OR-crop-weather Oregon Crop Weather Released: September 17, 2007 Week ending: September 16, 2007 OR-CW25-07 OREGON CROP WEATHER NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE USDA, NASS, Oregon Field Office Phone: 503-326-2131 Released: September 17, 2007 Toll Free: 1-800-338-2157 Week ending: September 16, 2007 Email: nass-or@nass.usda.gov Volume: 25-07 Internet: www.nass.usda.gov/or Weather: Temperatures at the beginning of the week remained warm and higher than normal but cooled off dramatically by weeks end. High temperatures ranged from 98 degrees in Medford and Roseburg, down to 68 degrees in North Bend. Low temperatures ranged from 53 degrees in Portland and Bandon, again down to 26 degrees in Christmas Valley. Very little to no precipitation was received in most counties; however, thunderstorms in Crook County were enough to delay the hay harvest. Aurora received the most precipitation with .14 inches followed by .10 inches at the Astoria/Clatsop station. Only eighteen of the forty-three stations received precipitation, with most of those stations reporting only a trace. Field Crops: Temperatures cooled down towards the end of the week and precipitation was light and scattered across the State. However, moisture was limited and more was needed for fall planting. Grain harvest in the Willamette Valley was nearing completion last week and fall planting was in preparation. Some grass seed fields in Washington County were being ripped out for fall wheat planting in response to the higher wheat prices. Hay was in high demand in Crook County and orchard grass hay was being sold at a premium price this past week. Some farmers in Sherman County are expected to start fall planting next week even if the soil remains hard and dry. Vegetables: There was still plenty of fresh produce for sale this past week, but the focus has turned towards fall crops including the last of the sweet corn harvest, squash, tomatoes, and pumpkins. Several counties reported the availability of squash and mentioned that pumpkins were sizing and coloring well. Sweet corn fields have done well so far this year. Carrot seed harvest was about 50 percent complete in Jefferson County. Onion harvest and storage was in full swing in Malheur County. Fruits and Nuts: Gala apples harvested throughout Hood River Valley. The winter pear harvest continued in the lower and mid-Hood River Valley and began in the upper Valley. The Jackson County pear harvest was going along with good fruit quality, but there was a shortage of pickers. Plums were being picked with earlier weather-induced losses evident. Looks like Italians had more significant losses than Brooks. Apples and peaches were being harvested in the Willamette Valley. Filberts were falling well and some growers were planning to start harvest operations next week. Walnuts were ready to break husks. Most berries have been harvested. Nurseries and Greenhouses: Nurseries and greenhouses were irrigating, transplanting potted shrubs to new locations, and preparing soil for new plantings. Some large trees were being sent to landscape locations. Greenhouses were busy getting fall flower and vegetable starts ready. Livestock, Range and Pasture: Light showers and cooler weather helped to improve some pastures in western Oregon. Most areas across the State continued to need considerably more moisture to improve fall pasture conditions. Producers continued to provide supplemental feed to livestock and the demand for hay was already high. Availability, as well as the price of feed, was a continued concern for producers. Livestock remained in good condition throughout the State. Soil Moisture-Week Ending 09/16/07 ------------------------------------------------------------------ : Very : : : : short : Short : Adequate : Surplus ------------------------------------------------------------------ : Percent : Topsoil : 45 34 21 0 Subsoil : 47 33 20 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Crop Progress-Week Ending 09/16/07 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : This : Last : Last : 5 year Crop : week : week : year : average -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Percent : Alfalfa hay, third cutting : 98 92 80 16 Winter wheat planted : 13 8 19 8 : Days suitable for fieldwork : 6.5 6.5 6.7 6.6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Crop Condition-Week Ending 09/16/07 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Very : : : : Crop : poor : Poor : Fair : Good : Excellent ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Percent : Range and pasture : 28 31 26 9 6 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WESTERN OREGON BENTON\LINN\LANE: The harvest of grass and grain crops here in the Willamette Valley has now been completed and the working of the ground for the fall planting is well under way. There is still plenty of fresh produce to be had from the local farmers and the fall fruits are plentiful. The Valley has had some light showers this past week and with the changing of the weather the pastures and some of the worked fields are showing signs