or-crop-weather Oregon Crop Weather Released: July 7, 2008 Week ending: July~6, 2008 OR-CW1405 OREGON CROP WEATHER NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE USDA, NASS, Oregon Field Office Phone: 503-326-2131 Released: July 7, 2008 Toll Free: 1-800-338-2157 Week ending: cweek@, @year_cwk@ Email: nass-or@nass.usda.gov Volume: 14-08 Internet: www.nass.usda.gov/or Weather: The week began with hot and dry conditions in most areas of the State, but temperatures quickly dropped from above average to below normal by the weekend. High temperatures ranged from 102 degrees in Ontario, down to 64 degrees in Crescent City. Low temperatures ranged from 61 degrees in The Dalles, down to 45 degrees at the Lorella and Bend weather stations. Portland received the most precipitation with 0.28 total inches followed by Prairie City and Madras with 0.27 total inches. Twenty-two of the forty-two stations reporting received measurable precipitation with most reporting only a trace. Field Crops: Most field crops were reported to be looking good across the State. Warm but moderate temperatures were welcomed. Haying continued to be very active. Winter wheat was turning color, but for the most part was not ready for harvest; however, some wheat was harvested in Morrow County. Spring wheat and spring barley were still green. Grass seed harvest began in southern Willamette Valley, with annuals and orchard grass for seed finishing up. Red clover was past full bloom and crimson clover was starting to go down. Vegetables: Warmer daytime and nighttime temperatures have been good for corn, tomatoes, squash, and other heat-loving plants. Squash plants were starting to size up, and beans and corn were looking better throughout the Willamette Valley. Sweet corn was doing well with varied growth due to staggered planting, with some early plantings starting to tassel. Fruits and Nuts: The raspberry harvest began last week and blueberries were just ripening. The earliest varieties were about 50 percent complete and mid-season varieties were still about two weeks away. The strawberry harvest continued and should be done by next week. Sweet cherries were ripe and harvest got underway in most cherry growing areas. Continued warm weather has advanced tree fruit maturity in some areas. Apple and pear crops were still behind normal in southern Oregon, but were looking good. Vineyards were also benefiting from the warmer weather and doing well after a late start. Summer orchard operations continued throughout the Hood River Valley and pear growers were cutting fire blight in many locations. Hazelnuts and walnuts were developing nicely in the Willamette Valley. Nurseries and Greenhouses: Greenhouses were cleaning up and starting to prepare for fall plants. Nurseries were busy with watering, fertilizing, and weed control activities. Potted plant sales continued to be very active for some nurseries. Livestock, Range and Pasture: Pastures were in good condition and still providing plenty of green forage for livestock. Rangelands looked to be in good condition in eastern Oregon with some reports of thunderstorm related wildfires in Gilliam County. Overall, livestock were doing well throughout the State. Soil Moisture-Week Ending 07/06/08 ------------------------------------------------------------------ : Very : : : : short : Short : Adequate : Surplus ------------------------------------------------------------------ : Percent : Topsoil : 21 42 36 1 Subsoil : 13 40 45 2 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Crop Progress-Week Ending 07/06/08 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : This : Last : Last : 5 year Crop : week : week : year : average -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Percent : Alfalfa hay, first cutting : 98 77 100 47 Winter wheat harvested : 