OLYMPIA, Wash. — USDA NASS released its crop progress and condition report for the Northwest Region for the week ending April 24, 2022.
Idaho Reported Some Planting Progress Amidst Continued Cooler than Normal Temperatures
There were 3.7 days suitable for fieldwork, up from 1.9 days reported the previous week. Colder than normal
temperatures continued in Idaho, which delayed planting progress and emergent growth. This year’s below average
snowpack in the Snake River headwaters heightened awareness of lower reservoir levels. Northern Idaho reported
unusually cold weather last week, with temperatures warming up over the weekend. Southwest Idaho received much
needed rain. Parts of south central Idaho received some rain, which improved moisture in the top few inches of soil. Over the last couple of weeks, precipitation aided newly planted crops, winter wheat condition, alfalfa, and pastures. Range and pastures improved after the rain and snow. Irrigation water was ready for delivery in most of the south central valleys. Corn planting was delayed until soil temperatures improve. Eastern Idaho also received some rain last week, but farmers still prepared for drought conditions.
Cooler Temperatures Remained in Oregon
There were 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork in Oregon last week, an increase from 2.8 the previous week. In northwest
Oregon, hazelnuts were leafing. There was decent weather that allowed for many farm activities, but temperatures were cooler than normal. Field crops were fine, but slug activity was high, especially in fall seeded grass seed fields. Vegetable crops were behind normal schedule due to rain and low temperatures. Pastures were doing well. In north central Oregon, there was more rain and crops looked good. Overnight temperatures were in the 20’s but did not affect crops or pastures. Producers tried to get their crops sprayed, but rain and wind conditions were not ideal. The temperature swings affected a small number of cattle with pneumonia. In northeast Oregon, conditions remained unseasonably cool with both rain and snow. Many field activities were delayed due to this weather. Precipitation helped with the dry conditions and late season snowpack was in the best condition it’s been all winter. In southwest Oregon, Douglas County got good rainfall, and pastures were doing well. In Malheur County, there were rain showers and windy conditions which limited herbicide spraying. Winter wheat was good, and sugarbeets and onions continued to be replanted. Corn planting continued. Dry conditions persisted across much of the range. In Lake County, there was a significant amount of precipitation received, but precipitation and snow water equivalent remained below average for the water year.
Cooler Temperatures Present in Washington
There were 4.4 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 2.8 the previous week. Statewide temperatures were below normal. In San Juan County, chilly, cool nights did not affect fruit trees. Fieldwork started up due to drier weather conditions. Some timed rotational grazing took place on farms with drier upland soils. In Whatcom County, dairy farms had begun to apply manure to drier fields. Grass damage was more evident from the November flooding and the continued wet and cold winter weather. In Klickitat County, conditions were too wet to get tractors in the field. Temperatures were too cold for pasture growth. In Chelan County, wheat and pasture conditions improved from the previous week. All areas of the county saw reduced effects of drought. In Yakima County, apple trees were in various stages of flower bloom to post-bloom, depending on variety and location. Cool temperatures postponed asparagus harvest, with some growers burying spears to insulate them from freezing temperatures. Field crews were in hop yards and tied string to the trellis for the emerging bines to climb. In Asotin County, cold, windy days turned into freezing nights. Snow was still present in the fields from drifts.
— USDA NASS
