OR-crop-weather Oregon Crop Weather Released: May 21, 2012 Week ending: May 20, 2012 OR-CW0812 OREGON CROP WEATHER NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE USDA, NASS, Oregon Field Office Phone: 503-326-2131 Released: May 21, 2012 Toll Free: 1-800-338-2157 Week ending: May 20, 2012 Email: nass-or@nass.usda.gov Volume: 08-12 Internet: www.nass.usda.gov/or Weather: Another dry week with warm temperatures prevailed most of the week. Temperatures cooled a little as the week progressed, and there was some precipitation at the weekend. All stations, except along the Coast, reported higher than normal temperatures. The average temperature across the State of 58 degrees was 4 degrees above normal. Nineteen stations reported measureable precipitation, but only six of those had just over a tenth of an inch. Average precipitation for the State was two inches below normal for the season so far. Lake County was at 81 percent of average for the water year. Field Crops: Warm weather prevailed in various wheat producing areas. This helped to curtail stripe rust in much of north central Oregon but also sucked out valuable water leaving some wheat blue. Union County Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues for seed were heading. Winter and spring grain was in good to excellent condition. Umatilla County corn planted prior to the upswing in temperatures was approximately 8 inches tall, and many hay producers were able to cut and bale their first cutting. In the potato fields, the leaves were beginning to cover their rows. Hay cutting started in Malheur County. Irrigation of Harney County hay meadows continued. Spring planting continued in Klamath County. Some grain crops have emerged. Irrigation was well underway. Warm weather all week allowed good progress on first cutting hay. In Marion County, flag leaves in wheat were visible. Meadowfoam and crimson clover were in bloom. Grass seed crops were heading. Fruits and Nuts: In Wasco County, some freeze damage to cherries in the higher elevations from the cold nights during the first two weeks in May. The sweet cherry crop appeared to be more moderate in size than initial estimates. The earliest production region in The Dalles District was lightly set. Other regions vary between moderately light to moderately heavy. Overall one would anticipate an approximate 10 percent increase over last year's production. The bloom was about 8 days late, but recent warm weather means that the harvest time was looking more like it will be at the normal time, with Chelan and Royal Ann cherries being harvested around June 10 and the Bing crop harvest around June 20. However, depending on future weather this can still change. Hood River weather started the week with well above average temperatures. Spring-like weather prevailed through most of the week. Pinot noir grape was at Eichhorn-Lorenz stage 12 to 15. In Lane County, the apple crop looked good, except powdery mildew found on some apple trees. Peaches, prunes, cherries, and pears all had varied sets. Tree fruit sprays going on prior to the two wet days predicted next week. Spittle bugs were out in big numbers, as well as cucumber beetles. The codling moth biofix happened on May 14th. Meally bugs were found on blueberries. Spotted wing drosophila was caught in Albany. Further north, strawberries and blackberries were blooming. Gooseberries and blueberries were ready to bloom. Gravenstein apples had set. Vegetables: Rhubarb was being harvested. Sweet corn planting intervals were underway. In general, vegetable planting was going strong with seeding and transplanting taking place. Nurseries and Greenhouses: Planting new shade trees after digging and balling completed. Shrubs were irrigated, large trees balled and shipped. Livestock, Range and Pasture: Pastures continued to look good. Most cattle were turned out in Malheur County. In Washington County, warm weather shot grass