OR-crop-weather Oregon Crop Weather Released: July 23, 2007 Week ending: July 22, 2007 OR-CW1707 OREGON CROP WEATHER NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE USDA, NASS, Oregon Field Office Phone: 503-326-2131 Released: July 23, 2007 Toll Free: 1-800-338-2157 Week ending: July 22, 2007 Email: nass-or@nass.usda.gov Volume: CW1707 Internet: www.nass.usda.gov/or Weather: Cooler temperatures and precipitation throughout the State this past week brought relief from the heat. High temperatures ranged from 101 degrees in Ontario and Rome, down to 70 degrees in Astoria. Only a few stations reported high temperatures above the upper 90's. Low temperatures ranged from 60 degrees in Portland down to 37 degrees in Christmas Valley. All but three of the forty-three stations received a positive amount of precipitation. The Astoria/Clatsop station recorded the most with 2.38 total inches. Field Crops: Last weeks precipitation was welcomed by most growers and helped alleviate some irrigation needs. Rain interrupted grass and hay harvest. Hay that was down already was damaged. Mint harvest was underway in Northwest areas. Mold issues are being experienced in Washington County, along with quality issues on some grass seed varieties. There was concern about sprouting in small grains as well. Across the Willamette Valley field corn was ready to tassel, red clover was in full bloom, and potatoes were filling rows. Cool temperatures and rain storms helped contain wild fires in Southeastern areas. Eastern areas saw very little precipitation last week and crop yields will be affected as weather conditions continue to be hot and dry. Fire danger continued to be high with the dry conditions. Statewide, the second cutting of alfalfa hay is nearing completion. Small grains across the State were reported mostly in fair condition. Vegetables: Local vegetable farmers have kept busy at farmer's markets selling plenty of fresh produce. Snap beans, squash, early onions, cucumbers, zucchini, and even some early yellow sweet corn were reported to be available at many markets and roadside stands. Bush beans were harvested and sent to the processors. Tomatoes were reported as putting on good growth. Fruits and Nuts: Berry harvest continued in the Northern Willamette Valley despite the rain. Southern Willamette Valley plums continued to ripen and early peaches were harvested. Pears appear to be a medium crop and were showing a lot of scab. Early apples were starting to ripen. Blueberries and blackberries were looking nice and big. Raspberries were starting to be picked; currant and goose berries were nearly done for the season. Unseasonable cool, cloudy, and humid weather prevailed in Hood River County. A mid-week storm resulted in nearly one inch of rain throughout the Hood River Valley. Cherry harvest was ongoing in the middle and upper Valley. Summer orchard operations continued work throughout the Valley. A small quantity of very late cherries is yet to be harvested in Wasco County, but for the most part, cherry harvest was complete. Apricot and peach harvest continued. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and cherries were available in southern Oregon. Nurseries and Greenhouses: Greenhouses were still busy this past week cleaning and doing summer maintenance. They were also starting to get ready for fall plants. Nurseries remained busy with stock care such as watering, feeding, and work on newly planted items. Nurseries were pulling and transporting container trees, and were starting to irrigate new sets. Livestock, Range and Pasture: Livestock were reported, for the most part, doing well on dry ranges and pastures. Cattle were reported to be looking good. An abundance of horses with new foals were reported in Jackson County. Over a half-an-inch of rain in Coos and Curry counties may have extended lowland pastures, but hill pastures were still dry and getting drier. Overall, it appears that the precipitation received was probably not enough to do much good for pasture re-growth. Soil Moisture-Week Ending 07/22/07 ------------------------------------------------------------------ : Very : : : : short : Short : Adequate : Surplus ------------------------------------------------------------------ : Percent : Topsoil : 33 41 26 0 Subsoil : 30 44 26 