of green sprout. COOS/CURRY: Low temperatures were above the 5-year average this week in both Coos and Curry counties. Highs were about 4 degrees above the 5-year average in Coos and about 10 degrees below the 5-year average in Curry. Some traces of precipitation during the week in both Coos and Curry and breezy conditions persisted. Bandon (Coos & Northern Curry): The low temperature for the period was 52.85 degrees, 5.48 degrees above the 5-year average. The high temperature for the period was 72.4 degrees, 4.48 degrees above the 5-year average. Precipitation for the period was 0.06 inches over 4 days, compared to a 5-year (including drought years 2002-2004) average of 0.28 inches. Precipitation for current weather year precipitation stands at 57.75 inches, 0.22 inches below the 5 year average. Historical average precipitation through September is 60.40 inches. Brookings (Southern Curry): The low temperature for the period was 53.58 degrees, 4.0 degrees above the 5-year average. The high temperature for the period was 65.86 degrees, 9.84 degrees below the 5-year average. Precipitation for the period was 0.03 inches, over 3 days, compared to a 5-year average (including drought years 2002-2004) of 0.14 inches. Current weather year precipitation stands at 80.06 inches, 0.11 inches below the 5 year average. Historical average precipitation through September is 73.48 inches. JACKSON: Some grain was harvested last week and the ground is still being disked in preparation for fall planting. None has yet to be planted as the ground is too dry. Grass and alfalfa hay are still being cut and baled. Apples and some peaches and plums were being picked. The pear harvest is going along ok, but there has been a shortage of pickers. The quality of fruit is quite good! There were still a lot of fresh vegetables being harvested. Some sweet corn was being harvested to be sent to canneries. After that, squash harvest for canning will begin. Greenhouses were busy getting fall flower & vegetable starts ready and nurseries were still busy with watering and stock care. Cattle on good irrigated pastures are looking very good. A lot of young colts are in pastures with their mothers and a lot of irrigation being done to keep pastures growing. Early week days were quite warm with temperatures about 95 degrees. Nights were cooler but still in mid 40's. There was a good cool down during the weekend, but not much if any rain. We could use a good rain to wet things down. The fruit harvest has been the busiest. Some corn silage was out, still some haying left, and plenty of irrigation work as well. JOSEPHINE: The mornings were cooler, 40 to 50 degree range. Day time temperatures were warm, 90's and above. There was some overnight rain, but, overall, conditions were very dry with gusty winds. Harvest is winding down now. Pumpkins are turning and different winter squashes are available now. Wine grapes were being harvested and trucked to area wineries. Some blueberry fields are being prepared for new plantings. Our local berries have been very good and plentiful. Hay growers were still irrigating fields and looking for the third cutting in some fields. MARION: This past week started quite warm with temperatures up into the low 90's, but then cooled off into the high 60's by week's end. Rain held off for the annual Oktoberfest in Mt. Angel, but the weather was cool and somewhat threatening. Widespread rain started falling late Sunday afternoon and into the night. Most crops have been harvested including hops. However, cannery crops such as cucumbers, beans, and sweet corn continue to be harvested as each field matures. Fields are being worked to prepare for planting. Fall herbicide applications are being applied to some grass seed fields and other grass seed fields are already being planted. POLK: Italian plum producers have had a significant loss this year. Brooks plum producers have a crop, but is less than average. Fall seeding is in full swing. WASHINGTON: Some late seeded barley was combined before the rain. Some red clover was being swatched but still waiting for hot, dry days for combining. Field corn is mature enough for cutting for silage. Apples and peaches were being harvested, filberts were falling well, and walnuts were ready to break husks. Most berries have been harvested. The sweet corn harvest continues with the final picking a couple of weeks away. Squash and tomatoes were being harvested and pumpkins are sizing and coloring well. Greenhouses and nurseries were irrigating, transplanting potted shrubs to new locations, and preparing soil for new plantings. Some large trees are being sent to landscape locations. Rain has started to green things up but supplemental forage is still needed. The high temperature was 95 degrees, the low temperature was 48 degrees, and humidity ranged from 72 percent for the high and 22 percent for the low. Grass seed fields are being ripped out for fall wheat planting and a lot of corn waiting for maturity. The grape harvest has begun for some varieties. YAMHILL: The apple harvest continues. Hazelnut nut drop is