OLYMPIA, Wash. — USDA NASS released its crop progress report for the Northwest Region for week ending July 3, 2022.
Temperatures Increased and Crops Developed in Idaho
There were 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork, down from 6.8 days reported the previous week. Statewide, producers were still recovering from a cold and wet June. The southern part of the State received consistent heat and crops made good gains. In Twin Falls County, winter wheat started turning color. The northern region of Idaho recovered from the latency of crops due to the June weather. South central Idaho experienced warmer weather. In Jerome County, producers started the second cutting of alfalfa hay. In eastern Idaho the weather was warmer. Southwest Idaho, along with some counties in the northern region, saw the highest temperature difference in the past week. After a slow start, crops were coming along.
Progress Continued in Oregon with Warm, Dry Weather
There were 6.9 days suitable for fieldwork in Oregon, up from 6.8 days the previous week. In northwest Oregon, there was summer weather. Hay was cut and field operations were in full swing. Nursery, berry, and vegetable crops were in good condition with grass seed moving rapidly toward harvest. Corn emerged and some fields were worked up for new plantings. In north central Oregon, hot temperatures helped ripen the wheat. Pastures dried out, but there was good forage. In northeast Oregon, winter wheat began to turn color in many fields and hay was cut. The week started out hot and then cooled some, which helped lower the threat of stripe rust. Spring canola looked excellent. In Malheur County, dry conditions favored hay harvest and fieldwork. Growers were on the lookout for pests that come with increased temperatures. In Lake County, there was some precipitation. Producers reported feed conditions were good, but some producers continue to haul water to livestock.
Temperatures Up Throughout Washington
There were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 6.7 days the previous week. Statewide temperatures were mostly above normal. In Clark County, the first cutting of alfalfa hay neared completion. Winter wheat was headed and looked good, while spring wheat had not headed yet. In Snohomish County, more field corn was planted. Organic producers had difficulties maintaining weeds due to wet weather. Organic grass turned a rust color due to the ongoing wet, cool conditions. Berry harvest lagged behind normal. In Whatcom County, strawberry harvest wound down while growers prepared for raspberry harvest to begin. In Yakima County, some cherry producers mowed orchards and placed out bins. Defense measures were utilized to scare birds away from fruit. Apricots colored up nicely along with peaches and nectarines. Around seventy percent of the hop crop reached the top of their trellises. Sweet corn showed tassels and an
early harvest of summer squashes was noted. Wheat heads were drying and browning in spring wheat fields. In Chelan and Douglas Counties, heavy rain from thunderstorms prevailed across parts of the counties. Pastures were green and in the growth stage long past normal. Aside from the rain, wheat looked good. Some hail from the storm left possible damage on apples and pears as they were still growing and were susceptible to bruising.
— USDA NASS