OLYMPIA, Wash. — USDA NASS released its crop progress report for the Northwest Region for the week ending July 16, 2023.
Summer Heat Hits Idaho
There were 7.0 days suitable for fieldwork in Idaho, up from 6.9 days reported the previous week. Most of western Idaho had above average temperatures during the week. The weather was slightly cooler towards the eastern part of the State, but was still warmer than previous weeks. In Elmore and Owyhee Counties, ranges were drying out, and some grasses entered the first stages of dormancy. In Twin Falls and Jerome Counties, corn started to tassel. With the warm and dry weather, the second cutting of alfalfa came off excellent. In the eastern part of the State, most producers completed their first cutting of hay. Crops have done well with the increased heat, and irrigation was needed.
Harvest Continued in Oregon
There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork in Oregon, down from 7.0 days reported the previous week. Temperatures in Oregon this week were slightly above average, with minimal precipitation in limited areas. In the northwest region of Oregon, temperatures were warm with dry conditions. There were reports of irrigation issues, which caused heat damage to some berry fields. In Benton and Lincoln Counties, there were reports of concern regarding forage shortages for livestock producers. In Tillamook County, the corn crops continued to develop. Hay fields have been baled and treated with manure applications. In the north central region of Oregon, there were reports of cold mornings and windy days. They also experienced a thunderstorm and a small amount of rain earlier in the week. Harvest continued throughout the week. In Umatilla County, winter wheat harvest was underway. In southern Oregon, there were reports of high temperatures. In Malheur County, wheat and pea harvest began, and growers continued to cut hay. Most field corn had
tasseled, and silks were showing. Hand weeding of onion fields continued, and the second cutting of alfalfa was mostly complete.
Start of Summer Harvest in Washington
There were 7.0 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, unchanged from 7.0 days reported the previous week. Western Washington reported dry conditions and drought, with no major changes to crop conditions from last week. Central Washington reported dry conditions and wildfires that had been contained. The second cutting of hay harvest had almost finished, and wheat harvest had started. In Yakima County, a small amount of precipitation was received early in the week. Apple growers utilized several strategies to protect fruit from excessive temperatures and sunburn, including evaporative misting, net screening, kaolin clay, and other crop protectants. Peach growers moved bins into fields in anticipation of harvest. Cucumbers, sweet corn, peppers, green beans, garlic, onion, summer squashes, blueberries, and melons were available at roadside stands. Hops filled in their trellises, and light, green-colored hop cones were found in more mature yards. A few wildfires were experienced in Yakima Valley, but the air quality remained good. In east central
Washington, winter wheat harvest started. Southeast Washington saw more hot temperatures.
— USDA NASS