progressing well with some growers planning to start harvest operations next week. EASTERN OREGON CROOK: The last cutting of hay is in various stages of re-growth across central Oregon. The "corn for grain" variety trial at Madras looks excellent. The demand for hay is high! Some orchard grass small bale sales are as high as $225/ton (premium quality). Sweet corn patches and small fields have done well this year. A thunderstorm the previous week caught a lot of producers with hay down and/or delayed harvest of some hay for 4-5 days. Anticipated thunderstorms on the 15th and 16th prompted some producers to hold off until it passes through the coming midweek as some hay was still down. GILLIAM: Seeding conditions were very dry from central to northern Gilliam County. Light rain Sunday and early Monday morning did not have a significant impact on seed-zone moisture. HARNEY: Conditions remained dry throughout the County. Little effective moisture was received over the past week. Although temperatures have been mild, moisture is still needed to improve fall pasture conditions. HOOD RIVER: Fair weather prevailed last week. The winter pear harvest continued in the lower and mid Hood River Valley and began in the upper valley. Gala apples were harvested throughout the entire valley. JEFFERSON: Carrot seed harvest is about 50% complete. LAKE: No precipitation was received last week. MALHEUR: Although the weather became milder, the high temperatures were still above normal and conditions were still dry. Corn chopping has started and the onion harvest and storage is in full swing. The potato harvest continues and fall field preparation is underway. SHERMAN: Some rod weeding and weed control in fallow has begun in preparation for seeding and folks are rounding the first load of seed for fall planting. There is some angst over recent price drop in wheat but most have already committed grain sales for a good deal of the crop and usually at a lower price than offered even after the drop. Rain is needed as soil moisture is short and even cooler evenings can only bring up so much. The ground is hard and dry, and not very good planting conditions, but expect many will start next week anyway. WALLOWA: Cooler temperatures and some moisture this past week. Weather data for selected stations in Oregon, Week ending: September 16, 2007 (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 : 49 88 60 +1 70 +8 0.10 -0.55 2 0.12 -1.21 9 3 Bandon 8/ : 53 72 62 +5 87 +31 0.06 -0.30 4 0.33 -0.46 42 6 Crescent City : 49 73 59 +2 67 +5 - -0.37 - 0.27 -0.51 35 1 Florence : 44 70 55 -6 40 -30 0.03 -0.50 1 0.97 -0.14 87 2 North Bend : 48 68 56 -3 44 -19 - -0.39 - 0.24 -0.59 29 1 Tillamook : 43 93 61 +4 79 +23 0.05 -0.80 1 0.11 -1.63 6 2 WILLAMETTE : VALLEY : Aurora 8/ : 48 95 65 +4 107 +20 0.14 -0.28 1 0.46 -0.41 53 2 Corvallis : 42 93 63 +0 89 +2 0.03 -0.32 1 0.43 -0.29 60 2 Detroit Lake 8/ : 49 95 65 +9 103 +51 0.01 -0.49 1 0.12 -0.95 11 2 Eugene : 45 94 63 -1 92 -3 - -0.38 - 0.12 -0.71 14 1 Hillsboro : 44 93 61 -1 77 -3 0.03 -0.32 2 0.20 -0.55 27 3 McMinnville : 48 96 65 +3 106 +19 0.04 -0.32 1 0.13 -0.63 17 2 Portland : 53 93 65 +2 106 +7 0.02 -0.40 2 0.16 -0.75 18 3 Salem : 48 95 64 +2 99 +12 - -0.35 - 0.48 -0.25 66 1 SW VALLEYS : Grants Pass : 49 97 69 +4 134 +25 - -0.21 - 0.19 -0.21 48 2 Medford : 50 98 69 +3 135 +21 - -0.21 - 0.01 -0.43 2 1 Roseburg : 50 98 66 +2 109 +8 - -0.28 - 0.41 -0.17 71 1 NORTH CENTRAL : Condon : 45 88 64 +7 101 +41 - -0.18 - 0.02 -0.43 4 1 Echo 8/ : 39 89 67 +4 123 +25 0.04 -0.08 2 0.05 -0.25 17 3 Heppner : 45 89 65 +5 108 +26 - -0.21 - 0.35 -0.05 88 2 Hermiston : 40 90 66 +3 117 +19 - -0.12 - 0.01 -0.29 3 1 Madras 8/ : 40 90 63 +4 93 +24 0.06 -0.08 2 0.22 -0.10 69 4 Moro : 43 89 65 +6 106 +34 - -0.14 - 0.04 -0.28 13 1 Parkdale 8/ : 41 90 61 +0 77 +0 - -0.28 - 0.01 -0.57 2 1 Pendleton : 43 87 65 +2 106 +7 - -0.14 - 0.01 -0.30 3 1 Prairie City 8/ : 40 90 63 +4 93 +24 0.06 -0.08 2 0.22 -0.10 69 4 The Dalles : 45 93 68 +9 131 +56 - -0.14 - - -0.32 - - SOUTH CENTRAL : Agency Lake 8/ : 30 86 55 -2 34 -11 0.01 -0.13 1 0.12 -0.20 38 2 Bend : 35 89 61 +6 79 +30 - -0.14 - 0.48 0.16 150 1 Burns : 31 89 58 +3 55 +8 0.02 -0.12 1 0.11 -0.21 34 4 Christmas Valley 8/ : 26 90 57 -4 49 -23 - -0.12 - 0.09 -0.21 30 1 Klamath Falls : 36 87 57 -3 53 -19 - -0.09 - - -0.27 - - Klamath Falls 8/ : 36 88 58 -2 60 -12 0.01 -0.08 1 0.01 -0.26 4 1 Lakeview : 28 84 54 -5 35 -25 - -0.14 - - -0.32 - - Lorella 8/ : 28 87 55 -5 39 -33 - -0.09 - - -0.27 - - Redmond : 30 92 60 +3 72 +13 - -0.09 - 0.34 0.07 126 1 Worden 8/ : 28 88 54 -6 34 -38 - -0.09 - 0.02 -0.25 7 1 NORTHEAST : Baker City : 27 85 56 -2 47 -13 0.01 -0.18 1 0.27 -0.19 59 2 Joseph : 43 81 62 +9 82 +45 0.03 -0.27 1 0.97 0.31 147 3 La Grande : 34 88 63 +3 90 +13 - -0.21 - 0.01 -0.50 2 1 Union : 39 90 64 +6 98 +36 - -0.26 - 0.42 -0.20 68 1 SOUTHEAST : Ontario : 39 91 67 +4 119 +21 - -0.14 - 0.01 -0.31 3 1 Rome : 30 92 62 +2 84 +7 - -0.14 - 0.05 -0.27 16 2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1/ Summary based on NWS data. Copyright 2007: 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.