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Crop Progress-Week Ending 07/22/07 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : This : Last : Last : 5 year Crop : week : week : year : average -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Percent : Alfalfa hay, second cutting : 90 74 84 17 Winter wheat harvested : 55 22 22 28 Spring wheat harvested : 30 - - 7 : Days suitable for fieldwork : 5.3 6.9 7.0 6.9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Crop Condition-Week Ending 07/22/07 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Very : : : : Crop : poor : Poor : Fair : Good : Excellent ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Percent : Winter wheat : 0 23 38 33 6 Spring wheat : 3 12 42 40 3 Barley : 6 13 38 38 5 Corn : 0 0 10 57 33 Range and pasture : 16 27 39 18 0 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WESTERN OREGON BENTON/LINN/LANE: Southern Willamette Valley grass seed yields have been estimated to be average to below average. Rain was welcomed by row crop producers to help with irrigation needs. It has been great corn growing weather. Grass seed harvest has slowed due to rain. Mint harvest is just about ready to begin in some areas. Native plums are ripening and early peaches are being harvested. Pears appear to be a medium crop and are showing a lot of scab. It has been a good season for cherries along with high prices. Early apples are starting to ripen. Blueberries and blackberries are looking very nice and big. Raspberries are starting to be picked. Currant and goose berries are nearly done and ended up with a good crop. The local vegetable farmers are busy at the farmer's markets with plenty of fresh produce. CLACKAMAS: We had several days of rain this past week. Most of it was light drizzles, but there were some scattered heavy downpours with thunder and lightning. Total rain reported from just over a quarter-inch to half-an-inch. It was enough rain to stop grass seed swathing and combining. It also caused concern about sprouted grass seed and sprouted winter wheat. It probably was not enough to do much good for pasture re-growth. CLATSOP: We recently got some rain and it has been wet for the past few days. COOS/CURRY: Another half-an-inch of very unseasonable rain this week may have temporarily extended lowland pastures, but hill pastures are all dry and getting drier. The precipitation early in the week slowed down haying, but obviously helped pasture re-growth. Low temperatures were slightly above the 5-year average this week, with highs above average in Coos and well below average in Curry. Bandon (Coos & Northern Curry): Low temperature for the period was 52.48 degrees, 1.41 degrees above the 5-year average. High temperature for the period was 73.7 degrees, 4.34 degrees above the 5-year average. Precipitation for the period was 0.54 inches, compared to a 5-year (including drought years 2002-2004) average of 0.01 inches. Precipitation for Current weather year precipitation stands at 54.98 inches, 0.73 inches above the 5 year average. Historical average precipitation through July is 57.92 inches. Brookings (Southern Curry) Low temperature for the period was 52.63 degrees, 0.49 degrees above the 5-year average. High temperature for the period was 67.45 degrees, 10.27 degrees below the 5-year average. Precipitation for the period was 0.56 inches compared to a 5-year average (including drought years 2002-2004) of 0.03 inches. Current weather year precipitation stands at 78.13 inches, 0.81 inches below the 5 year average. Historical average precipitation through July is 70.49 inches. JACKSON: The haying being done is still mostly second cutting alfalfa, but there is still some grass hay that is mostly too ripe to be very good hay. Grass hay is showing good growth and should be on track for a second cutting by mid August. Fruit is sizing up now and there are strawberries, blueberries and cherries being picked. Farmers markets are having a good supply of fresh vegetables now that mostly consist of snap beans, squash, early onions, and some corn. Greenhouses are still cleaning up and are busy doing summer maintenance. They are also getting ready for fall plants. Nurseries remain busy with stock care such as watering, feeding, and work on newly planted items. Livestock are looking quite good if they