up and rotating pasture management kept grazing abundant. Buffalo and cattle looked good and calves healthy. Soil Moisture - Week Ending 05/20/12 ------------------------------------------------------------------ : Very : : : : short : Short : Adequate : Surplus ------------------------------------------------------------------ : Percent : Topsoil : 0 17 80 3 Subsoil : 4 8 83 5 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Crop Progress - Week Ending 05/20/12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : This : Last : Last : 5 year Crop : week : week : year : average -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Percent : Alfalfa hay, first cutting : 5 - - - Winter wheat headed : 16 8 4 10 Barley emerged : 90 85 64 82 Spring wheat emerged : 97 89 66 89 : Days suitable for fieldwork : 6.7 6.8 5.4 5.8 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Crop Condition - Week Ending 05/20/12 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Very : : : : Crop : poor : Poor : Fair : Good : Excellent ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Percent : Winter wheat : 0 7 22 48 23 Range and pasture : 0 6 30 58 6 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western Oregon CLACKAMAS: During the week of dry weather hay continued to grow and some growers began cutting. COOS/CURRY: Both lows and highs were below seasonal average for the period in both counties. Dry conditions, but still overcast early in the week. No precipitation for either county. Weather stayed nice for the weekend. More livestock were moved to bottom pastures as they continued to dry. Early first cutting haylage and green chop operations began this week. Other crops were starting to come along with the nicer weather. Bandon (Coos & Northern Curry): Official low temperature for the period was 37.96 degrees, 5.3 degrees below the 5-year average. High temperature for the period was 60.81 degrees, 6.44 degrees below the 5-year average. Precipitation for the period was 0.0 inches, which was 0.33 inches below the 5-year average for the week. Weather year 2012 (began 10/1/2011) precipitation stands at 59.43 inches, 10.23 inches above the 5-year average. Average precipitation through the month of May is 55.97 inches. Brookings (Southern Curry): Low temperature for the period was 41.17 degrees, 3.84 degrees below the 5-year average. High temperature for the period was 69.13 degrees, 2.96 degrees below the 5-year average. Precipitation for the period was 0.0 inches, compared to a 5-year average of 0.95 inches. Weather year 2012 (began 10/1/2011) precipitation stands at 84.13 inches, 11.05 inches above the 5-year average. Historical average precipitation through May is 68.15 inches. DOUGLAS: Another dry week with cooler temperatures allowed farmers to get completely caught up with tillage, field preparation, and spraying needs. Vegetable planting was going strong this week with seeding and transplanting taking place. Orchard and vineyard crops were off to a good start with the dry weather allowing leaf and fruit development with very little disease incidence. JACKSON: Warm weather all week allowed good progress on first cutting hay. Temperatures did drop near freezing late in the week. JOSEPHINE: Overnight temperatures 34-55 degrees, daytime between 55-85 degrees with dew in the mornings. Partly cloudy during the week with some gusty winds in the afternoons. Farmers were busy with irrigation systems. Some cole crops were yielding, along with some early strawberries. Cherries were getting close. LANE: Great weather all week, conducive to lots of field activity and irrigating. Hay had been cut in some areas. With the warm weather diseases go down and the insects increase. Apple crop looks good, except powdery mildew found on some apple trees. Peaches, prunes, cherries, and pears all had varied sets. A lot of planting with the good weather. Tree fruit sprays going on prior to