TRI-CITIES — The Washington State Hay Growers Association is gearing up for the much-anticipated Northwest Hay Expo, scheduled for January 21-22, 2026, at the Three Rivers Convention Center. With over 500 expected attendees, this annual event offers a platform for networking, education and discussion on pressing issues in the hay and forage industries. 

Andrew Eddie, President of the Washington State Hay Growers Association, highlighted the significance of this year’s Expo amid a challenging economic landscape.  

“With the current ag economy looking like it does, which is not very good across the board, especially in the hay and forage industry right now, it’s just going to be a lot about where the economic trends are,” he said. “We’re providing a toolbox for growers to help them navigate these difficult times.” 

This year’s themes will center on strategic planning, market assessments, and improving productivity.  

“It’s essential for growers to educate themselves and develop strategies to succeed in what appears to be a down market,” Eddie said. “We want to give them the best opportunity to adapt and potentially thrive despite the challenges.” 

Eddie reflected on the state of the hay market, noting the hardships faced during the past year.  

“Forages definitely had a challenging year,” he said. “Prices are still down, and movement remains low. Rising costs in labor and other areas have created a significant deficit within both the macroeconomic landscape and specifically the forage industry. We’re heading into another challenging year, and we want growers to be prepared.” 

The Expo will address several key challenges faced by hay growers, with the primary concern being commodity prices that have reached an all-time low.  

“Commodity prices are well below most producers’ cost of production,” Eddie said. “There is substantial uncertainty in the industry right now, and we aim to provide insights on what growers can expect moving forward.” 

The agenda includes expert talks and presentations from prominent industry figures. 

“We’re excited about our keynote speakers this year,” Eddie said.  

Noteworthy presentations will include insights from Josh Callen, who will provide a market update from The Hoyt Report, and Dr. Trey Malone, an economist from Purdue University, who will discuss the implications of AI disruptions on strategic planning for agricultural organizations. 

Additionally, Michael Clark, CEO of BAMWX, will share insights on weather trends that directly affect the farming industry.  

“Understanding weather patterns is crucial for making informed decisions when managing crops,” Eddie said. 

The Expo is not only about education; it also fosters community and networking opportunities.  

“We have a vendor trade show set up that allows growers to connect with industry professionals and fellow producers,” said Eddie. “Networking is huge; it’s crucial for growers to exchange ideas, share challenges, and innovate together.” 

With an average attendance of 500 people, the Expo offers a unique chance for growers to engage with various exhibitors from agricultural suppliers to service providers, including AgWest Farm Credit and Cascade Services. This interaction is vital for fostering community resilience in the face of economic uncertainty. 

The educational sessions are tailored to benefit both new and veteran hay growers.  

“We aim to cover a wide breadth of topics that will cater to everyone, from building soil health and managing pest pressure to cutting costs during tough economic times,” Eddie said. “It’s important for attendees to walk away with practical advice they can implement in their operations.” 

Given the challenges that the hay industry faces, Eddie emphasized the importance of adaptability and knowledge-sharing.  

“We all need to stay informed and be willing to adapt our processes to navigate these changing times,” he said. “By coming together, we can support and grow the forage industry for future generations.” 

Eddie’s reflections on the Expo reveal an urgent call to action for producers.  

“We need to keep pushing forward, learning, and innovating,” he said. “While the road ahead may be rough, there’s strength in community, and together we can build resilience within our industry.” 

The Northwest Hay Expo promises to be a critical event for growers looking to weather the economic storm and emerge stronger in 2026. For more information on event registration and programming, interested parties can visit the Washington State Hay Growers Association website. 

    Washington State Hay Growers Association President Andrew Eddie said the annual hay conference said hay growing was challenging this year with the market. However, he hopes the Northwest Hay Expo will provide farmers with resources to make the best of the situation.
 Courtesy photo/Washington State Hay Growers Association 

Northwest Hay Expo Speakers

Dr. Earl Creech — Utah State University

Creech is a Plant and Soil Extension Agronomist at Utah State University, holding a Ph.D. in Weed Science from Purdue University, along with a B.S. in Chemistry and M.S. in Plant Science from USU. His research tackles agronomic challenges across the western U.S., with extensive work on weed control in forage crops and mentorship in extension education. 

Michael D. Rethwisch — University of California

Michael Rethwisch serves as a Farm Advisor in Crop Production and Entomology with the University of California Cooperative Extension in Riverside County. He holds degrees in entomology and crop production, and specializes in integrated pest management for field, row and vegetable crops. 

Dr. Hayes Goosey — Montana State University Extension

Dr. Hayes Goosey is an Assistant Professor and Extension Forage Specialist at Montana State University, focusing on forage agronomy and entomology. He holds a Ph.D. in Animal and Range Sciences and an M.S. in Entomology from MSU. His research includes studying alfalfa weevil behavior and insecticide resistance.

 Andrew Christenson — J.R. Simplot Company

Andrew Christenson is currently the nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium Product Manager at J.R. Simplot Company, based in Boise, Idaho. He earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences from The College of Idaho and has prior experience in sales and commodity product management. 

Michael Clark — CEO, BAMWX

Michael Clark is the CEO and Co-Founder of BAMWX, an Indiana-based weather forecasting firm specializing in agricultural risk management. A former meteorologist, he launched BAMWX in 2013 and now leads its weather services tailored to farming operations. 

Amber Roberts — AgWest Farm Credit

Amber Roberts is a Senior Market Research Analyst at AgWest Farm Credit, specializing in agricultural economic insights for the Pacific Northwest. She holds a master’s in Agricultural Economics from the University of Minnesota. 

Dr. Steve Norberg — WSU Extension

Dr. Steve Norberg is Professor and Regional Forage Specialist at Washington State University Extension serving the Columbia Basin. He earned a B.S. and M.S. in Agronomy from the University of Nebraska and a Ph.D. in Crop Science from Oregon State University. 

Andy McGuire — WSU Extension

Andy McGuire is an Extension Agronomist and Professor at Washington State University, also serving as the Grant County Director. His background includes engineering roles with the USDA and Peace Corps, plus Extension roles at UC Davis and University of Nebraska.

Josh Callen — The Hoyt Report

Josh Callen is Owner and Market Research Analyst for The Hoyt Report, a leading source on Western U.S. hay and forage markets. Raised on a hay operation in southern Idaho, he transitioned from accounting to full-time market analysis, tracking hay price trends and export dynamics.

Dr. Trey Malone — Purdue University

Dr. Trey Malone holds the Boehlje Endowed Chair in Managerial Economics in Agribusiness at Purdue University. His work has been published in top journals, supported by NSF, USDA, NOAA, and WWF, and he’s the only academic named to Farm Journal’s “The Scoop 40 Under 40”.