are on good irrigated pastures, but now need some supplemental feed if they are on dry ground. There surely seems to be a lot of horses with new foals. It wasn't quite as warm this past week with high's mostly in the 80's during the day and in the 40's and 50's at night. There is still a lot of irrigating even though we did have some rain last week. It was a good week for outdoor work. JOSEPHINE: We had beautiful weather this past week. It was mainly cool, breezy, and sunny with some partial clouds. We received a good rain early in the week. Saturday also had a weak front move through along with some rain. It was gorgeous for working outside. Grapes are showing good size. Blueberries being picked in the Valley right now are looking wonderful. Cherries and raspberries are still available. Tomatoes are starting to pick up. The first cutting of grass hay is in. Some of the early cut fields are going for their second cutting. Watering was not a problem this past week except for pastures. MARION: This past week transitioned from quite warm to cooler-than-normal with an unseasonably large amount of rain. Grass seed harvest was shut down Tuesday morning due to rain overnight. Coupled with that, the grass straw balers sat idle with many tarps as cover to keep rain off of them. The rain and cooler weather has helped the berry harvest and has cut some farm irrigation costs related to pumping and pipe-moving expenses. The grass seed growers don't seem too bewildered by the wet weather so far, but say much more rain could bring reduced yields and quality problems. POLK: There has been sporadic moisture received this past week. Humidity levels have been high for this time of the year. WASHINGTON: Due to last week's rain, caneberry producers have stopped picking. Mold issues are being experienced in the county along with quality issues. Potential yield loss, perhaps 5% to 10% of crop, may have sprouted in grass seed varieties. Small grain harvest is also being detained due to last week's rains. Small grain concerns are being raised about sprouting as well. Sweet corn and vegetables crops are doing well. No reports of hay damage. Wheat is ready for harvest but was delayed by four days of constant drizzle or intermittent showers. Field corn is ready to tassel and red clover is in full bloom. Grass for seed is in the swath and most crimson clover has been harvested. Potatoes are filling rows and sweet corn has started to tassel. Some early yellow sweet corn is already at farmer's markets and roadside stands. Zucchini and cucumbers are also available at markets. Bush beans harvested in our area have been sent to the processors. Nurseries are pulling and transporting container trees and are starting to irrigate new sets. Pastures are greening up with the recent high humidity, rain, and warm days and nights. Cattle are looking good. High temperature of 80 degrees with a low of 62 degrees. High humidity of 84 percent with a low of 60 percent. Rain for the week totaled 1.3 inches. YAMHILL: Even though we only had a little rain this week, it still was enough to cause concern for grass seed farmers with grass down. It may cause problems for the grain crops as well, but no reports on either crop at this point. EASTERN OREGON BAKER: There wasn't much of a change from last week as the weather continues to be hot and dry. HOOD RIVER: Unseasonable cool, cloudy, and humid weather prevailed during the past week. A mid-week storm resulted in nearly one inch of rain throughout the Hood River Valley. Cherry harvest was ongoing in the middle and upper Valley. Summer orchard operations continued work throughout the Valley. JEFFERSON: Rain showers have slowed Kentucky bluegrass threshing. The 2008 crop of onions and parsley grown for seed have mostly been planted. KLAMATH: Cooler weather and rain during this past week. The second cutting of hay is still being dropped. There was more rain damage to hay during the week. Potatoes are blooming. Some grain hay is still being cut. LAKE: Cooler temperatures and rain storms toward the end of the week helped with the containment of the fire that was reported to have burned 8,121 acres. Pasture conditions continue to decline. MALHEUR: Weather continues to be hot and dry with no relief in sight. Potato yields will most likely be affected. Wheat harvest