or-crop-weather Oregon Crop Weather Released: July 28, 2008 Week ending: July 27, 2008 OR-CW1405 OREGON CROP WEATHER NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE USDA, NASS, Oregon Field Office Phone: 503-326-2131 Released: July 28, 2008 Toll Free: 1-800-338-2157 Week ending: cweek@, @year_cwk@ Email: nass-or@nass.usda.gov Volume: 17-08 Internet: www.nass.usda.gov/or Weather: Temperatures remained warm throughout the State. The Willamette Valley continued to experience dry conditions while the south central and eastern portions of the State experienced some thunderstorms and light rainfall. High temperatures ranged from 99 degrees in Rome, down to 62 degrees at the Crescent City weather station. Low temperatures ranged from 54 degrees in Ontario, down to 35 degrees in Christmas Valley and Redmond. The Ontario weather station received the most precipitation with 0.33 total inches followed by the Lorella weather station with 0.26 total inches. Twenty-one of the forty-three weather stations reported measurable precipitation with the majority of those reporting only a trace. Most stations reported below average temperatures and precipitation levels. Field Crops: Clear dry weather continued to aid harvest of grass seed, alfalfa hay, and grains. The grass seed harvest was winding down in western areas. Field corn was growing rapidly in Washington County. Wheat harvest was gaining momentum. Statewide, barley harvested continued ahead of last year and of the five year average. Meanwhile, winter wheat and alfalfa hay harvested continued to be behind last year. Vegetables: The green bean harvest continued this past week throughout the Willamette Valley. Plenty varieties of good fresh vegetables were available at farmer's markets, roadside stands, and some u-picks. Sweet corn was tasseling in Washington County. Tomatoes, green beans, summer squash, and cucumbers were available at truck gardens in Josephine County where watermelon, cantaloupe, and winter squash were all reported to be setting fruit well. Fruits and Nuts: The cherry harvest continued throughout the Hood River Valley. The harvest near Dufur was nearly finished. Tart cherries were harvested in the Willamette Valley. The crop looked good despite the early frost scare. Prune condition varied by location. Some varieties of blackberries were harvested, as were blueberries. Some ever bearing strawberries could still be found at fruit stands. Grapes were still about ten days behind. Apples and pears looked good in Jackson County but were about two weeks behind. Nurseries and Greenhouses: Nurseries were planting new trees and shrubs and remained busy with watering, feeding, and weed control activities. Greenhouses continued with clean up and fall planting preparation. Livestock, Range and Pasture: High elevation pastures were doing very well, while low elevation dryland pastures were declining in condition. Most livestock have either been moved to high country ranges, are on irrigated pasture, or are being fed supplemental hay. Despite the warm temperatures, cattle and most other livestock appeared to be doing well. Soil Moisture-Week Ending 07/27/08 ------------------------------------------------------------------ : Very : : : : short : Short : Adequate : Surplus ------------------------------------------------------------------ : Percent : Topsoil : 35 37 28 0 Subsoil : 21 52 27 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Crop Progress-Week Ending 07/27/08 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : This : Last : Last : 5 year Crop : week : week : year : average -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Percent : Alfalfa hay, second cutting : 76 53 94 36 Winter wheat harvested : 45 23 59 43 Barley harvested : 49 25 30 25 Spring wheat harvested : 41 15 43 27 : Days suitable for fieldwork : 6.7 6.9 6.3 6.8 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Crop Condition-Week Ending 07/27/08 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Very : : : : Crop : poor : Poor : Fair : Good : Excellent ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Percent : Winter wheat : 11 23 39 23 4 Spring wheat : 6 32 30 27 5 Barley : 2 21 35 38 4 Corn : 0 0 25 60 15 Range and pasture : 11 23 42 22 2 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WESTERN OREGON BENTON/LINN/LANE: We had one day of moisture that put off harvesting for grass seed farmers. The vegetable crops have finally taken off and were producing well. There were plenty available at farmers markets. COOS/CURRY: Temperatures were below the 5-year average for the week, both in Coos and northern Curry and in southern Curry County. The cool conditions were mostly due to the overcast, breezy conditions early in the week. Foggy conditions in the morning late in the week, with clearing and warmer temperatures afternoons the last half of the week. Hay production remained active with the good weather (once the dew burned off) and the breezy conditions sped up the drying process. Bandon (Coos & Northern Curry): The low temperature for the period was 45.01 degrees, 9.04 degrees below the 5- year average. The high temperature for the period was 66.17 degrees, 3.42 degrees below the 5-year average. Precipitation for the period was 0.00 inches, compared to a 5-year (including drought years 2003-2004) average of 0.03 inches. Precipitation for Current weather year precipitation (began 10/07) stands at 50.59 inches, 4.82 inches below the 5 year average. Historical average precipitation through July is 57.92 inches. Brookings (Southern Curry): The low temperature for the period was 50.32 degrees, 2.08 degrees below the 5-year average. The high temperature for the period was 71.0 degrees, 7.08 degrees below the 5-year average. Precipitation for the period was 0.07 inches (over 3 days) compared to a 5-year (including drought years 2003-2004) average of .08 inches. Precipitation for Current weather year precipitation (began 10/07) stands at 64.23 inches, 16.65 inches below the 5 year average. Historical average precipitation for Brookings area through July is 70.49 inches. DOUGLAS: Temperatures have turned seasonally warm from hot. Crops were growing nicely with very few disease or insect problems. Irrigation was at the peak demand period. The grass seed harvest was winding down with very good yields. Early variety blueberry harvest was finishing. Yields have been about 10 to 15 percent below yields from the last few years. Pollination problems caused by cool weather and lower bee populations were impacting yields. Grape crops looked good except for Grenache, which had a very poor fruit set. Grapes were still about 10 days behind normal maturity pace. JACKSON: It was another clear dry week with temperature about normal, days in the low to mid 90's and nights in the high 50's to low 60's. It was good weather for harvesting hay and grains. Apples and pears were looking good, but were about 2 weeks behind in normal growth. Some operations were getting pickers lined up for early Bartlett's, some picking to start about mid- August. Lots of good fresh vegetables were at farmers markets, roadside stands, and some u-picks. Greenhouses were still getting ready for fall planting. Nurseries were doing lots of watering, feeding, and weeding. Dry ground pastures were about used up. Most livestock are now on irrigated pastures, or cattle are now in high country ranges. Plenty of irrigating was being done on pastures and crops. JOSEPHINE: Weather conditions more moderate last week. The smoke was staying out of the valley, and conditions were cooler with a slight breeze. Temperature ranges were 48 degrees to 55 degrees in the mornings and 85 degrees to 95 degrees in the afternoons. There was some slight dew some mornings. Tomatoes, green beans, summer squash, and cucumbers were available at truck gardens. Watermelon, cantaloupe, and winter squash were all setting fruit well. Grapes were doing very well in the area. Raspberries and blueberries were available locally. First cuttings of hay were all in and fields were under irrigation. MARION: The summer harvest continued with mostly pleasant weather with some hot and dry conditions at times. Some of the last grass for seed is still being swathed, however most seems to be harvested. It was good weather for baling grass straw. The wheat harvest doesn't appear to have started yet. Green beans continued to be harvested. Various flower varieties continued to bloom. WASHINGTON: The high temperature for the week was 92 degrees and the low was 42 degrees. Humidity was as high as 60 percent and as low was 38 degrees. Field corn was in the tassel stage, some early plantings, and the remainder was growing rapidly. Fall planted wheat was being combined. Most grass for seed was in windrow or combined and straw was baled and removed from fields. Blueberries were coming on strong and some everbearing strawberries were at stands. Some varieties of blackberries were being harvested. Cane berries were peaking. Tart cherries were being harvested. The green bean harvest started and beets were growing well. Salad crops were plentiful. Sweet corn was tasseling. Nurseries were planting new trees and shrubs and irrigating. Land preparation was underway in some plantations. Supplemental hay was being fed to livestock in order to bolster pastures. YAMHILL: Grass seed was being harvested as fast as the combines could get through it. Bush beans were being harvested last week. Grapes were doing well but are about two weeks behind and need good steady heat in the mid-80s with a nice Indian Summer in October to bring on a great crop. The tart cherry harvest began with a good crop after an early scare from frost. Prunes looked to be hit and miss depending on location. Farmers markets were getting more variety and city dwellers loved it. EASTERN OREGON GILLIAM: Average to below average yields were being reported in fall wheat fields. HARNEY: Higher elevation pastures were still in good condition as were livestock. HOOD RIVER: Fair weather