1 - 4 3 Spring wheat headed : 91 88 99 92 : Days suitable for fieldwork : 6.7 7.0 6.7 6.6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Crop Condition-Week Ending 07/06/08 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Very : : : : Crop : poor : Poor : Fair : Good : Excellent ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Percent : Winter wheat : 16 26 31 22 5 Spring wheat : 6 32 29 25 8 Barley : 5 20 30 38 7 Corn : 0 0 15 69 16 Range and pasture : 6 14 30 45 5 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WESTERN OREGON BENTON/LINN/LANE: The grass seed harvest has begun. Annuals and orchard grass were finishing up and some tall fescue was being cut. Squash plants were starting to size up, beans and corn were looking better with this warmer weather. Irrigation was in full swing last week. COOS/CURRY: Temperatures in southern Curry County were slightly above the 5- year average for the week, with the warmest temperatures for the weekend. Hay production was active with the dry weather and prospects for adequate drying conditions. The low temperature for the period was 55.82 degrees, 5.24 degrees above the 5-year average. The high temperature for the period was 75.6 degrees, 2.28 degrees above the 5-year average. Precipitation for the period was 0.02 inches over 2 days, compared to a 5-year (including drought years 2003-2004) average of 0.01 inches. Precipitation for Current weather year precipitation (began 10/07) stands at 64.13 inches, 16.36 inches below the 5 year average. Historical average precipitation for Brookings area through June is 69.98 inches. DOUGLAS: Harvesting was kicking in for blueberries and raspberries. The earliest varieties were about 50 percent complete. Mid-season varieties were still about two weeks away. June bearing strawberry varieties were done harvesting despite going a little later this year than normal. Everbearing varieties were still a few weeks away from steady picking. Grapes were developing nicely after a very late start. We are still about two weeks later than normal but recent heat is being handled well after a very good flowering and fruit set period. Vegetable crops were also doing very well despite being later than usual. Irrigation demand is peaking now through the next month as we hit 85-95 regularly. Incidence of disease in all crops is low so far this summer. JACKSON: It was a good week for outside work for both farmers and ranchers. Good weather for growing. It was still a busy week for hay harvesting. Grain crops were looking good and lots of irrigation on hay fields. The apple and pear crops were both doing well, but look to be about two weeks behind normal. Vineyards were doing well with the warmer weather. Cherries were ripe. Early vegetables, onions, beans, radishes, peas, and leaf lettuce were being harvested and farmer's markets were busy. Some early sweet corn was starting to tassel. Greenhouses were in cleanup stages and were getting ready for fall plants. Nurseries were doing lots of watering and feeding. There were still some potted plants being sold. All livestock were looking quite good as pastures still have lots of good green forage and dry ground pastures are about all dried up. JOSEPHINE: There were 3 days without smoke from the California fires. Temperatures were warm, with night time temperatures good for corn, tomatoes, squash, and other heat-loving plants. Okra, one of the crops that needs overnight high temperatures of 60 or higher, was still languishing. Grapes were looking good. Mostly, we are just waiting and watering now. Zucchini was being harvested and peas were done. Some cherry tomatoes were ready. Day neutral type strawberries were done. Raspberries should be harvested this week and blueberries were available on a limited basis in some gardens. Truck gardens were