OLYMPIA, Wash. (RFD-TV) — While farmers work to bring in this year’s haul, pear growers in the Pacific Northwest are enjoying a much better season this year.
Estimates show this year’s pear crop could see a 60-percent jump over last year, which was hit by freezing temperatures early on, but this year, they are dealing with production issues.
A lot of pear growers send their crops out for canning, but consumers in recent years have shied away from canned fruit, reaching instead for fresh products.
The Washington Tree Fruit Association says this is not surprising and notes the USDA has offered a lifeline to growers while they transition away from the cannery market.
“They have resources available to help cushion market shocks like that, and they did commit $20 million to do additional canned and fresh pear purchases, which will help smooth out that transition as some growers may pivot away from having as much of their fruit planned for the cannery market.”
Washington State is the nation’s largest pear producer by volume. There is deep history there, too, with some orchards dating back more than a century.
U.S. agriculture entered the week with mixed signals as weather, logistics, and markets shaped early-year decisions. Here is a regional breakdown of domestic crop and livestock production for the week of Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
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January 14, 2026 08:00 AM
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Record corn and sorghum crops boost feed grain supplies, while reduced soybean and cotton production tighten outlooks for oilseeds and fiber markets.
January 13, 2026 12:53 PM
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Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to provide analysis on the January WASDE report and expectations for grain markets going forward.
January 13, 2026 12:34 PM
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Market reaction was bearish for corn and soybeans, with analysts noting that abundant supplies amid tepid demand could keep price pressure on agricultural commodities.
January 12, 2026 03:51 PM
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Winter Weather, Drought Shape Early 2026 Farm Conditions
January 12, 2026 11:00 AM
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Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal insight and context on these issues facing agriculture. Today, he discusses pesticide litigation.
January 06, 2026 01:39 PM
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Strong crush demand and rising ethanol production are pressuring feedstocks, as traders monitor storage risks and supply chain uncertainty and await the upcoming January WASDE report.
January 06, 2026 01:04 PM
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