OLYMPIA, Wash. — USDA NASS released its crop progress and condition report for the Northwest Region for the week ending May 1, 2022.
Idaho Planting Progressed Through Wet, Cold Conditions
There were 4.5 days suitable for fieldwork, up from 3.7 days reported the previous week. Colder than normal
temperatures continued to be reported in Idaho. Both planting progress and emergent growth lagged previous year
numbers and 5-year averages. This year’s below average snowpack in the Snake River headwaters heightened awareness of reservoir levels. Bruneau Basin was 75% of normal, while Weiser Basin was 138% of normal. Northern Idaho reported continued wet, cold weather. Twin Falls and Jerome Counties reported corn planting got underway. Eastern Idaho reported rain and snow helped moisture levels in the valley. Planting had not begun due to cool temperatures and wet fields. Southeast Idaho reported rain and cold temperatures delayed planting. Some sugarbeets needed replanted due to wind and cold. According to a recent Capital Press article, potato producers elected to plant fewer acres because the canal systems had less water storage. One reporter in southwest Idaho reported shifting growing locations and planting more short-season varieties due to reduced irrigation. Range and pasture conditions stayed about the same as the previous week. All crops needed consistent warmer weather to promote growth.
Cool Temperatures and Wet Conditions Continued in Oregon
There were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork in Oregon last week, an increase from 4.9 the previous week. In Polk County, it was unseasonably cold and wet. In Clatsop and Tillamook Counties, producers entered fields. There were some cuttings and grass prepared for silage. Fieldwork was minimal due to wet conditions. Grass was growing and the soil was warming. Wind was reported in north central Oregon. Spring seeding wrapped up. Some rain helped the crops and pastures, but it was still dry. Temperatures dropped below freezing in some areas. In northeast Oregon, Baker County received some rain to help with the dry soil conditions. Continued cold conditions prevented crops from growing. Rain delayed herbicide spraying and many growers were trying to catch up due to the weather. Winter canola was doing well. In Malheur County, some rain limited fieldwork. Herbicide spraying was interrupted due to windy conditions. In Klamath County, spring rains improved pasture conditions.
Cold and Wet Conditions Throughout Washington
There were 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 4.4 the previous week. Statewide temperatures were below normal. In San Juan County, cool and rainy weather was present throughout the area. Fields were too wet for any work to take place. Many vegetable seed and grain growers were behind with spring planting. Grass fields were thin and conditions worsened. In Clark County, cold and wet conditions continued throughout the week. Cold weather hindered pasture growth and warm days were needed. In Chelan County, soil moisture recovered enough where drought was not evident. Spring field work progressed quickly across several counties. Orchardists were still evaluating the impacts from snow and freeze events in April. In Yakima County, apple trees ranged from full bloom to petal fall throughout the week. Vegetable growers prepared the ground to receive seed while some fields had already been furnished with irrigation tubes and black plastic. Field crews finished stringing up most trellises while hops binds had begun to break the surface in search of something to climb up. In Douglas County, cool and wet weather helped winter wheat and range conditions. Crops were being seeded, but at a slow pace due to heavy rains.
— USDA NASS