the two wet days predicted next week. Spittle bugs were out in big numbers, as well as cucumber beetles. The codling moth biofix happened on May 14th. Meally bugs were found on blueberries. Spotted wing drosophila was caught in Albany. MARION: Warmer temperatures accelerated field crop development. Flag leaves in wheat were visible. Meadowfoam and crimson clover were in bloom. Grass seed crops were heading. WASHINGTON: Some winter wheat drowned out, replanted, though to barley. Crimson clover was in full bloom. Some red clover was cut for silage, and alfalfa was near cutting stage. Strawberries and blackberries were blooming. Gooseberries and blueberries were ready to bloom. Gravenstein apples had set. Rhubarb was being harvested. Sweet corn planting intervals were underway. Gardens were planted at a rapid pace. Planting new shade trees after removed of digging and balling completed. Shrubs were irrigated, large trees balled and shipped. Warm weather shot grass up and rotating pasture management kept grazing abundant. Buffalo and cattle looked good and calves healthy. High temperature 79 degrees, low 32 degrees, 0.3 inches rainfall. Farmers markets were open and well attended. Eastern Oregon GILLIAM: Thunderstorm brought 0.38 inches of rain in Condon. Barley Yellow Dwarf virus affecting wheat in Shutler Flat area. Stripe rust report in CF101 wheat variety in Mikkalo area. HARNEY: Warmer than normal conditions throughout last week. Irrigation of hay meadows continued. HOOD RIVER: The week started out with well above average temperatures. Spring-like weather prevailed through most of the week. Pinot noir grape was at Eichhorn-Lorenz stage 12 to 15. KLAMATH: Temperatures in the mid 80's during the first part of the week followed by temperatures in the 60s at the end of the week. Rain on Thursday was more of a nuisance than a problem. Spring planting continued. Some grain crops have emerged. Irrigation was well underway. LAKE: Received some precipitation during the week. Currently at 81 percent of average for water year. More cattle being shipped back from California pastures for summer grazing. MALHEUR: North Malheur County had pretty much a non eventful week of farming. No precipitation. High temperatures ranged from 72 to 86 compared to 72 normal. Low temperatures ranged from 42 to 54 compared to 44 normal. Overall it was a warmer than normal week. Irrigating and spraying were the main activities. Hay cutting has started. Most cattle turned out. SHERMAN: Cheat continued heading, poking its ugly head above wheat. The 90 degree weather last weekend and early in the week probably stopped the stripe rust, but sucked out a lot of valuable moisture leaving blue wheat in many locations. Haven't seen that for two years. Field tours in the County on Wednesday, May 23rd. Sherman Station field day coming Wednesday, June 13th. UMATILLA: Above normal temperatures allowed crops to grow the past 7 days. Corn planted prior to the upswing in temperatures was approximately 8 inches tall, and many hay producers were able to cut and bale their first cutting. Asparagus harvest continued, and in the potato fields, the leaves were beginning to cover their rows. The warmer temperatures caused a bit of stress in wheat fields, but moisture in the forecast should help. UNION: Dry weather continued without any precipitation this week. Irrigation season started early this spring. Grass seed crops (Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues) heading out. Winter and spring grains were in good to excellent condition. Stripe rust not a problem this season. WALLOWA: Warm temperatures throughout the week have definitely helped all crops. Rain was forecast for next week, which would be great too. Most of the irrigation has started in the Valley. Range conditions were good the ponds should be in good shape for now. WASCO: Mixed bag last week of warm, coo, and cloudy weather. Some late wind