doing slow business but do have some Walla Walla onions. Haying got delayed slightly because of rains, but fields dried out. More like grass straw in some fields. Irrigation was ongoing for everything. We made it through one more fireworks holiday with only a few related fires, which has people in southern Oregon on edge every year. MARION: The area received quite a thunderstorm last week, but little to no rain. Overall, it was a nice summer week and perfect weather for the Fourth of July. Grain heads were turning yellow as they matured. Most grasses were over bloom. Irrigation was being applied to grass seed fields where available. Some fields looking close to swathing time. A lot of wildflower seed fields were in bloom. Soil was drying quickly due to the lack of rain. WASHINGTON: High temperature 96 degrees, low 55 degrees, humidity 48-66 percent. California smoke kept temperatures down. The strawberry harvest was going well. Dairy farmers were experiencing difficult economic conditions due to feed costs. All growing crops were doing well. Field corn was growing well, crimson clover was being swathed, and it was great drying weather. Haying got a weather break and good quality was put up and in the sheds. Winter wheat changing color, and red clover was past full bloom. Strawberries were still producing with some "hoods" done. Filberts were filling and walnuts were showing. Sweet corn was doing well with varied growth from staggered planting. Greenhouses were doing a cleanup of early plants and looking to fall sales. Some pastures were cut and baled as growth outgrew consumption; nice bonus and cattle and calves were doing great. YAMHILL: Crimson clover was starting to go down, raspberries were ready, and the sweet cherry harvest started on Monday in lower elevations. Continued warmer weather has advanced the maturity of tree fruits. EASTERN OREGON BAKER: Crops were in good condition. Pastures had adequate amount of feed for this time of year. GILLIAM: Thunderstorms produced isolated, scattered showers, and fires that burned both rangeland and wheat ground. HOOD RIVER: The week started out hot, with temperatures in the high 80's and low 90's, and then cooled off for the weekend. Summer orchard operations continued throughout the Hood River Valley. Pear growers were cutting fire blight in many locations throughout the valley. KLAMATH: Temperatures were in the low 80's during the week. Night time temperatures were in the 50's. Irrigation continued and crops were looking good. LAKE: Not much of difference in the County from the previous week. Hay was being harvested and pasture was still in good to fair condition. MALHEUR: Near 100 degree temperatures kept producers busy with irrigation. There was not too much heat stress yet. Most areas reported excellent range and cattle conditions. MORROW: The wheat harvest was underway and reported yields have ranged from "horrible" to "good," depending on location. SHERMAN: Winter wheat was beginning to turn color but still plenty of green. The crop is at least two weeks behind normal maturity. UMATILLA: Potatoes were still more than ten days behind maturity, and onions were also behind. UNION: The grass seed harvest was just beginning. Scattered thundershowers last week resulted in some wet hay. WALLOWA: Crops continued to look good for this time of year. WASCO: Thunder and lighting storms were active several nights after mid-week. Only minor precipitation fell, however. The early winter wheat fields were starting to change color rapidly. Spring barley and spring wheat were still green at end of the week. The cherry harvest was in full swing. Alfalfa hay harvest was active in all areas of the County, while irrigation on second cutting fields continued. Livestock were still doing well. Weather data for selected stations in Oregon, Week ending: July 6, 2008 (as of 11:00 am) 1/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ : : Growing : Last week precip. 