or-crop-weather

Oregon Crop Weather
Released: September 15, 2008 
Week ending: September 14, 2008     
OR-CW1405

OREGON CROP WEATHER
 
NATIONAL
AGRICULTURAL
STATISTICS
SERVICE

USDA, NASS, Oregon Field Office

Phone: 503-326-2131
Released: September 15, 2008
Toll Free: 1-800-338-2157
Week ending: cweek@, @year_cwk@
Email: nass-or@nass.usda.gov
Volume: 24-08
Internet: www.nass.usda.gov/or

Weather: Conditions were generally warm and dry throughout much of the State 
last week.  High temperatures ranged from 98 degrees in Medford, down to 61 
degrees in Crescent City.  Low temperatures ranged from 51 degrees also in 
Medford, down to 27 degrees in Christmas Valley.  Out of the forty-one 
weather stations reporting, none reported any measurable precipitation.  As a 
result, precipitation levels were below average State-wide for the second 
week in a row.  With the exception of coastal areas, temperatures were above 
normal at most stations.  

Field Crops: Warm and dry weather conditions this past week were ideal for 
harvesting grains still standing.  Sprout damage on some grains that were 
harvested late was apparent.  Haying continued across the State as the third 
cutting of alfalfa hay progressed.  In Marion County, some fourth cuttings of 
hay were made and the mint and hop harvests in were nearing completion.  Fall 
ground preparations continued throughout the State.  While winter wheat began 
to appear in early seeded fields in Gilliam County, more moisture is needed 
to help grain seeding in eastern areas.

Vegetables: Even though vegetable crops were nearing the end of harvest, 
local markets remained busy with a plentiful amount of produce. Freezing 
temperatures during the past couple weeks have had an impact on some sweet 
corn in the northeastern part of the State. The carrot seed harvest was just 
beginning in central Oregon. Harvest conditions were looking favorable, 
despite starting a week or two later than last year. Vegetable seed crops 
were being combined in Douglas County. 

Fruits and Nuts: Hazelnut orchards continued to prepare for harvest with some 
early varieties beginning to drop.  Although still behind normal ripening 
pace, the dry and warm conditions from last week allowed wine grapes to 
mature nicely and the crop continued to look good.  The pear harvest was 
moving quickly in Douglas County with some varieties such as Bartlett's 
nearing completion and other varieties such as Comice and Anjou about 30 
percent complete.  Gala and other early varieties of apples were being 
harvested.  Prunes, late blackberries, and late peaches were also being 
harvested.  The summer pear harvest continued in mid-Hood River Valley 
orchards and the winter pear harvest began in the lower valley.

Nurseries and Greenhouses: Greenhouses were beginning to get fall decorative 
plants and vegetable starts out.  Nurseries continued to be busy with stock 
up-keep. 

Livestock, Range and Pasture: Hot and dry weather has deteriorated dryland 
pastures and range all across the State, requiring producers to supplement 
feed.  Drinking water was also limited in some areas.  Livestock were still 
doing well, especially on irrigated pastures.

                Soil Moisture-Week Ending 09/14/08                
------------------------------------------------------------------
                :   Very    :           :             :           
                :   short   :   Short   :  Adequate   :  Surplus  
------------------------------------------------------------------
                :                     Percent                     
                :                                                 
Topsoil         :    38          38           24            0     
Subsoil         :    40          38           22            0     
------------------------------------------------------------------

                       Crop Progress-Week Ending 09/14/08                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :   This    :   Last    :   Last    :  5 year   
              Crop              :   week    :   week    :   year    :  average  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :                    Percent                    
                                :                                               
Alfalfa hay, third cutting      :   75          69          96          74      
Winter wheat planted            :   15           6          12           8      
                                :                                               
Days suitable for fieldwork     :    6.9         6.9         6.5         6.5    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                           Crop Condition-Week Ending 09/14/08                           
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         :   Very    :           :           :           :               
           Crop          :   poor    :   Poor    :   Fair    :   Good    :   Excellent   
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         :                            Percent                            
                         :                                                               
Corn                     :     0           0          36          48            16       
Range and pasture        :    23          32          34          11             0       
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 WESTERN OREGON                                 

BENTON/LINN/LANE: A lot of field preparation for fall planting was going on.