prevailed through the week, with high temperatures ranging from the mid 60's to low 90's. Summer orchard operations continued throughout the Hood River Valley. Pear growers continued cutting fire blight in many locations throughout the valley. Cherry harvest continued throughout the valley. LAKE: There were thunderstorms with rain during the first part of the week. MALHEUR: The rain on Tuesday was welcomed by most but not by all. It varied from .25 inches to .50 inches. The wheat harvest was going well on the earlier soils. No indication of wheat yield and quality yet. Most crops looked good despite the late spring. SHERMAN: The wheat harvest was in full swing in the Moro area. In the northern portion of the County where harvest is more advanced, some were finished. Recent cool weather has slowed the harvest slightly as it takes longer before fields are dry in the mornings, but overall the harvest has progressed nicely. Later seeded wheat was still not ready. UMATILLA: Warm and dry weather conditions increased harvesting. The last of the remaining producers should be in harvest by this week. The wheat harvest was going well, but "white caps," "pinching," and army worm issues were still sprouting up. Currently, the yields look average in deep soils. In the southern and western portions of the County where soils are shallow, yields were well below average. Alfalfa was coming on strong, and prices were at or above 200 dollars per ton. WALLOWA: For this time of year, moisture conditions have been normal and adequate. WASCO: High temperatures prevailed all week. The wheat harvest was moving rapidly from lower to higher elevations, and moving from northern to southern Wasco County. It was estimated to be over twenty five percent completed by weeks end. Alfalfa hay growers were actively putting up hay and watering. Apricots, peaches, and a few cherries were being picked. The cherry harvest in the Dufur area was nearly finished. Most livestock seemed to be doing well in the hot weather. Pastures and water were getting short in some areas of the County. Weather data for selected stations in Oregon, Week ending: July 27, 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 : 44 67 58 -3 60 -14 0.04 -0.17 2 60.50 -4.48 93 188 Bandon 8/ : 45 66 56 -4 42 -21 - -0.07 - 52.42 -5.47 91 173 Crescent City : 44 62 54 -6 26 -33 0.03 -0.04 2 44.23 -19.97 69 117 Florence : 37 71 56 -5 44 -28 - -0.14 - 84.61 9.58 113 159 North Bend : 45 70 57 -4 52 -18 - -0.07 - 57.80 -4.49 93 149 Tillamook : 41 72 59 +0 65 +2 0.03 -0.25 1 56.82 -29.93 65 174 WILLAMETTE : VALLEY : Aurora 8/ : 47 85 66 -2 112 -7 - -0.12 - 41.64 1.60 104 167 Corvallis : 45 84 63 -4 91 -24 0.01 -0.09 1 42.31 0.54 101 154 Detroit Lake 8/ : 46 88 66 +3 113 +15 - -0.15 - 89.50 23.33 135 179 Eugene : 47 87 64 -5 103 -23 0.04 -0.06 1 34.62 -13.61 72 140 Hillsboro : 42 84 63 -4 94 -21 - -0.11 - 30.56 -5.88 84 140 McMinnville : 44 85 64 -3 100 -18 - -0.07 - 33.84 -8.56 80 148 Portland : 51 83 67 -3 118 -15 - -0.14 - 32.77 -2.38 93 157 Salem : 49 84 65 -3 107 -12 - -0.07 - 35.92 -2.43 94 134 SW VALLEYS : Grants Pass : 49 93 70 -4 138 -18 - -0.07 - 28.20 -2.30 92 124 Medford : 50 94 72 -3 158 -10 - -0.07 - 16.35 -1.95 89 102 Roseburg : 49 89 68 -3 128 -8 - -0.07 - 31.86 -0.18 99 139 NORTH CENTRAL : Condon : 43 92 68 +2 126 +7 - -0.07 - 11.50 -1.78 87 102 Echo 8/ : 47 98 74 +1 169 +1 - -0.07 - 7.79 -0.74 91 98 Heppner : 49 92 70 +0 142 +2 - -0.07 - 13.73 0.54 104 119 Hermiston : 47 98 73 -1 165 -3 0.02 -0.05 1 7.64 -0.89 90 83 Madras 8/ : 40 92 66 -3 110 -16 - -0.07 - 7.83 -2.01 80 96 Moro : 42 93 68 -2 126 -6 - -0.07 - 9.37 -1.25 88 86 Parkdale 8/ : 39 85 62 -7 83 -40 - -0.06 - 21.99 -8.21 73 111 Pendleton : 46 92 71 -3 150 -18 - -0.07 - 10.89 -0.57 95 94 Prairie City 8/ : 40 92 66 -3 110 -16 - -0.07 - 7.83 -2.01 80 96 The Dalles : 51 92 71 +5 151 +30 - -0.07 - 12.94 0.96 108 81 SOUTH CENTRAL : Agency Lake 8/ : 42 85 63 -2 95 -3 0.02 -0.05 1 12.53 -2.90 81 93 Bend : 40 89 64 -1 98 +0 0.05 -0.03 1 11.69 0.63 106 77 Burns : 37 91 67 -1 119 +0 0.19 0.12 1 8.95 -0.29 97 99 Christmas Valley 8/ : 35 87 64 -7 98 -39 0.18 0.11 1 7.34 -4.37 63 72 Klamath Falls : 44 85 65 -5 104 -29 0.05 -0.02 1 9.43 -3.41 73 81 Klamath Falls 8/ : 43 85 65 -5 106 -27 0.03 -0.04 1 10.76 -2.08 84 106 Lakeview : - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lorella 8/ : 40 86 64 -6 100 -33 0.26 0.19 2 9.39 -3.45 73 109 Redmond : 35 93 65 -3 106 -13 0.05 -0.02 1 1.91 -6.05 24 41 Worden 8/ : 38 84 62 -8 84 -49 0.04 -0.03 1 8.11 -4.73 63 100 NORTHEAST : Baker City : 37 90 64 -4 101 -23 0.16 0.04 2 9.84 -0.03 100 115 Joseph : 44 87 65 +4 104 +27 0.20 0.06 1 18.71 -4.93 79 128 La Grande : 39 93 69 -3 133 -10 0.08 -0.04 1 14.13 -2.34 86 102 Union : 41 95 69 +2 134 +10 0.02 -0.09 2 11.15 -1.64 87 101 SOUTHEAST : Ontario : 54 97 77 -1 190 +0 0.33 0.30 2 6.23 -2.98 68 70 Rome : 46 99 74 +1 166 +5 0.05 -0.02 1 7.06 -0.70 91 85 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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.