4/ : Season cum. precipitation 5/ : Air temperature 2/ : degree days 3/ :-------------------------------------------------------------- Station :-------------------------------:-----------------: Total : : : Total : : Pct. : : Low : High : Avg. :DFN 6/ : Total :DFN 6/ : inches :DFN 6/ :Days 7/: inches :DFN 6/ : normal :Days 7/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ COASTAL AREAS : Astoria/Clatsop : 54 67 61 +2 75 +12 0.18 -0.18 2 60.46 -3.82 94 186 Bandon 8/ : 48 67 57 -2 48 -6 0.01 -0.14 1 52.42 -5.26 91 173 Crescent City : 49 64 56 -2 46 -10 - -0.13 - 44.19 -19.80 69 114 Florence : 49 71 59 +0 67 +2 0.11 -0.18 1 84.61 10.07 114 159 North Bend : 48 70 58 -1 61 -2 - -0.16 - 57.80 -4.25 93 149 Tillamook : 52 73 62 +6 88 +35 0.04 -0.44 1 56.79 -28.96 66 173 WILLAMETTE : VALLEY : Aurora 8/ : 52 86 68 +4 129 +25 0.10 -0.11 1 41.64 2.00 105 167 Corvallis : 46 85 67 +3 117 +17 0.03 -0.12 1 42.29 0.83 102 152 Detroit Lake 8/ : 56 90 70 +9 141 +60 0.01 -0.28 1 89.50 23.86 136 179 Eugene : 47 87 68 +3 132 +21 0.01 -0.15 1 34.58 -13.36 72 139 Hillsboro : 53 88 68 +4 126 +24 0.12 -0.05 3 30.56 -5.57 85 140 McMinnville : 49 84 67 +3 120 +18 - -0.14 - 33.84 -8.26 80 148 Portland : 56 87 69 +3 138 +20 0.28 0.10 3 32.77 -1.99 94 157 Salem : 50 86 69 +5 131 +26 - -0.18 - 35.92 -2.10 94 134 SW VALLEYS : Grants Pass : 54 95 74 +4 167 +25 - -0.07 - 28.20 -2.18 93 124 Medford : 57 95 75 +5 177 +29 - -0.07 - 16.35 -1.79 90 102 Roseburg : 55 92 73 +7 162 +42 - -0.14 - 31.86 0.04 100 139 NORTH CENTRAL : Condon : 50 95 72 +9 158 +58 0.18 0.04 3 11.50 -1.54 88 102 Echo 8/ : 58 98 78 +7 194 +44 - -0.07 - 7.79 -0.62 93 98 Heppner : 55 100 76 +9 180 +57 0.13 0.02 3 13.73 0.75 106 119 Hermiston : 60 100 79 +9 207 +57 0.01 -0.06 1 7.62 -0.79 91 82 Madras 8/ : 50 92 71 +6 149 +40 0.27 0.13 1 7.83 -1.75 82 96 Moro : 56 101 76 +11 183 +72 - -0.07 - 9.37 -1.07 90 86 Parkdale 8/ : 49 92 68 +3 129 +21 0.01 -0.06 1 21.99 -8.06 73 111 Pendleton : 58 100 77 +7 192 +44 - -0.11 - 10.89 -0.36 97 94 Prairie City 8/ : 50 92 71 +6 149 +40 0.27 0.13 1 7.83 -1.75 82 96 The Dalles : 61 101 76 +12 185 +78 0.24 0.17 2 12.94 1.13 110 81 SOUTH CENTRAL : Agency Lake 8/ : 52 86 68 +7 130 +43 - -0.08 - 12.51 -2.71 82 92 Bend : 45 97 69 +8 137 +54 - -0.14 - 11.64 0.87 108 76 Burns : 46 94 71 +8 146 +46 - -0.13 - 8.76 -0.27 97 98 Christmas Valley 8/ : 47 92 68 +2 129 +11 - -0.14 - 7.16 -4.27 63 71 Klamath Falls : 47 87 67 +1 119 +7 - -0.09 - 9.38 -3.25 74 80 Klamath Falls 8/ : 48 88 67 +2 120 +8 - -0.09 - 10.73 -1.90 85 105 Lakeview : - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lorella 8/ : 45 89 66 +1 117 +5 - -0.09 - 9.13 -3.50 72 107 Redmond : 46 97 71 +8 150 +51 0.01 -0.13 1 1.86 -5.85 24 40 Worden 8/ : 43 88 64 -3 102 -10 - -0.09 - 8.07 -4.56 64 99 NORTHEAST : Baker City : 48 96 70 +6 145 +40 0.14 -0.04 2 9.67 0.14 101 112 Joseph : 50 91 70 +12 139 +79 0.25 0.00 3 18.51 -4.65 80 127 La Grande : 54 97 73 +6 163 +40 0.06 -0.12 2 14.03 -2.08 87 100 Union : 52 98 73 +9 162 +60 0.09 -0.11 2 11.14 -1.30 90 99 SOUTHEAST : Ontario : 59 102 81 +7 218 +45 - -0.07 - 5.90 -3.21 65 68 Rome : 56 101 76 +7 187 +46 - -0.12 - 7.01 -0.54 93 84 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1/ Summary based on NWS data. Copyright 2008: AWIS, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2/ Air temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. 3/ Growing degree days base-50 degrees Fahrenheit. 4/ Precipitation (rain or melted snow/ice) in inches. 5/ Season cumulative precipitation starts September 1, 2007. 6/ DFN=Departure from normal (using 1961-1990 normals period). 7/ Precipitation days = Days with precipitation of 0.01 inch or more. 8/ Agri-Met weather stations.