USDA NASS Northwest Crop Progress Report for May 28, 2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — USDA NASS released its Northwest Region crop progress and condition report for the week ending May 28, 2023.

Widespread Rain in Idaho
There were 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork in Idaho, down from 6.4 days reported the previous week. Idaho experienced temperatures ranging from slightly cooler to slightly warmer in some areas for the past week. In South Central Idaho, scattered rain made alfalfa cutting difficult. Hailstorms caused damage to some alfalfa fields, but it was noted to be spotty and depended on the path of the storms. Grazing improved over the week with the snow melt and recent rain. In Jerome and Twin Falls Counties, producers continued to cut triticale. Afternoon showers occurred most days which made chopping and other work somewhat difficult. Corn planting continued over the week. Alfalfa was also cut for green chop, but most was not baled yet. Cereal grains, corn, sugarbeet, and potato conditions looked good in the region. Voles were observed on low elevation ranges as well as large populations of nymph grasshoppers. Large populations of Mormon crickets were noticed in high elevation areas of southern Twin Falls County. Low elevation ranges looked dry with
cheatgrass maturing. Northern Idaho experienced spotty downpours. Elmore and Owyhee saw isolated thunderstorms, which produced cooler than average temperatures. Concentrated areas of heavy rain affected crop planting, emergence, and hay cutting.

Mild Temperatures and Minimal Precipitation in Oregon
There were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork in Oregon, up from 6.0 days reported the previous week. Most of Oregon saw mild to moderate temperatures, with some regions receiving precipitation. In the northwest part of the State, there were reports of moderate temperatures with concern for topsoil moisture becoming short too quickly. Irrigation practices had started to ramp up due to no precipitation. Some fields were treated with manure applications. In north central Oregon, there were reports of dry and windy conditions with minimal precipitation. With the high winds, producers were not able to finish spraying their crops. Cattle were shipped to summer pastures. In the northeast region, heat caused rapid head emergence for winter wheat. There were concerns about the lack of precipitation causing drought stress for shallow soil areas in winter wheat fields. Winter canola was moving out of the bloom stage, with pods setting, and the overall crop was
in good condition. In Malheur County, warm temperatures and sporadic showers created good growing conditions. Alfalfa cutting was underway. Dry bean planting continued, and emergence had begun. In Lake County, precipitation was reported at the end of the week, which caused pastures to green up and improved the water outlook.

Spring Planting Nearly Complete
There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 6.9 days reported the previous week. Some of eastern Washington saw temperatures that were higher than normal with dry conditions, while most of western and central Washington saw cooler temperatures. In Whatcom County, forage growers had an excellent first cutting; bunkers were filled, and some was baled. The cooler temperatures helped to encourage healthy growth in raspberry fields. Spring planting was wrapping up in central Washington. Moisture was a concern among producers because there was no measurable rain for weeks. In Klickitat County, the first cutting of hay had started. In Yakima County, apricots had reached the size of a half-dollar, but were still green. Some early cherry varieties were starting to show straw to light pink color development, and color-up fabric was being laid down in other cherry orchards. Mowing was seen in apple orchards with crews out training young apple trees. Fruit thinning had occurred in peach orchards, and vegetable transplants were
planted in black plastic. Flower blossoms formed in early planted summer squashes, and asparagus harvest continued; however, in some fields, the spears had been allowed to develop into ferns. Northeast Washington had some areas that were hit hard by hail and rain. In Stevens County, producers experienced daily hailstorms, rain, lighting, and thunder. Areas that experienced heavy rain still had water standing in fields. Temperatures were milder this week, with daytime temperatures in the 70s, and high 40s at night. Spring planted crops looked good, and fieldwork should be wrapping up. Producers prepared to cut hay. In East Central Washington, spotty thunderstorms were experienced in multiple counties. This was enough to keep soil and crop conditions adequate. Southeastern Washington continued to see high temperatures. Some spring planted crops were damaged in these conditions, but the one day of rain may have helped some.

— USDA NASS