Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks

February 26, 2025

Senate passes Warnick’s bill to extend livestock ID program

The state Senate has approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, to extend Washington’s livestock identification program through 2030. Senate Bill 5485 continues the current livestock identification fees, the Livestock Identification Advisory Committee, and the Livestock Identification Program report from July 1, 2026, to July 1,...
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February 14, 2025

Warnick’s Bill Securing Yakima Basin Water Future Passes with Strong Support

Senator Judy Warnick (R-Moses Lake) announced the successful passage of her proposal, Senate Bill 5303, aimed at extending water supply milestones for the Yakima River Basin Integrated Plan to 2035. The bill received bipartisan support and underscores the state’s commitment to sustainable water resource management in the Yakima River Basin....
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March 05, 2024

Legislature approves Warnick bill expanding public-private partnerships on state-managed lands

Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Judy Warnick cleared its final hurdle with just three days left in the 2024 legislative session. The state Senate unanimously concurred with amendments made by the House of Representatives. Senate Bill 5785 would allow the state Department of Fish and Wildlife to enter into longer-term...
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February 01, 2024

Warnick bill strengthening public-private partnerships for state-managed lands clears Senate

Over 1 million acres across 33 wildlife areas and over 450 waterways are under the management of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. The department is tasked with preserving and protecting the state’s vast natural resources and it’s a big job. State Sen. Judy Warnick’s legislation would make that...
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May 12, 2023

Warnick bill to support Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehab District signed by governor

OLYMPIA… Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Judy Warnick, Senate Bill 5460 was signed into law this week, supporting the state’s only irrigation and rehabilitation district located in Moses Lake (MLIRD). The new law makes needed changes to how these districts operate, aimed at clarifying assessments and improved planning for critical projects....
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April 06, 2023

Governor signs Warnick livestock ID bill on ‘Beef Day’

State Sen. Judy Warnick is from Washington’s ag country and has worked tirelessly to promote and protect the state’s second largest industry. Today the governor signed legislation sponsored by Warnick, Senate Bill 5439, to support livestock identification efforts. The soon-to-be law will remove fees and make other sustainability improvements to the program....
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March 03, 2023

Warnick’s bipartisan livestock ID bill clears state Senate

During the state Senate’s first full week of floor votes, the body approved a bipartisan proposal sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick focused on improving the state’s livestock identification program. Senate Bill 5439, which was approved unanimously, would remove fees and makes other sustainability improvements. “We need the oversight body of...
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February 07, 2022

Capacity grants for local meat processors now available

OLYMPIA… During the height of the COVID pandemic, State Sen. Judy Warnick worked to secure funding for a bourgeoning and much needed alternative to large meat processing facilities who were hit hard by the virus. Closures around the country led to shocks in the meat supply causing prices to spike...
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September 08, 2021

Senate ag leaders say COVID vaccine mandate for 4-H volunteers serious blow to program

More and more people tangentially connected with state government are finding out that they are subject to Gov. Jay Inslee’s recently announced vaccine mandate – even 4-H volunteers. In a letter sent to volunteers, the Washington State University Extension, which oversees the 4-H youth agricultural program, wrote that 4-H volunteer...
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