OR-crop-weather

Oregon Crop Weather
Released: September 17, 2007 
Week ending: September 16, 2007     
OR-CW25-07

OREGON CROP WEATHER
 
NATIONAL
AGRICULTURAL
STATISTICS
SERVICE

USDA, NASS, Oregon Field Office

Phone: 503-326-2131
Released: September 17, 2007
Toll Free: 1-800-338-2157
Week ending: September 16, 2007
Email: nass-or@nass.usda.gov
Volume: 25-07
Internet: www.nass.usda.gov/or

Weather: Temperatures at the beginning of the week remained warm and higher 
than normal but cooled off dramatically by weeks end.  High temperatures 
ranged from 98 degrees in Medford and Roseburg, down to 68 degrees in North 
Bend.  Low temperatures ranged from 53 degrees in Portland and Bandon, again 
down to 26 degrees in Christmas Valley.  Very little to no precipitation was 
received in most counties; however, thunderstorms in Crook County were enough 
to delay the hay harvest.  Aurora received the most precipitation with .14 
inches followed by .10 inches at the Astoria/Clatsop station.  Only eighteen 
of the forty-three stations received precipitation, with most of those 
stations reporting only a trace. 

Field Crops: Temperatures cooled down towards the end of the week and 
precipitation was light and scattered across the State.  However, moisture 
was limited and more was needed for fall planting.  Grain harvest in the 
Willamette Valley was nearing completion last week and fall planting was in 
preparation. Some grass seed fields in Washington County were being ripped 
out for fall wheat planting in response to the higher wheat prices.  Hay was 
in high demand in Crook County and orchard grass hay was being sold at a 
premium price this past week.  Some farmers in Sherman County are expected to 
start fall planting next week even if the soil remains hard and dry.
   
Vegetables: There was still plenty of fresh produce for sale this past week, 
but the focus has turned towards fall crops including the last of the sweet 
corn harvest, squash, tomatoes, and pumpkins. Several counties reported the 
availability of squash and mentioned that pumpkins were sizing and coloring 
well.  Sweet corn fields have done well so far this year.  Carrot seed 
harvest was about 50 percent complete in Jefferson County. Onion harvest and 
storage was in full swing in Malheur County. 

Fruits and Nuts: Gala apples harvested throughout Hood River Valley. The 
winter pear harvest continued in the lower and mid-Hood River Valley and 
began in the upper Valley. The Jackson County pear harvest was going along 
with good fruit quality, but there was a shortage of pickers. Plums were 
being picked with earlier weather-induced losses evident. Looks like Italians 
had more significant losses than Brooks. Apples and peaches were being 
harvested in the Willamette Valley.  Filberts were falling well and some 
growers were planning to start harvest operations next week. Walnuts were 
ready to break husks. Most berries have been harvested. 

Nurseries and Greenhouses: Nurseries and greenhouses were irrigating, 
transplanting potted shrubs to new locations, and preparing soil for new 
plantings.  Some large trees were being sent to landscape locations.  
Greenhouses were busy getting fall flower and vegetable starts ready.  

Livestock, Range and Pasture: Light showers and cooler weather helped to 
improve some pastures in western Oregon. Most areas across the State 
continued to need considerably more moisture to improve fall pasture 
conditions. Producers continued to provide supplemental feed to livestock and 
the demand for hay was already high. Availability, as well as the price of 
feed, was a continued concern for producers. Livestock remained in good 
condition throughout the State.

                Soil Moisture-Week Ending 09/16/07                
------------------------------------------------------------------
                :   Very    :           :             :           
                :   short   :   Short   :  Adequate   :  Surplus  
------------------------------------------------------------------
                :                     Percent                     
                :                                                 
Topsoil         :    45          34           21            0     
Subsoil         :    47          33           20            0     
------------------------------------------------------------------

                       Crop Progress-Week Ending 09/16/07                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :   This    :   Last    :   Last    :  5 year   
              Crop              :   week    :   week    :   year    :  average  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :                    Percent                    
                                :                                               
Alfalfa hay, third cutting      :   98          92          80          16      
Winter wheat planted            :   13           8          19           8      
                                :                                               
Days suitable for fieldwork     :    6.5         6.5         6.7         6.6    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                           Crop Condition-Week Ending 09/16/07                           
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         :   Very    :           :           :           :               
           Crop          :   poor    :   Poor    :   Fair    :   Good    :   Excellent   
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         :                            Percent                            
                         :                                                               
Range and pasture        :    28          31          26           9             6       
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 WESTERN OREGON                                 

