A new report from a national expert and former US Department of Interior Assistant Solicitor, Ramsey Kropf, outlines what's likely the only feasible path to solve the water management crisis in the Nooksack River Basin in a way that protects families, fish and farming. Fred Likkel, Whatcom Family Farmers Executive Director, joins Dillon to explain how Kropf's analysis of the Nooksack's challenges provides a workable path forward, as well as examples of other basins across the west that have had success following this path.

The USDA announced plans to partner with labor activists on a new project to develop further regulations on the already heavily-regulated federal H-2A guest worker program. Farm labor advocate Jesse Rojas is crying foul, pointing out the extremist nature of the activist group USDA is partnering with, and sharing the anti-farmworker actions that he has witnessed that group take during his work with advocacy group Pick Justice.

Protecting farming and some of the best farmland in the world is important to Skagitonians, as well as working to restore struggling salmon runs. Will Honea, Skagit County Senior Deputy Prosecutor, joins Dillon to explain how Seattle City Light wants to buy up Skagit delta farmland to use instead for salmon habitat projects to mitigate for its lack of fish passage on its Skagit River dams. He says it amounts to 'greenwashing' that will ultimately harm farming and fish.

With a heat wave pushing temperatures into the triple digits in many parts of Washington, farmers and workers bringing in the harvest need to use caution to avoid heat-related illness. Pam Lewison, director of the Washington Policy Center's Initiative on Agriculture, joins Dillon to break down what farmers across the state are doing and what state law mandates to protect workers.

The recent Northwest Raspberry Festival took over downtown Lynden with delicious treats, vendors, entertainment and basketball games. Dillon talked to Megan Lacy with Washington Red Raspberries to not only get details on the event, but also hear what local raspberry farmers are doing to promote their tasty, nutritious fruit.

Even as the farming community and others in the Nooksack River Basin continue to point out the troubling problems with their plan, the Washington State Department of Ecology continues to focus on litigation rather than collaboration to solve the local water crisis. Ag Water Board of Whatcom County administrator Henry Bierlink tells Dillon he's frustrated that Ecology isn't really hearing what the farming community is saying.

In a recent letter to Laura Watson, Washington Department of Ecology's director, the mayors of Sumas, Nooksack, Everson, Lynden and Blaine say they're concerned Ecology's misinformation about a water rights lawsuit in the Nooksack River Basin may be leading key parties to resist collaboration toward the larger solutions for the basin's water management crisis. Everson Mayor John Perry joins Dillon to talk about the letter, and underscore the need for cooperative efforts to accomplish bigger solutions than a state water rights adjudication lawsuit can produce.

Farmers are applauding a recent Supreme Court decision limiting EPA's ability to make regulations above and beyond the authority Congress has given it. Dan Wood, Washington State Dairy Federation Executive Director, talks with Dillon about how that could impact not only the future of EPA's efforts to restrict farming, but also the work of various other arms of the executive branch of government making onerous rules beyond their purview.

Despite its storied 155-year history of leadership on farming and rural public policy issues, many people are unaware of what the Grange is, and what it stands for. Dillon visits the Washington State Grange Convention in Puyallup and chats with National Grange Vice President Chris Hamp about the organization's origins, values, and enduring relevance, especially in our increasingly polarized society.

With raspberry and blueberry harvest looming, farms in Whatcom County are offering more flexibility than ever for people interested in helping with a diverse list of jobs and making some summertime cash. Christine Bolton, who leads the human resources department at Enfield Farms near Lynden, tells Dillon that many positions remain open, and they're able to tailor the work to each person's specific needs and interests.