but still good for field work. Some freeze damage to cherries in the higher elevations from the cold nights during the first two weeks in May. The sweet cherry crop appeared to be more moderate in size than initial estimates. The earliest production region in The Dalles District is lightly set. Other regions vary between moderately light to moderately heavy. Overall one would anticipate an approximate 10 percent increase over last year's production. The bloom was about 8 days late, but recent warm weather means that the harvest time was looking more like it will be at the normal time with Chelan and Royal Ann cherries being harvested around June 10 and the Bing crop harvest around June 20. However, depending on future weather, this can still change. Field tours in the County on Tuesday, May 22nd. Weather data for selected stations in Oregon, Week ending: May 20, 2012 (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 : 37 64 52 -2 15 -5 0.36 -0.28 1 64.02 3.40 106 158 Bandon 8/ : 38 61 52 -2 16 -2 - -0.61 - 60.07 4.80 109 152 Crescent City : 39 61 52 -2 17 -11 - -0.66 - 55.45 -6.28 90 108 Florence : 33 62 51 -3 16 -7 0.02 -0.82 1 65.74 -5.04 93 143 North Bend : 37 61 52 -2 21 -5 - -0.63 - 36.14 -23.36 61 112 Tillamook : 37 66 53 +1 24 +9 0.18 -0.80 1 55.55 -25.19 69 159 WILLAMETTE : VALLEY : Aurora 8/ : 36 81 58 +4 60 +21 0.12 -0.37 1 39.36 2.28 106 160 Corvallis : 33 76 57 +3 51 +16 0.06 -0.36 1 42.63 3.13 108 155 Detroit Lake 8/ : 36 81 58 +9 60 +45 0.02 -0.73 1 89.42 27.23 144 148 Eugene : 33 75 57 +0 48 +5 - -0.49 - 37.95 -7.77 83 122 Hillsboro : 34 88 57 +3 54 +16 0.21 -0.14 1 27.95 -6.11 82 134 McMinnville : 38 79 58 +2 56 +14 0.15 -0.27 1 36.77 -3.61 91 140 Portland : 44 88 61 +4 80 +28 0.07 -0.41 1 33.74 1.24 104 136 Salem : 36 80 59 +5 62 +27 0.07 -0.35 1 41.24 5.34 115 132 SW VALLEYS : Grants Pass : 40 93 62 +3 85 +19 - -0.28 - 26.11 -3.36 89 109 Medford : 41 87 65 +7 106 +47 - -0.21 - 14.22 -2.97 83 83 Roseburg : 40 79 61 +5 79 +28 - -0.34 - 27.47 -2.97 90 115 NORTH CENTRAL : Condon : 33 85 59 +8 63 +43 - -0.24 - 10.14 -1.32 88 80 Echo 8/ : 40 91 64 +5 97 +30 - -0.14 - 6.22 -1.47 81 77 Heppner : 36 88 61 +6 80 +38 - -0.35 - 8.92 -2.63 77 70 Hermiston : 43 92 64 +5 100 +33 - -0.14 - 6.50 -1.19 85 67 Madras 8/ : 30 85 57 +3 55 +21 - -0.19 - 6.03 -2.33 72 72 Moro : 36 87 60 +7 73 +44 - -0.21 - 8.73 -0.79 92 72 Parkdale 8/ : 32 89 56 +1 47 +4 0.02 -0.19 1 43.82 14.82 151 136 Pendleton : 39 90 63 +6 94 +35 - -0.21 - 9.95 -0.25 98 72 Prairie City 8/ : 30 85 57 +3 55 +21 - -0.19 - 6.03 -2.33 72 72 The Dalles : 42 95 65 +11 109 +74 - -0.14 - 11.18 0.32 103 84 SOUTH CENTRAL : Agency Lake 8/ : 33 82 59 +10 63 +50 - -0.21 - 12.40 -1.53 89 73 Bend : 23 83 56 +7 51 +35 - -0.19 - 7.75 -1.72 82 35 Burns : 27 86 57 +6 57 +38 - -0.21 - 7.94 0.22 103 63 Christmas Valley 8/ : 20 86 54 +0 39 +9 0.01 -0.20 1 4.53 -5.39 46 65 Klamath Falls : 24 85 57 +5 56 +29 0.01 -0.20 1 6.05 -5.50 52 62 Klamath Falls 8/ : 26 85 58 +6 64 +37 0.03 -0.18 2 7.60 -3.95 66 81 Lakeview 8/ : 23 83 54 +3 42 +22 0.04 -0.31 2 6.87 -6.20 53 80 Lorella 8/ : 20 85 55 +2 42 +15 0.02 -0.19 1 7.61 -3.94 66 73 Redmond : 26 87 57 +7 56 +37 - -0.14 - 6.14 -0.41 94 49 Worden 8/ : 24 82 56 +3 48 +21 0.11 -0.10 1 6.70 -4.85 58 64 NORTHEAST : Baker City : 29 85 57 +5 50 +26 - -0.28 - 5.42 -2.07 72 62 Joseph : 31 83 57 +10 58 +51 - -0.47 - 9.83 -10.62 48 98 La Grande : 34 86 60 +6 71 +38 0.01 -0.34 1 10.37 -3.60 74 86 Imbler 8/ : 33 86 58 +5 56 +29 - -0.41 - 13.84 -6.05 70 95 SOUTHEAST : Ontario : 40 90 66 +6 112 +39 - -0.15 - 7.44 -0.58 93 59 Rome : 29 88 60 +5 74 +30 0.05 -0.16 1 5.15 -0.95 84 48 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1/ Summary based on NWS data. Copyright 2012: 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, 2011. 6/ DFN=Departure from normal (using 1961-1990 normal period). 7/ Precipitation days = Days with precipitation of 0.01 inch or more. 8/ Agri-Met weather stations.