OLYMPIA, Wash. — The USDA NASS released its crop progress and conditions report for the Northwest Region for the month of February.
Idaho
Idaho turned decidedly drier the past 30 days. Average temperatures in Idaho for the month of February varied throughout the State. The central and eastern portions experienced below normal temperatures. Parts of northern and southwestern Idaho were near normal to above normal. While early winter snowpack levels were encouraging, precipitation the past 30-40 days brought Idaho’s accumulated total for the water year more in line with normal to below normal. A wet December and snowy first week of January pushed totals above normal, but dry conditions in the mountains have prompted some concern about early runoff. In parts of northern Idaho, dry weather and above normal temperatures persisted. Much of the early snow cover left fields with southern exposures. Some wheat actively grew in fields that were below 2000 feet of elevation. Very little precipitation was received in the past month in southwest Idaho. Calving conditions benefited from the mild weather and progressed well. Hay stocks remained low. In parts of southcentral Idaho, most farms remained under snow cover. Average temperatures were below normal. Snow remained, but it was a dry snow. Southeastern Idaho recorded a dry February as well. Teton County recorded a small amount of snow the third week of February which slightly helped the snowpack. Otherwise, it had been over 23 days since any moisture had fallen. More snow was needed. Temperatures remained below freezing, so the early snowpack remained on the valley floor. In Bonneville County, snow still covered crops. Some beef producers started calving. Hay stocks were adequate. There was some concern about the dry conditions in January and the first part of February. Irrigation companies developed plans for water allocation. Bear Lake County experienced a warming trend with daily highs reaching into the 40’s the past couple of weeks. Current snowpack was 90 percent of normal with below normal moisture content. Less than 5 percent of the Bear Lake County cow herd was calved at this point. Calving progressed in Lemhi County in temperatures below zero. Bannock and Bingham received much needed snow this past week. Overall, February weather cooperated with calving and other preparatory farm work.
Oregon
Statewide temperatures in Oregon were above normal. In northwest Oregon, field conditions were drier than normal, and some fields saw early tillage work. In Polk County, the Coast Range was abnormally dry, and cropland was in moderate drought conditions. In Columbia County, most crops were generally in good shape. With February being drier than normal, this allowed for more fieldwork. Pastures had grown, and small fruit crops were in good condition. In Benton and Lincoln Counties, the weather was dry and sunny throughout the area. Warm soil temperatures helped pastures and hay fields put on good growth and production. In North Central Oregon, the area was relatively dry. Crops were doing well with the moisture that was received. In Baker County, cattle body conditions were lowered this season due to drought. In Malheur County, reservoirs were low to very low on storage, and inflows were minimal. Snowpack continued to diminish. In Klamath County, pastures had not recovered from the ongoing drought conditions.
Washington
Statewide temperatures in Washington for the month of February were above normal. In western Washington, early
February was wet and cold. Late February transitioned to warmer temperatures throughout the district. In San Juan
County, early blooming perennials and some fruit trees were budding out. Livestock was on stockpiled feed, while most pastures suffered from excess moisture. Most fall planted vegetable crops suffered in the cold, snowy period. Cane berries and tree fruits had been pruned on most farms. There was no fieldwork due to the extreme wet conditions. In central Washington, temperatures were mild and little precipitation was received throughout the area. In Kittitas County, crops were generally in good shape. Mild weather benefitted calving and lambing. In Klickitat County, producers planned to seed spring crops, but could fail with no rain. In Yakima County, producers experienced an extremely dry winter. Temperatures were normal during the day and freezing at night. In East Central Washington, no new moisture was received. Cold temperatures and snow from January were still present. In Southeast Washington, most conditions were normal for the month of February. Recently, temperatures dropped throughout the area, making it a challenge for all winter seeded crops.
— USDA NASS