BENTON\LINN\LANE: The harvest of grass and grain crops here in the Willamette 
Valley has now been completed and the working of the ground for the fall 
planting is well under way. There is still plenty of fresh produce to be had 
from the local farmers and the fall fruits are plentiful. The Valley has had 
some light showers this past week and with the changing of the weather the 
pastures and some of the worked fields are showing signs of green sprout. 

COOS/CURRY: Low temperatures were above the 5-year average this week in both 
Coos and Curry counties. Highs were about 4 degrees above the 5-year average 
in Coos and about 10 degrees below the 5-year average in Curry. Some traces 
of precipitation during the week in both Coos and Curry and breezy conditions 
persisted. Bandon (Coos & Northern Curry): The low temperature for the period 
was 52.85 degrees, 5.48 degrees above the 5-year average. The high 
temperature for the period was 72.4 degrees, 4.48 degrees above the 5-year 
average. Precipitation for the period was 0.06 inches over 4 days, compared 
to a 5-year (including drought years 2002-2004) average of 0.28 inches. 
Precipitation for current weather year precipitation stands at 57.75 inches, 
0.22 inches below the 5 year average. Historical average precipitation 
through September is 60.40 inches. Brookings (Southern Curry): The low 
temperature for the period was 53.58 degrees, 4.0 degrees above the 5-year 
average. The high temperature for the period was 65.86 degrees, 9.84 degrees 
below the 5-year average. Precipitation for the period was 0.03 inches, over 
3 days, compared to a 5-year average (including drought years 2002-2004) of 
0.14 inches. Current weather year precipitation stands at 80.06 inches, 0.11 
inches below the 5 year average. Historical average precipitation through 
September is 73.48 inches. 

JACKSON: Some grain was harvested last week and the ground is still being 
disked in preparation for fall planting. None has yet to be planted as the 
ground is too dry. Grass and alfalfa hay are still being cut and baled. 
Apples and some peaches and plums were being picked. The pear harvest is 
going along ok, but there has been a shortage of pickers. The quality of 
fruit is quite good! There were still a lot of fresh vegetables being 
harvested. Some sweet corn was being harvested to be sent to canneries. After 
that, squash harvest for canning will begin. Greenhouses were busy getting 
fall flower & vegetable starts ready and nurseries were still busy with 
watering and stock care. Cattle on good irrigated pastures are looking very 
good. A lot of young colts are in pastures with their mothers and a lot of 
irrigation being done to keep pastures growing. Early week days were quite 
warm with temperatures about 95 degrees. Nights were cooler but still in mid 
40's. There was a good cool down during the weekend, but not much if any 
rain. We could use a good rain to wet things down. The fruit harvest has been 
the busiest. Some corn silage was out, still some haying left, and plenty of 
irrigation work as well. 

JOSEPHINE: The mornings were cooler, 40 to 50 degree range. Day time 
temperatures were warm, 90's and above. There was some overnight rain, but, 
overall, conditions were very dry with gusty winds. Harvest is winding down 
now. Pumpkins are turning and different winter squashes are available now. 
Wine grapes were being harvested and trucked to area wineries. Some blueberry 
fields are being prepared for new plantings. Our local berries have been very 
good and plentiful. Hay growers were still irrigating fields and looking for 
the third cutting in some fields.

MARION: This past week started quite warm with temperatures up into the low 
90's, but then cooled off into the high 60's by week's end. Rain held off for 
the annual Oktoberfest in Mt. Angel, but the weather was cool and somewhat 
threatening. Widespread rain started falling late Sunday afternoon and into 
the night.  
Most crops have been harvested including hops. However, cannery crops such as 
cucumbers, beans, and sweet corn continue to be harvested as each field 
matures. Fields are being worked to prepare for planting. Fall herbicide 
applications are being applied to some grass seed fields and other grass seed 
fields are already being planted. 

POLK: Italian plum producers have had a significant loss this year. Brooks 
plum producers have a crop, but is less than average. Fall seeding is in full 
swing.

