OR-crop-weather Oregon Crop Weather Released: June 25, 2012 Week ending: June 24, 2012 OR-CW1312 OREGON CROP WEATHER NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE USDA, NASS, Oregon Field Office Phone: 503-326-2131 Released: June 25, 2012 Toll Free: 1-800-338-2157 Week ending: June 24, 2012 Email: nass-or@nass.usda.gov Volume: 13-12 Internet: www.nass.usda.gov/or Weather: Average temperature for the State dropped almost three degrees from last week, down to 58.5 degrees, which is also about 5 degrees below normal for this time of year. Almost all stations reported below normal temperatures. Most highs around the State were in the mid 80's to mid 90's, with only the coastal areas experiencing highs in the mid 60's. Lows hovered around the low 40's, with the south central counties experiencing lows in the 30's. Several counties dipped below freezing last week, all in south central part of the State. Christmas Valley once again had the lowest recorded temperature, at 27 degrees. It rained throughout much of the State last week, with the maximum recorded being 1.5 inches at Detroit Lake. Most of eastern counties received only trace amounts of rain. The coastal areas and the Valley especially, experienced total rainfall much greater than what is normal for this time of year. North central and central Oregon experienced storms toward the end of last week, with Gilliam County receiving 0.75 inches of hail, which damaged crops in Condon. Field Crops: Another wet week in the south Willamette Valley. Weather conditions in the south Valley remained below normal. Grass seed crops were pollinating for most of the week. Grass hay harvest was in full swing with good yields being reported between rain showers. Peppermint crop looked very good to this point. In the north Willamette Valley, grass for seed showing signs of recovery from the cold, wet spring. Some wheat may be lost due to spring and winter serious flooding. Red clover was growing well. Last of the tall fescue plantings finished up this week. There was lodging in grass seed and grain crops from the heavy down pours we've been having around the County. Corn for silage should finish planting this coming week. In north central Oregon, warm weather helped mature crops with early signs of wheat and barley turning. However, weekend storms dumped rains ranging from .80 to 1.40 in short spells. The rain may drop the grain crop output. An extreme thunderstorm on Saturday morning dumped up to 3/4 inches of hail and damaged crops in the Condon area. Haying operations were in full swing on Harney County alfalfa fields. Some meadow hay was being cut. In the Klamath Basin, first cutting hay continued. There were multiple reports of low yields for alfalfa because of the still varying temperatures. Otherwise, crops were looking good. Fruits and Nuts: Wasco County saw some rain over the weekend, from showers on Friday to hard rain on Saturday. There was very little rain cracking on Chelan cherries, which are the earliest fresh variety that is harvested in the Pacific Northwest. Fruit size on the Chelan is fair to good, with most being in the good category. The Tieton variety is a little more susceptible to rain cracking and sustained damage of up to 10 percent, which is still quite manageable. The harvest of Bing cherries will begin by the end of the week. A very small percentage of Bing cherries are showing some cracking (5 percent or less). Fruit size on Bings looks very good. In general, late last week was not the best for cherries. Hand thinning of summer pears and routine summer orchard operations continued throughout the Hood River Valley. In Douglas County, a number of small growers have lost all or parts of their cherry and now raspberry crops to Spotted Wing Drosophila. In the south Willamette Valley, strawberries were ripening and doing well in the wet weather, with a good crop projected. Raspberries were starting, along with currants and gooseberries. Mediocre crop on haskap berries. Blueberries were getting close. Apples were sizing nicely. In the north Willamette Valley, Strawberries abundant and delicious, selling