Northwest Region crop progress and condition for the week ending July 17, 2022

OLYMPIA, Wash. — USDA NASS released its Crop Progress and Condition report for the Northwest Region for the week ending July 17, 2022.

Hot Weather Continued in Idaho
There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork, unchanged from the previous week. Statewide, the weather was warmer. In the southern part of the State, crops made good progress and turned colors. In Twin Falls and Jerome Counties, producers reported grasshopper damage. Second cutting of alfalfa hay was well underway. Winter wheat was rapidly drying down, with spring wheat and barley starting to turn color. The hot weather promoted good corn growth. Lower elevation rangeland dried out with little quality grass left. Due to the weather in June, most crops were behind in northern Idaho, but progress was made. Southwest and south central Idaho experienced warmer weather. Eastern Idaho experienced afternoon showers on a regular basis. Ranchers continued to put up first crop hay.

Continued Warm Weather in Oregon
There were 7.0 days suitable for fieldwork in Oregon, unchanged from the previous week. In northwest Oregon, excellent weather continued. Horticultural crops were good, except for ones with a long growing cycle which were still behind. Grain and grass seed looked good. Grass hay harvest moved quickly. In Tillamook County, corn was 12-18 inches tall in some spots. In northeast Oregon, winter wheat harvest began in the drier areas. Winter canola harvest was underway, while spring canola was in the pod filling stage. Green pea harvest was nearly completed. In Malheur County, corn began to tassel. Wheat harvest began early in the week. Growing conditions were good, but high temperatures suppressed crop growth. Range conditions began to deteriorate with the warm, dry weather. A few small fires started due to a passing thunderstorm. In Lake County, no precipitation was received. There were two red flag warning days due to high temperatures and wind with low humidity. Ranchers continued to haul water to their livestock on summer pastures.

Warmer Weather and Drier Conditions Benefited Washington
There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 6.3 days the previous week. Statewide temperatures were above normal. In western Washington, crops looked great with the recent summer weather. With all the ground moisture, grass and recently planted crops were doing well. Additionally, some hay was baled. In Klickitat County, the weather was much warmer, and there was no precipitation. Pastures continued to look great. The second cutting of hay started as the first cutting wrapped up. Wheat harvest began in the eastern part of the county. In Benton and Yakima Counties, daytime temperatures remained in the 90s throughout the week. Fruit growers started to move harvest bins into peach and nectarine orchards. Raspberries and blueberries continued to get harvested. Apple and pear crops sized up and looked good. Field crews were in vegetable fields weeding and harvesting green beans, summer squash, cucumbers, and eggplants. Some garlic and onions dried and showed up on roadside stands. Winter wheat fields started to turn golden brown as wheat heads and stems dried out. The hop crop was setting flowers. Sweet corn was tasseling. Northeast Washington saw warmer temperatures and stayed dry. In southeast Washington, good weather continued.

— USDA NASS