CLACKAMAS: It was a warm and dry week. There were some cool foggy mornings 
followed by hot afternoons. Sweet corn and tomatoes were plentiful. Prunes 
and late blackberries were ripe. It was a good time to spray those pesky wild 
blackberries. Pastures were drying out. Most seed and grain harvests were 
over. Fall tillage was raising dust.

COOS/CURRY: Hot, dry, windy days have dried even the best pastures. Cool 
nights have contributed dew which is extending, but not reviving dry 
pastures. Temperatures were slightly below the 5-year average for the week in 
Coos and well below average in Curry County, with a trace of rainfall on 
Friday and Sunday in Brookings. The fall weather was becoming more apparent 
with breezy conditions helping keep the temperatures moderate for the week, 
with gusts to near 25 miles per hour recorded on the coast, with morning fog 
prevalent close to the ocean and less so inland. Bandon (Coos & Northern 
Curry): The low temperature for the period was 44.54 degrees, 3.2 degrees 
below the 5-year average. The high temperature for the period was 65.25 
degrees, 3.79 degrees below the 5-year average. Precipitation for the period 
was 0.0 inches, compared to a 5-year (including drought years 2003-2004) 
average of 0.33 inches. Precipitation for Current weather year precipitation 
(began 10/07) stands at 51.67 inches, 4.77 inches below the 5-year average. 
Historical average precipitation through September is 60.4 inches. Brookings 
(Southern Curry): The low temperature for the period was 48.10 degrees, 1.74 
degrees below the 5-year average. The high temperature for the period was 
65.73 degrees, 12.72 degrees below the 5-year average, a 32 degree drop from 
last weeks high. Precipitation for the period was 0.02 inches over 2 days, 
compared to a 5-year (including drought years 2003-2004) average of .13 
inches. Precipitation for Current weather year precipitation (began 10/07) 
stands at 66.88 inches, 15.08 inches below the 5-year average. Historical 
average precipitation for Brookings area through September is 73.48 inches.

DOUGLAS: Very warm and dry conditions continued, allowing wine grapes to 
mature nicely despite being about 10 days behind normal ripening pace. Tree 
fruit crops were also finishing nicely with the pear harvest moving quickly. 
Bartlett's were finished and Comice and Anjou were about 30 percent complete. 
The Gala apple harvest was just beginning. Vegetable seed crops were all 
being combined, the grass seed harvest was complete, and fall cover crops 
were being planted.

JACKSON: It was another very hot and dry week. Temperatures were about 5 
percent above normal both days and nights. There was still some haying being 
done, but not much. There was still some grain standing, but will probably be 
cut this week. A lot of ground preparation was being done and getting ready 
for fall planting. Ground is too dry to plant now. The pear harvest was still 
going strong. Some early fall apples were being picked. Vineyards were 
looking good, but there are still a few weeks until harvest. There were still 
a lot of good vegetables being harvested: corn, tomatoes, squash, peppers, 
and onions. Greenhouses were starting to get out fall vegetable starts and 
some fall decorated plants. Nurseries were busy with stock upkeep. Cattle on 
good irrigated pastures were looking good. Any livestock on dry ground now 
need supplemental feed. With the hot and dry conditions, a good ground 
soaking is needed now if we are going to have any good fall pasture. The 
majority of the work last week was the fruit harvest. Farmer's markets were 
still quite busy with produce.

JOSEPHINE: We had some very hot, smoky days and cool nights. Night time 
temperatures were in the lower 40's and day time temperatures in the 90's. 
The shorter days and cooler nights have made it tolerable. Grapes continued 
to mature and the crop looks good. Local produce markets were doing better 
business, but have not been having the usual heavy traffic. Livestock were 
doing well. The hay market has been strong in this area, made up mostly of 
grass hay. There is some alfalfa, but is used mostly as cover crop in 
rotation. We could really use some moisture. The very dry and smoky 
conditions make it an explosive situation, but our fire departments have been 
doing a wonderful job of knocking down any fires quickly. 

MARION: With the warm and dry weather, grain and grass harvesting was 
completed. Some grass seed fields were being burned, some were being flail-
mowed close to the ground, and some were being irrigated following harvest to 
stimulate grass growth. Red clover was still getting combined. The hop and 
mint harvests were just about finished. Fourth cutting of hay was being put 
up. Corn was being topped and harvested. Various flower seeds were still 
being harvested. Many fields were getting worked for fall plantings.

POLK: Fall-like weather with cool nights and warm days, but still very dry. A 
lot of field work was being done in preparation for fall seeding. Most small 
grains have been harvested. There was some sprout damage on those harvested 
after moisture from a few weeks ago.