at farmers markets, farm stands, and going to processing plants. Filberts were forming well. Yamhill County farmers markets continued to see strawberries and now fresh cherries. Vegetables: Sweet corn showed good growth. Most vegetables have been planted. There were nice selections of fresh vegetables at farmers markets. Nurseries and Greenhouses: Nurseries were digging, balling, and shipping ornamental trees and shrubs. Christmas trees should be largely unaffected by the cool spring. Livestock, Range and Pasture: Poor forage and livestock water conditions on summer range in south Harney County due to a fairly severe drought. Cattle in northern part of Harney County were experiencing better grazing conditions on summer range. Bottom pastures were continuing to see placement of feeder cattle in the Coos/Curry area. Soil Moisture - Week Ending 06/24/12 ------------------------------------------------------------------ : Very : : : : short : Short : Adequate : Surplus ------------------------------------------------------------------ : Percent : Topsoil : 2 19 73 6 Subsoil : 7 12 79 2 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Crop Progress - Week Ending 06/24/12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : This : Last : Last : 5 year Crop : week : week : year : average -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Percent : Alfalfa hay, first cutting : 88 80 74 78 Winter wheat headed : 98 92 96 98 : Days suitable for fieldwork : 6.2 6.6 6.7 6.5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Crop Condition - Week Ending 06/24/12 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Very : : : : Crop : poor : Poor : Fair : Good : Excellent ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : Percent : Winter wheat : 0 8 20 54 18 Spring wheat : 0 6 27 58 9 Barley : 1 3 14 63 19 Corn : 0 0 4 96 0 Range and pasture : 0 7 28 58 7 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Western Oregon COLUMBIA: The weather was still quite cool and rainy. Little hay has been cut yet. Some was silage cut. Grass hay will be somewhat over mature when good weather eventually returns. Slow growth for silage corn. COOS/CURRY: Lows were below seasonal average for the period in both counties. Cool/dry conditions prevailed early in the week in both Coos and Curry counties, but significant rainfall on Friday, with Bandon getting just under an inch, and over 1.25 inches in Brookings on Friday. Bottom pastures were continuing to see placement of feeder cattle, and the summer hay season got started early in the week with a scramble to get the hay in and avoid the weekend precipitation. Low temperatures at reporting stations were below average in southern Curry and in Coos. High temperatures through the week ranged 2 to 3 degrees below the 5-year average in both Coos and Curry. Bandon (Coos and Northern Curry): Official Low temperature for the period was 43.76 degrees, 0.71 degrees below the 5-year average. High temperature for the period was 62.15 degrees, 1.74 degrees below the 5-year average. Precipitation for the period was 1.04 inches (0.99 on Friday) over 2 days, which is 0.98 inches above the 5-year average for the week. Weather year 2012 (began 10/1/2011) precipitation stands at 63.98 inches, 12.58 inches above the 5-year average. Average precipitation through the month of June is 57.48 inches. Brookings (Southern Curry): Low temperature for the period was 45.92 degrees, 0.40 degrees below the 5-year average. High temperature for the period was 69.83 degrees, 3.06 degrees below the 5-year average. Precipitation for the period was 1.53 inches, compared to a 5-year average of 0.0 inches. Weather year 2012 (began 10/1/2011) precipitation stands at 89.13 inches, 12.22 inches above the 5-year average. Historical average precipitation through June is 69.98 inches. DOUGLAS: A dry week with warm temperatures allowed all crops to develop nicely. Nearly all crops were about ten days ahead of last year's development pace. In general, all fruit and vegetable crops were growing well with only a few insect problems that were a cause for concern. A