OR-crop-weather Oregon Crop Weather Released: September 14, 2009 Week ending: September 13, 2009 OR-CW2409 OREGON CROP WEATHER NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE USDA, NASS, Oregon Field Office Phone: 503-326-2131 Released: September 14, 2009 Toll Free: 1-800-338-2157 Week ending: September 13, 2009 Email: nass-or@nass.usda.gov Volume: 24-09 Internet: www.nass.usda.gov/or Weather: Temperatures heated back up this week with thirty of the forty- three stations reporting temperatures over 90 degrees, compared to only seventeen stations last week. Highs ranged from 101 degrees in Medford, down to 68 degrees in Crescent City. Low temperatures ranged from 25 degrees in Agency Lake and Worden, up to 50 degrees in Portland and Aurora. Fourteen stations reported a measurable amount of rain along the Coast and in the Willamette Valley, although none reported accumulation more than a tenth of an inch. Field Crops: Fieldwork continued as farmers prepared for fall seeding. Winter wheat planting started quickly and in some areas was up and growing. Rain would help fall planting as most of the State was dry all week, but it was good harvest weather nonetheless. The grain harvest continued in Klamath County where potatoes were rolled. Shepody potato harvesting was complete in Malheur County. Red Clover seed harvesting continued in Clackamas County. Haying was done as the third cutting of alfalfa proceeded. Vegetables: Lots of fresh vegetables were at farmers markets and roadside stands, especially tomatoes and sweet corn. Garlic planting had started, as had the Malheur County onion harvest, but they were mainly being stored due to weak demand. Fruits and Nuts: The winter pear harvest was in full swing in the lower Hood River Valley and began in mid-Valley orchards. Fruit growers in the Upper Hood River Valley were preparing to start their winter pear harvest. Douglas County reported that their Bartlett pear harvest was complete. Anjou and Comice harvest was expected to begin in the next 10 days. Pears harvested were reportedly good quality. Early apple varieties were being harvested in Douglas and Jackson counties. The harvest of Italian prunes began in Benton, Clackamas, Lane and Linn counties. Filberts in Clackamas and Washington counties were of good size and were falling more rapidly than last week. Grapes across the State continued to do well. Table grapes in home gardens were being picked, while wine grape growers reported accelerating maturities with current temperatures. Douglas County reported that wine grape harvest was expected to begin within 7-10 days. Nurseries and Greenhouses: Nurseries continued with stock up-keep and irrigation activities. Seasonal greenhouses were starting to shut down. Other greenhouses were busy growing fall vegetable starts and decorative plants. Douglas County reported heavy irrigations and expectations of digging balled and burlapped trees in October. Livestock, Range and Pasture: Areas that received recent rain had begun to green. More rain would be helpful across the entire State. Livestock on irrigated pastures looked good. Those on dryland required supplemental feed, or otherwise appeared thin. Some cattle had been moved onto wheat stubble. Ranchers were stocking up on hay for the winter months. Soil Moisture - Week Ending 09/13/09 ------------------------------------------------------------------ : Very : : : : short : Short : Adequate : Surplus ------------------------------------------------------------------ : Percent : Topsoil : 32 43 25 0 Subsoil : 34 42 24 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Crop Progress - Week Ending 09/13/09 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : This : Last : Last : 5 year Crop : week : week : year : average -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Percent : Alfalfa hay, third cutting : 89 85 75 74 Winter wheat planted : 24 3 15 9 : Days suitable for fieldwork : 6.8 6.5 6.9 6.7 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Crop Condition - Week Ending 09/13/09 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Very : : : : Crop : poor : Poor : Fair : Good : Excellent ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Percent : Corn : 0 2 22 62 14 Range and pasture : 24 25 34 17 0 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western Oregon BENTON/LANE/LINN: Grass seed fields were being burned, plowed and planted. Strawberries were done. There were some fall strawberries. The cherry crop looked good. Italian varieties of prunes were just starting to be picked, but they were still a little green. Peaches were sizing nicely. Asian and other pears were being picked. They were a smaller size this year. There was a moderate crop of apples. Raspberries were done. There were some fall berries. A late crop of black raspberries were still being picked. Late varieties of blueberries looked good. The currant harvest was done. Garlic planting started. There were lots of green tomatoes. Farmers markets sales were down