OLYMPIA, Wash. — USDA NASS released its crop progress and condition report for the Northwest Region for the week ending April 10, 2022.
Idaho Spring Planting Continued in Cooler than Normal Temperatures
There were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork, up from 4.7 days reported the previous week. Idaho topsoil, subsoil moisture levels, and pasture and range conditions showed little change from the previous week. Northern Idaho and eastern Idaho were still experiencing winter-like conditions. Northern Idaho reported unusually cold temperatures at night such as low temperatures in the mid-20s. Snow fell over the weekend. In eastern Idaho, Teton County reported several inches of snow later in the week. This moisture was much needed, but the valley floor was covered in snow again. South central Idaho reported temperature swings from unseasonably high to very low, accompanied by high wind conditions. High winds blew some of the sugarbeet seed out of the ground in Cassia County. The little rain that fell this past week in Twin Falls County quickly evaporated. Nightly lows continued to be near or below freezing. Major activities included hauling manure, tillage, preparing fields for corn, planting potatoes, sugarbeet planting, and cereal grains planting. Soils were dry and ranges needed moisture. Grass growth was slow. In southwest Idaho, onion planting progress was ahead of normal.
Cooler, Windy Weather in Oregon
There were 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork, down from 6.7 the previous week. In northwest Oregon, farmers started spring spraying. Agronomic and horticultural crops were doing well. There were some showers and sunny spring weather. In Clatsop and Tillamook Counties, dairymen put their herds into the fields. There were also manure spreading activities. Field activities commenced with the drier ground. In north central Oregon, the weather was cold and windy. There were a few warm days, but the wind started blowing again. Producers tried to get their crops sprayed, but the weather was not ideal. There were several inches of snow accumulation. Overall, wheat crops were doing well. Spring crops seeding was almost done. With the temperature fluctuations, producers kept an eye on their livestock. In northeast Oregon, Baker County had cold temperatures and snow in the lower elevations. The wind was consistent over the past week. Grass growth for pastures was minimal. In Umatilla and Wallowa Counties, dry conditions continued. Union County reported very windy and dry conditions with cold temperatures. There were several hard frosts. In southwest Oregon, Douglas County remained in drought conditions. However, some good rain and snowfall was received in the area. In Malheur County, high winds caused considerable soil erosion from some fields. Drip tape was used in some onion fields. Freezing temperatures also damaged some seedlings. Irrigation canals were opened and began filling. Dry conditions favored continued planting. In Lake County, precipitation was below normal.
Winter Weather Returned Throughout Washington
There were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork, down from 6.0 the previous week. Statewide temperatures were below normal. In San Juan County, pastures on higher ground started to grow. Fruit trees were budding out, early pears were blooming, and cane berries were popping out leaves. Early CSA crops were being planted in open-cultivation sites and high-tunnels. In Chelan County, some snow was received, but the area remained in drought conditions. In Yakima County, cherries, nectarines, peaches, and plums were all in post bloom. Apples and most pears in the lower Yakima Valley entered early to mid-stages of bloom. Vegetable producers continued to till and prepared the fields for planting. In Asotin County, gusty winds and snow showers slowed spring seeding. Freezing temperatures throughout the area damaged winter wheat.
— USDA NASS