number of small growers have lost all or parts of their cherry and now raspberry crops to Spotted Wing Drosophila. We have continued to spread the word about how to control these pests, but some people either don't hear or don't apply the controls. The great majority of local hay crops are being bailed this week in good condition despite a few showers in the area. JOSEPHINE: Overnight lows in the 40's with daytime temperatures between 56- 85 degrees. There was one inch of precipitation during the week, but was a wonderful week weather-wise. It was a good week for cool weather crops, but not so good for warm weather one's. There were gusty winds off and on throughout the week. Some fruit came in locally: apricots, plum cots, plums, and strawberries. LANE: Another wet week. Weather conditions in the south Valley remained below normal. Grass seed crops were pollinating for most of the week. Grass hay harvest was in full swing with good yields being reported between rain showers. Peppermint crop looked very good to this point. Strawberries were ripening and doing well in the wet weather, with a good crop projected. Raspberries were starting, along with currants and gooseberries. Mediocre crop on haskap berries. Blueberries were getting close. Apples were sizing nicely. One hazelnut tree had nice sized nuts already. Two reports of Spotted Wing Drosophila out in the River Road area. Low levels of Cherry Fruit Fly and codling moth so far. New planting of seedling timber trees were doing great. WASHINGTON: Grass for seed ready for swathing, weather permitting. Some grass hay baled and stored. Field corn started to show good growth, red clover was growing, and crimson setting soon. Strawberries abundant and delicious, selling at farmers markets, farm stands, and going to processing plants. Filberts forming, apples and cherries sizing. Sweet corn showing good growth, potatoes leafing, most vegetables planted. Nursery's setting new shrubs and trees in irrigated fields. Pastures growing faster than cattle can consume. Cattle and calves doing well. High temperature 75.6 degrees, low 44 degrees. Rainfall 0.4 inches. YAMHILL: Last of the tall fescue plantings finished up this week, see lodging in grass seed and grain crops from the heavy down pours we've been having around the County. Corn for silage should finish planting this coming week. Processed row crops were still planting, mostly on schedule. Farmers markets continued to see strawberries and now fresh cherries and a nice selection of vegetables. A little more sun would be helpful but don't want an instant switch to the height of middle summer either. Eastern Oregon GILLIAM: An extreme thunderstorm on Saturday morning dumped up to 3/4 inches of hail and damaged crops in the Condon area. HARNEY: Only trace amounts of precipitation were received during the week. Temperatures during the week were cooler than normal. Haying operations were in full swing on alfalfa fields. Some meadow hay was being cut. Poor forage and livestock water conditions on summer range in south Harney County due to a fairly severe drought. Cattle in northern part of County were experiencing better grazing conditions on summer range. HOOD RIVER: Variable weather conditions occurred through the week with substantial rainfall towards the end of the week. Hand thinning of summer pears and routine summer orchard operations continued throughout the Hood River Valley. KLAMATH: Temperatures varied greatly during the week, as they fluctuated from being in the mid 80's one day, followed by the 60s the next, only to bounce back to the 80's the day after. There was some precipitation at the end of the week, with one night of freezing temperature during the week. First cutting hay continued. There were multiple reports of low yields for alfalfa because of the still varying temperatures. Otherwise, crops were looking good. MALHEUR: Average high and low temperatures for the week were 84 and 53 respectively. First part of week highs and lows were near the normal, but towards the end of the week, highs were in the low 90s and lows were in the low 60s. The warmer