from year to year, overall agricultural production in this state remains strong,” said Valoria Loveland, director of the state Department of Agriculture.
Washington is the leading producer of 11 different crops – led, of course, by apples.
Apples remain the dominant money crop in the state. Though production value dropped 18 percent in 2004, the $962 million value of the fruit accounted for about one in six agricultural dollars.
Milk ranked second with a value of $861 million, followed by wheat at $524 million; cattle at $476 million; and potatoes at $460 million.
Federal grants to fund Puget region biodiesel
Federal energy grants have been awarded for biodiesel development in the Puget Sound region, where demand for the alternative fuel is rising.
In all, the U.S. Department of Energy is giving the state $702,412 for a variety of projects ranging from alternative fuels to energy conservation initiatives.
Though biodiesel production has sparked interest in Eastern Washington, the right blend of cooperation, demand, supply and investment cash has not been assembled.
Many agriculture and government officials envision the creation of large farmer cooperatives that could own or work closely with companies to produce the biodiesel from oil-seed crops such as mustard, canola or rapeseed.
To boost the availability of biodiesel in the Seattle area, the grants administered by the Washington Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development will help offset the cost of three fueling stations where fuel blends of 95 percent to 100 percent biodiesel will be sold.
The fuel, basically processed vegetable oil, burns cleanly in conventional diesel engines. The fuel can be made from restaurants’ leftover fryer grease or oils extracted from certain field crops.
Some school buses in Spokane Valley currently burn biodiesel as part of a state pilot project.
Other projects benefiting from the grants include energy efficient designs at Washington State University. New state buildings are required to meet new energy use guidelines.
Home sales dip slightly, prices hold steady
September home sales in Spokane County dropped slightly from August’s hot pace, but remained 5.8 percent above sales from last September.
Some 757 homes changed hands in September compared with 715 in September 2004, the Spokane Association of Realtors reported.
The average sales price in September was $179,194, down slightly from $185,699 in August but up 21 percent over the $148,070 of last September. The median sales price held steady compared with August, but was up 24 percent over last September.
The average sales price for new homes was $246,501, up 17 percent over the $211,108 from last September.
For the year, sales activity continues to outpace 2004, a record-setting year. Closed sales are up 4.7 percent through September and the average sales price is up 15 percent for the year.
Inventory is up compared with August, but compared with last year, the number of active listings is down by about 10 percent, the association reported.
Schweitzer offering new discount promotion
Sandpoint
Schweitzer Mountain Resort has unveiled a new promotion aimed at the casual skier.
The $69 “Escape Cards” are designed as an option for skiers and snowboarders who don’t want to spend $729 on an adult season pass, said Patrick Sande, Schweitzer’s marketing coordinator.
The first and fifth lift tickets are free for cardholders, and cardholders also get $10 off each paid visit. Adult lift tickets range from $45 to $49 during the season.
Schweitzer hopes to sell 5,000 of the Escape Cards this year, Sande said. The loyalty cards – which are common in the ski industry – replace Schweitzer’s Advantage Card, which gave cardholders a free first lift ticket, and $10 off subsequent lift tickets.
Around Thanksgiving, the Escape Cards will go on sale for $49 at Costco. They will also be on sale for $59 at various times. For more information, visit http://www.schweitzer.com/content_main.php?id=196.
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Cellular phones flying onto shelves
Worldwide shipments of mobile phones reached a record 208.3 million during the third quarter as consumers snapped up so-called “smart” phones that feature computer-type capabilities.
IDC also reported Thursday that each of the top five handset makers posted record shipments during the quarter, with No. 1 Nokia Corp. and No. 2 Motorola Inc. showing the most impressive growth.