in August. A full array of fresh and local vegetables were available. Greenhouses were shutting down. CLACKAMAS: Temperatures were warm and dry this week, with some hot days late in the week. It was harvest time for Red Clover seed. Italian prunes, peaches, tomatoes, sweet corn, apples, pears, Filberts were abundant. Pastures started to show some green after last week's rain, but more is needed. COOS/CURRY: Low temperatures were slightly below the 5-year average in Curry County and at the 5-year average in Coos. High temperatures through the week were 2 degrees below the 5-year average in southern Curry, but nearly 7 degrees above the 5-year average in Coos County. There was a trace of precipitation on 2 days over the weekend in Bandon and 0.22 inches Sunday in Brookings. Morning fog persisted near the Coast most of the week. Bandon (Coos & Northern Curry): The low temperature for the period was 47.57 degrees, 0.07 degrees above the 5-year average. The high temperature for the period was 74.0 degrees, 6.69 degrees above the 5-year average. Precipitation for the period was 0.04 inches, 0.13 inches below the 5-year average (including drought in 2004 & 2005) for the week of 0.17 inches. Precipitation for current weather year (began 10/08) stands at 41.75 inches, 14.63 inches below the 5 year average, and 18.65 inches below the long-term historical average. Historical average precipitation through September is 60.4 inches. Brookings (Southern Curry): The low temperature for the period was 48.05 degrees, 1.1 degrees below the 5-year average. The high temperature for the period was 72.1 degrees, 1.74 degrees below the 5-year average. Precipitation for the period was 0.25 inches, compared to a 5-year average (including drought in 2004 & 2005) of 0.05 inches. Precipitation for current weather year (began 10/08) stands at 71.81 inches, 9.88 inches below the 5 year average. Historical average precipitation through September is 73.48 inches. DOUGLAS: A warm dry week continued to push irrigation demand. Rivers were getting very low making adjustments to pump intakes necessary. So far, irrigation curtailments have not been necessary. Early apple varieties were being harvested at a fast pace, Gala coming off with excellent size and quality. Bartlett pear harvest completed, and Anjou and Comice pear harvests will begin with the next ten days. Asian pears were also a nice quality. Wine grape growers looked at accelerating maturities with the current heat. The first few varieties will begin harvest within 7-10 days. Look for Sauvignon Blanc first and Tempranillo second. Both were already 22 degrees Brix. The nursery industry was still irrigating heavily and will be digging balled and burlapped trees in October. JACKSON: Some field preparation was done to get ready for fall grain planting. Grass and alfalfa hay was being made. Pears, peaches, and some early apples were being picked. Some wild blackberries were still being picked but most were done. Lots of good summer vegetables were being harvested for sale at roadside stands and farmer's markets. Greenhouses were busy with growing fall vegetable starts and fall decorative plants. Nurseries were busy with stock up-keep. Lots of irrigating and watering of growing stock with dry and warmer than normal days. All livestock on irrigated pasture looking quite good. Any on dry ground pastures needed supplemental feeding, or they looked thin. It has been warmer than normal, and very dry. It takes lots of irrigation to keep pastures green and to keep vegetable crops growing. Good weather for outdoor work, but rain needed. JOSEPHINE: Weather was unsettled. Cold night time temperatures in the 30s and 40s for the first part of the week, into the upper 40s and 50's by the end of the week. Daytime temperatures were in the low to upper 90s, and one day as high as 102 degrees. The weekend was very nice: overcast, light breeze, more moderate temperatures without the extreme range. There was light rain early in the week, but only a trace of rain towards the end of week. Truck gardens were doing well with the usual summer fare. Grapes were doing well. The first of the week's alfalfa first cutting was bailed and off of fields before light rain came. The second cutting of grass hay this week was not bailed yet because of moisture in the air. Livestock appeared to be doing well. WASHINGTON: Field corn was in various stages depending on planting sequence; the fourth cutting hay will soon begin if conditions remain favorable. Filberts were falling more rapidly. Sizes were good, prices were variable. Berries were about done. The sweet corn harvest was going strong. Some lodging was caused by rain and wind. Squash, zucchini, beets, and other vegetables were abundant at markets. Continued maintenance and best management practices were ongoing for greenhouses and nurseries. Rain and cooler weather helped pastures and helped support good animal health. The high temperature was 99 degrees and the low 48 degrees; the high humidity was 77percent