WASHINGTON: Some late seeded barley was combined before the rain. Some red 
clover was being swatched but still waiting for hot, dry days for combining. 
Field corn is mature enough for cutting for silage. Apples and peaches were 
being harvested, filberts were falling well, and walnuts were ready to break 
husks. Most berries have been harvested. The sweet corn harvest continues 
with the final picking a couple of weeks away. Squash and tomatoes were being 
harvested and pumpkins are sizing and coloring well. Greenhouses and 
nurseries were irrigating, transplanting potted shrubs to new locations, and 
preparing soil for new plantings. Some large trees are being sent to 
landscape locations. Rain has started to green things up but supplemental 
forage is still needed. The high temperature was 95 degrees, the low 
temperature was 48 degrees, and humidity ranged from 72 percent for the high 
and 22 percent for the low. Grass seed fields are being ripped out for fall 
wheat planting and a lot of corn waiting for maturity. The grape harvest has 
begun for some varieties.  

YAMHILL: The apple harvest continues. Hazelnut nut drop is progressing well 
with some growers planning to start harvest operations next week.

                                 EASTERN OREGON                                 

CROOK: The last cutting of hay is in various stages of re-growth across 
central Oregon. The "corn for grain" variety trial at Madras looks excellent. 
The demand for hay is high! Some orchard grass small bale sales are as high 
as $225/ton (premium quality). Sweet corn patches and small fields have done 
well this year. A thunderstorm the previous week caught a lot of producers 
with hay down and/or delayed harvest of some hay for 4-5 days. Anticipated 
thunderstorms on the 15th and 16th prompted some producers to hold off until 
it passes through the coming midweek as some hay was still down.

GILLIAM: Seeding conditions were very dry from central to northern Gilliam 
County. Light rain Sunday and early Monday morning did not have a significant 
impact on seed-zone moisture. 

HARNEY: Conditions remained dry throughout the County. Little effective 
moisture was received over the past week. Although temperatures have been 
mild, moisture is still needed to improve fall pasture conditions.

HOOD RIVER: Fair weather prevailed last week. The winter pear harvest 
continued in the lower and mid Hood River Valley and began in the upper 
valley. Gala apples were harvested throughout the entire valley. 

JEFFERSON: Carrot seed harvest is about 50% complete.

LAKE: No precipitation was received last week.

MALHEUR: Although the weather became milder, the high temperatures were still 
above normal and conditions were still dry. Corn chopping has started and the 
onion harvest and storage is in full swing. The potato harvest continues and 
fall field preparation is underway.

SHERMAN: Some rod weeding and weed control in fallow has begun in preparation 
for seeding and folks are rounding the first load of seed for fall planting. 
There is some angst over recent price drop in wheat but most have already 
committed grain sales for a good deal of the crop and usually at a lower 
price than offered even after the drop. Rain is needed as soil moisture is 
short and even cooler evenings can only bring up so much. The ground is hard 
and dry, and not very good planting conditions, but expect many will start 
next week anyway.

WALLOWA: Cooler temperatures and some moisture this past week.