has started and will probably push more next week. Row crop irrigation is the main focus right now. MORROW: Wheat harvest continues after a little rain delay last week. Yields are now coming in average or a little better in some spots. SHERMAN: Cool temperatures and intermittent showers have dissuaded harvest activity. This coming week looks to be warmer and drier. Lots of growers should be in full harvest swing. WALLOWA: Crop and range quality continues to decline due to hot dry weather. Very little moisture received during the week, but cooler temperatures have helped somewhat. Forest fires have made the County very smoky, but it is getting better. Fires are still burning but cooler weather has helped. Livestock producers are looking for water to utilize their grass. WASCO: Rain showers on Wednesday disrupted the wheat harvest. The harvest of the second cutting of alfalfa hay got rain on the swathed windrows. Still picking late cherry varieties in some of the higher elevation orchards. A small quantity of very late cherries are yet to be harvested, but for the most part cherry harvest is complete. Apricot and peach harvest was active. Cattle and sheep were doing fairly well on dry ranges and pastures. Fire danger is high in most farming areas. Several wheat fires were reported. Weather data for selected stations in Oregon, Week ending: July 22, 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 : 56 70 63 +3 89 +19 2.38 2.17 6 72.74 7.94 112 189 Bandon 8/ : 52 76 68 +11 132 +75 0.64 0.57 4 55.85 -1.97 97 162 Crescent City : 50 70 62 +5 87 +31 1.01 0.94 4 58.93 -5.21 92 125 Florence : 55 72 64 +4 96 +26 1.33 1.19 5 85.99 11.08 115 149 North Bend : 52 72 64 +5 103 +37 0.83 0.76 4 60.52 -1.71 97 141 Tillamook : 57 73 65 +7 104 +46 0.94 0.62 4 54.63 -31.88 63 167 WILLAMETTE : VALLEY : Aurora 8/ : 59 84 68 +3 132 +17 0.61 0.47 4 41.21 1.27 103 144 Corvallis : 57 84 67 +2 123 +11 0.47 0.40 5 46.45 4.77 111 143 Detroit Lake 8/ : 55 87 67 +4 119 +27 0.71 0.55 5 87.34 21.30 132 164 Eugene : 54 86 68 +0 125 -1 0.46 0.39 3 38.67 -9.47 80 126 Hillsboro : 55 80 67 +1 118 +6 0.40 0.33 5 34.88 -1.46 96 141 McMinnville : 57 82 68 +2 127 +15 0.29 0.21 5 35.97 -6.38 85 144 Portland : 60 82 69 +1 136 +4 0.39 0.28 3 34.05 -0.98 97 152 Salem : 59 84 69 +2 132 +14 0.34 0.23 3 39.90 1.61 104 129 SW VALLEYS : Grants Pass : 55 88 69 -4 134 -20 0.39 0.37 2 30.03 -0.41 99 100 Medford : 55 94 71 -3 151 -13 0.52 0.50 2 17.61 -0.64 96 97 Roseburg : 56 90 70 +2 142 +9 0.42 0.35 2 30.72 -1.26 96 114 NORTH CENTRAL : Condon : 50 88 68 +2 129 +14 - -0.07 - 14.11 0.89 107 99 Echo 8/ : 59 95 75 +2 176 +14 0.04 0.03 1 9.02 0.55 106 96 Heppner : 55 89 71 +2 144 +5 0.06 -0.01 2 14.14 1.01 108 105 Hermiston : 56 95 75 +2 177 +15 0.03 0.02 1 8.39 -0.08 99 85 Madras 8/ : 52 90 68 +2 130 +10 0.40 0.33 2 7.21 -2.57 74 83 Moro : 48 88 69 +1 132 +6 0.04 0.00 1 11.30 0.74 107 84 Parkdale 8/ : 51 83 65 -3 107 -12 0.75 0.74 1 34.72 4.58 115 107 Pendleton : 54 93 73 -2 159 -6 0.27 0.20 2 10.24 -1.16 90 91 Prairie City 8/ : 52 90 68 +2 130 +10 0.40 0.33 2 7.21 -2.57 74 83 The Dalles : 57 93 73 +7 166 +47 0.02 -0.01 1 12.45 0.53 104 77 SOUTH CENTRAL : Agency Lake 8/ : 44 85 63 -2 89 -9 0.87 0.80 2 15.82 0.46 103 100 Bend : 48 88 67 +4 121 +23 0.44 0.37 1 10.64 -0.35 97 70 Burns : 39 94 68 +0 124 +5 0.01 -0.06 1 8.54 -0.64 93 80 Christmas Valley 8/ : 37 91 64 -6 97 -36 0.13 0.06 1 5.85 -5.81 50 76 Klamath Falls : 46 86 64 -5 98 -29 0.33 0.26 2 9.85 -2.93 77 77 Klamath Falls 8/ : 46 84 63 -5 96 -31 0.45 0.38 4 11.14 -1.36 89 104 Lakeview : 39 88 62 -6 86 -37 - -0.07 - 3.70 -11.29 25 48 Lorella 8/ : 43 88 63 -6 94 -33 0.27 0.20 1 9.98 -2.80 78 88 Redmond : 48 92 68 +2 126 +12 0.15 0.08 1 4.65 -3.25 59 52 Worden 8/ : 39 85 61 -8 80 -47 0.24 0.17 2 8.12 -4.66 64 97 NORTHEAST : Baker City : 47 97 72 +5 153 +34 0.11 0.04 1 5.45 -4.31 56 82 Joseph : 47 87 68 +9 129 +54 0.02 -0.12 1 13.55 -9.97 58 107 La Grande : 52 97 74 +4 168 +28 0.29 0.20 1 7.61 -8.74 47 73 Union : 52 95 72 +6 155 +36 0.24 0.15 1 9.94 -2.74 78 90 SOUTHEAST : Ontario : 55 101 80 +3 212 +23 - 0.00 - 5.84 -3.34 64 65 Rome : 48 101 76 +4 186 +27 0.01 -0.06 1 3.24 -4.46 42 60 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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, 2006. 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.