and the low 41 percent. YAMHILL: Rainfall early in the week helped ease water stress on fruit and nut trees. Peach, early apple, and pear harvests continued. Eastern Oregon GILLIAM: Some early seeded fall wheat fields were up and growing. HOOD RIVER: Cool, showery conditions early in the week gave way to warmer dry weather for the end of the week. Winter pear harvest was in full swing in the lower Hood River Valley and began in mid-valley orchards. Fruit growers in the upper Valley prepared for winter pear harvest. KLAMATH: There were low temperatures at the beginning of the week, and hot temperatures at the end of the week. The grain harvest continued. Potatoes were being rolled. LAKE: There was no precipitation during the week. Morning temperatures remained cool, the mid to high 30s. MALHEUR: Cool weather the first of the week turned hot again later in the week, and dry throughout. Conditions were ideal for harvesting. Haying continued. Onions were being harvested and mostly stored due to weak demand. Shepody harvest was done and the Russett harvest was waiting for the onion harvest. MORROW: Dry weather prevailed through the week. Field work included fertilizing, weeding, and getting ready for fall grain seeding operations. Rain was needed to improve seeding conditions. Nectarines, peaches, pears and apples continued to be harvested in the northern end of the County. Table grapes being picked in home gardens, commercial wine grapes will be picked later. Growers were currently testing the grapes for sugar levels. Alfalfa hay operations were winding down for this year's season. The cattle were still doing fairly well on dry pastures, a few were being moved onto wheat stubble. Stockman were currently purchasing and filling their barns with alfalfa hay for the winter months. UNION/BAKER: Warm and dry conditions continued. WALLOWA: Cooler temperatures prevailed throughout the week with some moisture last weekend, but producers were still harvesting grain crops. Weather data for selected stations in Oregon, Week ending: September 13, 2009 (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 : 45 88 62 +3 87 +22 0.09 -0.51 2 61.11 -6.59 90 177 Bandon 8/ : 48 74 60 +3 71 +15 0.04 -0.31 3 42.03 -17.76 70 185 Crescent City : 46 68 59 +1 66 +3 0.08 -0.27 2 48.49 -17.62 73 137 Florence : 42 77 60 +0 74 +1 - -0.50 - 66.20 -11.45 85 150 North Bend : 48 75 61 +2 75 +12 0.08 -0.28 1 46.42 -17.82 72 151 Tillamook : 41 84 62 +5 88 +31 0.06 -0.73 1 46.40 -43.94 51 161 WILLAMETTE : VALLEY : Aurora 8/ : 50 94 67 +5 124 +33 0.06 -0.33 1 33.49 -8.41 80 154 Corvallis : 46 91 65 +3 109 +18 - -0.33 - 28.81 -14.66 66 163 Detroit Lake 8/ : 42 96 66 +10 116 +60 - -0.49 - 80.94 12.24 118 173 Eugene : 44 92 66 +3 114 +14 0.02 -0.33 1 27.82 -22.42 55 131 Hillsboro : 42 94 65 +4 107 +22 0.04 -0.31 1 24.30 -14.04 63 130 McMinnville : 42 93 66 +4 112 +20 0.02 -0.33 1 19.03 -24.96 43 120 Portland : 50 94 69 +5 133 +29 0.01 -0.41 1 27.21 -9.96 73 153 Salem : 47 94 68 +5 126 +34 0.09 -0.25 1 27.82 -12.09 70 134 SW VALLEYS : Grants Pass : 43 98 67 +1 121 +6 - -0.19 - 23.28 -8.20 74 112 Medford : 46 101 71 +5 150 +29 - -0.21 - 13.81 -5.48 72 93 Roseburg : 47 98 70 +5 139 +33 - -0.28 - 23.84 -9.49 72 119 NORTH CENTRAL : Condon : 37 83 61 +3 77 +11 - -0.21 - 11.57 -2.89 80 94 Echo 8/ : 40 94 65 -1 103 -2 - -0.14 - 7.65 -1.59 83 93 Heppner : 41 90 64 +2 100 +11 - -0.19 - 11.64 -2.61 82 99 Hermiston : 40 94 65 +0 107 +2 - -0.14 - 6.53 -2.71 71 79 Madras 8/ : 36 90 64 +4 102 +27 - -0.14 - 8.28 -2.43 77 86 Moro : 36 88 62 +2 86 +7 - -0.14 - 10.43 -0.98 91 80 Parkdale 8/ : 36 89 62 +0 83 +0 0.05 -0.23 1 37.74 6.30 120 127 Pendleton : 41 91 66 +1 113 +6 - -0.14 - 13.10 0.79 106 94 Prairie City 8/ : 36 90 64 +4 102 +27 - -0.14 - 8.28 -2.43 77 86 The Dalles : 44 96 69 +8 132 +51 0.01 -0.13 1 12.33 -0.49 96 101 SOUTH CENTRAL : Agency Lake 8/ : 25 89 57 +2 56 +6 0.05 -0.09 1 13.94 -2.58 84 85 Bend : 31 86 60 +4 70 +17 - -0.14 - 11.35 -0.66 95 56 Burns : 29 92 61 +5 80 +27 - -0.14 - 11.15 0.92 109 93 Christmas Valley 8/ : 27 93 59 -3 68 -10 - -0.12 - 9.40 -3.26 74 100 Klamath Falls : 32 92 62 +2 82 +4 - -0.11 - 9.01 -4.77 65 85 Klamath Falls 8/ : 34 92 62 +2 88 +10 - -0.11 - 10.80 -2.98 78 107 Lakeview : 28 90 60 +2 74 +8 - -0.14 - 9.53 -6.40 60 102 Lorella 8/ : 28 93 59 -3 64 -14 - -0.11 - 7.95 -5.83 58 79 Redmond : 31 90 62 +4 86 +22 - -0.12 - 7.76 -1.07 88 72 Worden 8/ : 25 93 59 -3 63 -15 - -0.11 - 7.41 -6.37 54 93 NORTHEAST : Baker City : 30 89 59 +1 66 +0 - -0.21 - 11.45 0.18 102 115 Joseph : 34 85 58 +4 60 +19 - -0.28 - 21.92 -3.52 86 127 La Grande : 32 91 62 +1 88 +4 - -0.21 - 12.33 -5.56 69 88 Union : 33 92 62 +3 83 +15 - -0.28 - 15.17 0.87 106 112 SOUTHEAST : Ontario : 39 92 67 +3 119 +13 - -0.14 - 9.95 -0.01 100 75 Rome : 32 92 65 +4 111 +27 - -0.14 - 9.89 1.35 116 78 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1/ Summary based on NWS data. Copyright 2009: 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, 2009. 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.