OLYMPIA, Wash. — USDA NASS released its Crop Progress and Condition report for the Northwest Region for the week ending July 10, 2022.
Temperatures Stayed Hot in Idaho
There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork, up from 6.4 days reported the previous week. Statewide, the warm weather pattern finally settled in. The southern part of the State received consistent heat and crops made good gains. In Twin Falls County, winter wheat rapidly changed colors and ripened. 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’ second cutting of alfalfa hay was cut and curing well with weather calming down. Corn grew with the heat, but crop development was still behind normal. In eastern Idaho, the weather was warmer. Producers were also concerned with grasshoppers in some locations.
Warm Weather Continued in Oregon
There were 7.0 days suitable for fieldwork in Oregon, up from 6.9 days the previous week. In northwest Oregon, there was good weather for all crops. Irrigation was active on most horticultural crops. Hay bales were loaded. Corn had emerged and was growing. There was light rain, but field activities were in full swing. North central Oregon experienced warm and hot weather. In Gilliam County, wheat turned which cued harvest to begin. In northeast Oregon, light precipitation continued. Winter and spring canola were doing very well. In southeast Oregon, warm and dry weather stayed consistent. In Malheur County, the number of heat units accumulated this season were observed to be close to the thirty-year average. Pea seed harvest continued and second cutting of alfalfa was underway. Bee boxes were being placed in alfalfa seed fields. In Lake County, fields dried out as there was no precipitation in the county. Producers started harvesting grass hay.
Improved Crop Conditions and Progress Throughout Washington
There were 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 6.5 days the previous week. Statewide temperatures were below normal. In Skagit County, breaks in the cold weather pattern provided time for producers to get into fields and complete corn planting. Improved weather also helped producers cultivate for weeds and provide some heat units for spring crops to put on some growth. In north central Washington, wheat looked good with all the spring moisture. Many pastures were holding green much later than normal. Pastures were overall in excellent condition for this time of year. Some producers were just starting first cutting of hay with many producers’ hay crops being rained on. In Klickitat County, most farmers were able to complete their first cutting of hay, although there was still quite a bit to bale. Winter wheat harvest started on the east side of the county. In Benton and Yakima Counties, a light crop of cherries and apricots entered packing houses. More fruit thinning was observed in a few apple orchards. Most hop bines reached the top of the trellises. Summer squash and onions showed up at roadside stands. Flower blossoms and green fruit were visible on the tomato crop and fruit clusters were visible in grape crops. In Adams County, farmers were awaiting harvest. Warmer temperatures helped crop progress throughout the area. In southeast Washington, warmer weather was helping crops, but wheat harvest was anticipated to be at least a week out.
— USDA NASS