OLYMPIA, Wash. — USDA NASS released its Northwest Region Crop Progress and Condition report for the week ending June 11, 2023.
Continued Rain Across Idaho
There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork in Idaho, down from 6.6 days reported the previous week. Idaho experienced temperatures slightly warmer than normal in most areas for the past week. In northern Idaho, daily afternoon showers caused some creeks and irrigation ditches to rise to flood stage. In Jerome and Twin Falls Counties, winter wheat began to head. Afternoon thunderstorms and wind caused difficult spraying conditions for the corn fields. Alfalfa cut for dry hay was likely damaged due to rain. Alfalfa that remained to be cut was getting too old for quality dairy hay. Elmore and Owyhee Counties saw slow growth due to cooler temperatures. Hail damage was reported in some areas of those counties.
Light Rain Throughout Oregon
There were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork in Oregon, up from 6.2 days reported the previous week. Oregon received light precipitation with moderate to high temperatures throughout the state. In northern Oregon, mild conditions were good for crops. There had been concerns that there was not enough precipitation, causing more counties to begin irrigation practices. In Clatsop and Tillamook Counties, there were reports of crop emergence in the northern regions developing slower than in the southern areas. Corn was fully planted. In north central Oregon, mild precipitation was reported with conditions still dry. The wheat crop was reported headed. In northeast Oregon, light moisture provided insufficient precipitation. The heat caused water stress for field crops. Winter canola began the pod filling stage with reports that subsoil water contents were sufficient to finish the crop season. In southeast Oregon, reports showed rainfall and a delay in fieldwork. In Harney County, wet weather delayed the first cutting of alfalfa. Water was standing in fields and forced some field crops to be replanted. In Malheur County, the rain and wind delayed hay baling and caused lodging in some wheat fields. Potato fields began flowering. Alfalfa seed producers placed bee boxes in fields that started to flower.
Washington Crops Continued Maturing
There were 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 7.0 days recorded the previous week. Western Washington received a couple of days of rain which helped promote grass growth in pastures. Central Washington had a good week of farming. Most of the first cutting of hay had been cut and baled. There was low moisture, so pastureland and hay crops were not regrowing. Spring seeded crops were not doing well because they needed more heat and moisture for growth. The week started hot in Yakima County, but cloud cover rolled in later and dropped daytime high temperatures. Light rain was seen throughout the region. Asparagus harvest was completed. Green onion crops were maturing as leaves started to turn white and wilt back. Field corn was knee high throughout the Yakima Valley. Cucurbits and squashes were filling in ground space in vegetable fields. Cherry harvest started with early sweet cherries, like Rainier cherries, coming over the packing lines. Apricots were gaining color with an orange blush on greenish fruits. Pear fruitlets were sizing up with petioles drooping down due to the weight of the fruit. Grape berry bunches were forming on wine grapes. Hop bines ranged from waist high to approaching the top of the trellis as producers worked to extend the harvest period. In northeast Washington, producers saw a fast-moving storm that brought heavy rain and some wind damage on Thursday evening. All planted fields had emerged, and most of the winter wheat had headed. Pastures were looking good, and the rain helped in adding moisture. East central Washington saw good weather for farm activities. Potatoes were up, and flowering, early cherry harvest was underway, and asparagus harvest was winding down. The first cutting of hay was nearly complete in the south end of Franklin County, and the north end was coming along as well. Light rain was seen across the district, so crop and soil conditions were mostly unchanged. In southeast Washington, scattered showers and thunderstorms brought much needed moisture to some areas. There was some flooding in some areas, but it was unclear if there was damage to crops or livestock.
— USDA NASS