weather was welcomed by most farmers. No precipitation was recorded. SHERMAN: Warm weather helped mature crops with early signs of wheat and barley turning. However, weekend storms dumped rains ranging from 0.80 to 1.40 in short spells. The rain may drop the grain crop output. UNION: Cool nights and warm days, but less than 0.25 inches of rain this week. WALLOWA: Crop growth continued with warmer weather. Farmers were getting busy with haying activities in the lower Valley. WASCO: Wasco County saw some rain over the weekend, from showers on Friday to hard rain on Saturday. There was very little rain cracking on Chelan cherries, which are the earliest fresh variety that is harvested in the Pacific Northwest. Fruit size on the Chelan is fair to good, with most being in the good category. The Tieton variety is a little more susceptible to rain cracking and sustained damage of up to 10 percent, which is still quite manageable. The harvest of Bing cherries will begin by the end of the week. A very small percentage of Bing cherries were showing some cracking (5 percent or less). Fruit size on Bings looked very good. In general, late last week was not the best for cherries. Weather data for selected stations in Oregon, Week ending: June 24, 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 : 46 67 56 -2 46 -8 1.17 0.65 5 70.32 6.72 111 181 Bandon 8/ : 44 62 54 -3 32 -15 1.04 0.75 2 64.62 7.24 113 171 Crescent City : 43 63 53 -5 23 -26 1.46 1.23 3 58.84 -4.90 92 125 Florence : 42 66 53 -6 25 -33 1.27 0.80 5 71.87 -2.11 97 164 North Bend : 45 64 56 -3 45 -11 0.90 0.59 4 39.48 -22.24 64 129 Tillamook : 43 68 57 +2 55 +9 1.22 0.55 5 61.04 -23.81 72 179 WILLAMETTE : VALLEY : Aurora 8/ : 48 81 61 -2 78 -11 0.66 0.31 4 43.73 4.50 111 180 Corvallis : 44 80 59 -4 66 -20 0.57 0.32 4 45.74 4.58 111 172 Detroit Lake 8/ : 44 85 57 -3 53 -13 1.50 1.05 5 97.81 32.72 150 169 Eugene : 44 82 59 -5 66 -28 0.37 0.09 3 41.36 -6.26 87 139 Hillsboro : 42 81 60 -4 68 -21 0.51 0.20 4 31.42 -4.36 88 152 McMinnville : 45 80 60 -3 71 -17 0.42 0.21 4 40.09 -1.76 96 156 Portland : 50 81 62 -4 85 -18 1.16 0.86 4 39.32 4.92 114 156 Salem : 44 81 60 -4 70 -19 0.53 0.25 4 44.40 6.72 118 148 SW VALLEYS : Grants Pass : 44 90 63 -5 93 -31 0.68 0.60 2 27.61 -2.65 91 120 Medford : 42 91 63 -6 88 -40 0.62 0.49 3 16.71 -1.31 93 96 Roseburg : 43 84 60 -5 73 -30 0.91 0.76 3 29.65 -1.93 94 130 NORTH CENTRAL : Condon : 40 82 59 -4 61 -19 0.89 0.68 4 14.45 1.68 113 94 Echo 8/ : 41 90 64 -6 97 -34 0.15 0.08 4 7.80 -0.49 94 93 Heppner : 41 85 60 -6 73 -31 0.44 0.26 4 12.06 -0.71 94 84 Hermiston : 42 91 65 -4 107 -24 0.25 0.18 1 8.69 0.40 105 76 Madras 8/ : 37 84 56 -8 43 -50 0.77 0.63 4 8.58 -0.76 92 86 Moro : 38 87 59 -5 60 -32 0.32 0.18 3 10.10 -0.18 98 83 Parkdale 8/ : 37 85 57 -7 50 -44 0.53 0.39 4 46.07 16.17 154 153 Pendleton : 41 90 63 -6 93 -34 0.17 0.03 1 11.54 0.48 104 82 Prairie City 8/ : 37 84 56 -8 43 -50 0.77 0.63 4 8.58 -0.76 92 86 The Dalles : 46 91 66 +4 111 +20 0.53 0.39 2 13.08 1.43 112 94 SOUTH CENTRAL : Agency Lake 8/ : 33 82 54 -6 31 -35 0.52 0.33 2 14.21 -0.83 94 85 Bend : 35 84 55 -4 45 -21 0.70 0.49 2 9.19 -1.33 87 40 Burns : 29 78 55 -6 38 -32 - -0.19 - 8.63 -0.17 98 71 Christmas Valley 8/ : 27 89 53 -11 29 -65 0.08 -0.13 3 5.48 -5.68 49 76 Klamath Falls : 32 86 56 -8 40 -50 0.09 -0.05 2 7.38 -5.07 59 70 Klamath Falls 8/ : 33 83 54 -9 33 -57 0.09 -0.05 2 8.78 -3.67 71 89 Lakeview 8/ : 29 86 54 -8 33 -47 0.08 -0.15 1 7.75 -6.83 53 85 Lorella 8/ : 31 85 54 -9 33 -57 0.08 -0.06 2 8.63 -3.82 69 81 Redmond : 30 86 56 -6 45 -35 0.61 0.47 2 8.26 0.79 111 59 Worden 8/ : 32 83 54 -9 34 -56 0.09 -0.05 1 7.58 -4.87 61 70 NORTHEAST : Baker City : 30 89 58 -5 60 -27 0.01 -0.29 1 7.38 -1.79 80 77 Joseph : 36 87 58 +3 65 +20 0.03 -0.34 1 12.16 -10.53 54 115 La Grande : 37 90 62 -3 83 -18 - -0.31 - 10.51 -5.23 67 89 Imbler 8/ : 35 91 60 -3 72 -15 0.16 -0.15 3 16.09 -5.69 74 111 SOUTHEAST : Ontario : 45 95 68 -3 130 -15 - -0.14 - 7.72 -1.24 86 63 Rome : 35 97 64 -3 97 -18 - -0.21 - 5.71 -1.60 78 54 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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.