OLYMPIA, Wash. — USDA NASS released its crop progress and condition report for the Northwest Region for the week ending April 17, 2022.
Idaho Spring Fieldwork Limited by Cold Weather and Snow
There were 1.9 days suitable for fieldwork, down from 5.9 days reported the previous week. Colder than normal
temperatures and snow limited fieldwork and planting progress in Idaho this week. Northern Idaho received about 4 to 5 inches of snow over the weekend. Most of the snow melted quickly at farming elevations. The week was cold and wet in south central and southwest Idaho. Very little planting progress was reported. The moisture helped planted cereals, sugarbeets, alfalfa, pasture, and range conditions in the short run. However, the total precipitation received wasn’t sufficient to alleviate drought concerns. Another concern was heat units. Crops were in need of consistent heat units. Snow, rain, wind, and cold temperatures dominated eastern Idaho. Lemhi County received much needed wet, heavy snow, and temperatures remained cold. Lots of wind and snow were reported in Teton County, creating poor fieldwork conditions. With moisture levels around 80 percent of average, this area needed additional moisture.
Rain, Snow, Cold Temperatures Slowed Fieldwork in Oregon
There were 2.8 days suitable for fieldwork in Oregon last week, down from 5.8 the previous week. In northwest Oregon, grapes and hazelnuts budded. Pasture and crop conditions remained good. Wet, heavy snow had an impact on small fruits and hoop houses. There was also some limb breakage. Agronomic crops were not impacted. Moist soil slowed down fieldwork and crop protection work. In Clatsop and Tillamook Counties, some farmers planted their grass seed. Cold temperatures delayed corn planting. Snow, hail, and cold temperatures hindered fieldwork. North central Oregon encountered a week of winter weather with a lot of snow and moisture. Daily temperatures were below normal, and 4-6 inches of snow fell which improved soil moisture. In northeast Oregon, there was rain and snow. The wet conditions delayed planting green peas. In southwest Oregon, there was rain, and the pastures greened up. In Malheur County, there were multiple storms, windy conditions, and morning temperatures at or below freezing. The cool temperatures and the storms prevented much fieldwork from being done. Some sugarbeet fields, damaged by the wind and cooler temperatures, were replanted. Corn planting began. Higher elevations received snow. The Owyhee Reservoir was at the historic average. Rangeland conditions improved. In Lake County, a fair amount of snow was received, but precipitation remained below the average for the water year.
Fieldwork Down in Washington
There were 2.8 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 5.4 last week. Statewide temperatures were below normal. In San Juan County, fruit trees blossomed more with rain and a cold wave. The ground was still soggy in low-lying and annual planting areas. Due to the cold and wet conditions, there was limited field activity. In Chelan County, snowfall was received with blizzard-like conditions throughout the area. Low temperatures dipped to levels that posed a risk to tree fruit. Winter wheat looked good and wasn’t impacted. Moisture throughout the area improved wheat and pasture conditions across the region. In Yakima County, freezing temperatures triggered the use of overhead irrigation and wind machines to try to protect the delicate flower buds and fruit in orchards. Peaches, nectarines, plums, and apricots were in post bloom with early fruit formation. Some flowers and leaves showed signs of frost damage. Field crews burned back hop bines to the ground in some yards to help delay harvest. In Adams County, there were freezing temperatures all week. Precipitation throughout the area was enough to maintain current crop and moisture conditions. In Walla Walla County, there were no spring work activities due to the snow and rainfall. Low temperatures caused some damage to seeded crops.
— USDA NASS
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