With winter now behind us, some, though not all, of the Northwest’s food and agricultural industries can look forward to a profitable spring, says Spokane-based agricultural lender Northwest Farm Credit Services in its latest report. 

The cooperative says winter wheat crop conditions throughout the Northwest were supported this year by ample winter snows and abundant spring precipitation, although spring planting windows were delayed by soaked soils. 

And while world stock oversupply and low prices continue to limit wheat growers’ profitability, the cooperative says it expects break-even results and profits where producers’ rotations include pulse crops and or above-average yields.

Northwest Farm Credit also reports hay markets are stronger than expected, boosted by cold weather having driven cow and calf producers to use more feeder hay than anticipated. 

Currently, most hay producers are operating at or below break-even margins, but the cooperative says it expects slightly profitable returns for producers who start 2017 with a clean inventory slate and focus on cost control.

The organization reports the cattle and dairy markets also are expected to see at least slightly profitable returns this year, if producers in each industry are able to manage expenses and risks carefully. 

The cooperative says it also anticipates profitability for the apple, cherry, pear, and wine/vineyard industries, which all are expecting well-timed harvests and good yields. 

Northwest Farm Credit reports positive returns also are expected for the forest products and nursery/greenhouse markets, which are both expected to see strong product demand.