                     Weather data for selected stations in Oregon, Week ending: September 16, 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        :  49      88      60      +1        70       +8     0.10     -0.55     2      0.12     -1.21       9        3   
  Bandon 8/              :  53      72      62      +5        87      +31     0.06     -0.30     4      0.33     -0.46      42        6   
  Crescent City          :  49      73      59      +2        67       +5     -        -0.37     -      0.27     -0.51      35        1   
  Florence               :  44      70      55      -6        40      -30     0.03     -0.50     1      0.97     -0.14      87        2   
  North Bend             :  48      68      56      -3        44      -19     -        -0.39     -      0.24     -0.59      29        1   
  Tillamook              :  43      93      61      +4        79      +23     0.05     -0.80     1      0.11     -1.63       6        2   
WILLAMETTE               :                                                                                                                
 VALLEY                  :                                                                                                                
  Aurora 8/              :  48      95      65      +4       107      +20     0.14     -0.28     1      0.46     -0.41      53        2   
  Corvallis              :  42      93      63      +0        89       +2     0.03     -0.32     1      0.43     -0.29      60        2   
  Detroit Lake 8/        :  49      95      65      +9       103      +51     0.01     -0.49     1      0.12     -0.95      11        2   
  Eugene                 :  45      94      63      -1        92       -3     -        -0.38     -      0.12     -0.71      14        1   
  Hillsboro              :  44      93      61      -1        77       -3     0.03     -0.32     2      0.20     -0.55      27        3   
  McMinnville            :  48      96      65      +3       106      +19     0.04     -0.32     1      0.13     -0.63      17        2   
  Portland               :  53      93      65      +2       106       +7     0.02     -0.40     2      0.16     -0.75      18        3   
  Salem                  :  48      95      64      +2        99      +12     -        -0.35     -      0.48     -0.25      66        1   
SW VALLEYS               :                                                                                                                
  Grants Pass            :  49      97      69      +4       134      +25     -        -0.21     -      0.19     -0.21      48        2   
  Medford                :  50      98      69      +3       135      +21     -        -0.21     -      0.01     -0.43       2        1   
  Roseburg               :  50      98      66      +2       109       +8     -        -0.28     -      0.41     -0.17      71        1   
NORTH CENTRAL            :                                                                                                                
  Condon                 :  45      88      64      +7       101      +41     -        -0.18     -      0.02     -0.43       4        1   
  Echo 8/                :  39      89      67      +4       123      +25     0.04     -0.08     2      0.05     -0.25      17        3   
  Heppner                :  45      89      65      +5       108      +26     -        -0.21     -      0.35     -0.05      88        2   
  Hermiston              :  40      90      66      +3       117      +19     -        -0.12     -      0.01     -0.29       3        1   
  Madras 8/              :  40      90      63      +4        93      +24     0.06     -0.08     2      0.22     -0.10      69        4   
  Moro                   :  43      89      65      +6       106      +34     -        -0.14     -      0.04     -0.28      13        1   
  Parkdale 8/            :  41      90      61      +0        77       +0     -        -0.28     -      0.01     -0.57       2        1   
  Pendleton              :  43      87      65      +2       106       +7     -        -0.14     -      0.01     -0.30       3        1   
  Prairie City 8/        :  40      90      63      +4        93      +24     0.06     -0.08     2      0.22     -0.10      69        4   
  The Dalles             :  45      93      68      +9       131      +56     -        -0.14     -      -        -0.32       -        -   
SOUTH CENTRAL            :                                                                                                                
  Agency Lake 8/         :  30      86      55      -2        34      -11     0.01     -0.13     1      0.12     -0.20      38        2   
  Bend                   :  35      89      61      +6        79      +30     -        -0.14     -      0.48      0.16     150        1   
  Burns                  :  31      89      58      +3        55       +8     0.02     -0.12     1      0.11     -0.21      34        4   
  Christmas Valley 8/    :  26      90      57      -4        49      -23     -        -0.12     -      0.09     -0.21      30        1   
  Klamath Falls          :  36      87      57      -3        53      -19     -        -0.09     -      -        -0.27       -        -   
  Klamath Falls 8/       :  36      88      58      -2        60      -12     0.01     -0.08     1      0.01     -0.26       4        1   
  Lakeview               :  28      84      54      -5        35      -25     -        -0.14     -      -        -0.32       -        -   
  Lorella 8/             :  28      87      55      -5        39      -33     -        -0.09     -      -        -0.27       -        -   
  Redmond                :  30      92      60      +3        72      +13     -        -0.09     -      0.34      0.07     126        1   
  Worden 8/              :  28      88      54      -6        34      -38     -        -0.09     -      0.02     -0.25       7        1   
NORTHEAST                :                                                                                                                
  Baker City             :  27      85      56      -2        47      -13     0.01     -0.18     1      0.27     -0.19      59        2   
  Joseph                 :  43      81      62      +9        82      +45     0.03     -0.27     1      0.97      0.31     147        3   
  La Grande              :  34      88      63      +3        90      +13     -        -0.21     -      0.01     -0.50       2        1   
  Union                  :  39      90      64      +6        98      +36     -        -0.26     -      0.42     -0.20      68        1   
SOUTHEAST                :                                                                                                                
  Ontario                :  39      91      67      +4       119      +21     -        -0.14     -      0.01     -0.31       3        1   
  Rome                   :  30      92      62      +2        84       +7     -        -0.14     -      0.05     -0.27      16        2   
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, 2007.                                                                             
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.