TILLAMOOK: It felt like fall was here last week. Conditions were still dry, 
but things have greened up due to some moisture received in the past weeks. 
We are still in need of some rain though. 

WASHINGTON: The high temperature was 85 degrees and the low was 41 degrees 
with humidity ranging between 60 and 40 percent. There was a fair amount of 
field work for fall planting. Filbert orchards were being prepared for 
harvest and some were starting to fall. Red clover was mostly finished, 
haying was winding down, wheat was finally done, and field corn was doing 
well with ears filling. Most fruit stands had blackberries and blueberries, 
with some strawberries still available. Sweet corn was ready, tomatoes were 
ripe, and cucumbers were beginning to wind down. Irrigation was ongoing. 
Pastures were dry with the hot weather.  
 
YAMHILL: Early varieties of hazelnuts were starting to drop. Early season 
apples and late season peaches were being harvested. The plum harvest 
continued. 

                                 EASTERN OREGON                                 

BAKER/UNION: Last week was warm and dry. The grain and peppermint harvests 
will be completed this week. The potato harvest has begun. Varying freeze 
events during the last one to two weeks have had some impact on potatoes, 
sugarbeets, and sweet corn.

CROOK/DESCHUTES/JEFFERSON: The carrot seed harvest was just beginning, which 
is about 1 to 2 weeks later than last year; however, conditions look 
favorable for harvest.

GILLIAM: Winter wheat was coming up in a number of early-seeded fields.

HOOD RIVER: Fair weather prevailed through the week. Summer pear harvest 
continued in upper-Hood River Valley orchards and winter pear harvest got 
underway in the lower valley.

LAKE: Conditions have not changed much. Most of the hay harvest was 
completed.

MALHEUR: Warm clear days and cool nights made for ideal harvesting conditions 
last week. Temperatures were a little above normal and no precipitation was 
received. Harvesting continued on hay, onions, potatoes, and corn.

WALLOWA: Not much change from the previous week. Harvesting was still 
underway, but no word on yields yet.

WASCO: The whole County was dry and is in need of rain for fall grain 
seeding. Winter wheat planting was at a stand still. Fuel and fertilizer 
prices have been way above normal and will be a factor in next year's crop 
profits. The hay harvest was winding down for the season, and the fruit 
harvest continued. Pastures and rangelands have reached a season low, and 
water is becoming short for all livestock; however, cattle were still holding 
their own. Rain would help all farm and ranch situations.

                     Weather data for selected stations in Oregon, Week ending: September 14, 2008 (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        :  46      78      60       +2       75      +12       -      -0.63     -      64.04    -3.59      95       203  
  Bandon 8/              :  45      65      55       -4       35      -21       -      -0.35     -      53.50    -6.13      90       190  
  Crescent City          :  46      61      52       -7       18      -45       -      -0.36     -      45.35   -20.58      69       126  
  Florence               :  36      81      57       -4       52      -19       -      -0.52     -      88.48    11.00     114       172  
  North Bend             :  45      73      56       -3       47      -16       -      -0.38     -      58.97    -5.10      92       162  
  Tillamook              :   -       -       -        -        -        -       -       -        -       -        -          -         -  
WILLAMETTE               :                                                                                                                
 VALLEY                  :                                                                                                                
  Aurora 8/              :  44      90      69       +7      137      +49       -      -0.41     -      43.26     1.40     103       178  
  Corvallis              :  42      88      66       +5      118      +30       -      -0.35     -      43.90     0.53     101       164  
  Detroit Lake 8/        :  46      91      66      +10      116      +63       -      -0.49     -      91.91    23.37     134       192  
  Eugene                 :  40      90      65       +2      109      +13       -      -0.37     -      35.72   -14.42      71       147  
  Hillsboro              :  39      89      65       +4      105      +24       -      -0.35     -      31.95    -6.32      83       149  
  McMinnville            :  38      90      66       +4      115      +27       -      -0.35     -      34.31    -9.56      78       152  
  Portland               :  49      91      69       +6      135      +34       -      -0.42     -      34.09    -3.06      92       170  
  Salem                  :  42      90      67       +5      119      +31       -      -0.35     -      37.20    -2.64      93       141  
SW VALLEYS               :                                                                                                                
  Grants Pass            :  49      95      71       +5      147      +36       -      -0.21     -      28.23    -3.15      90       125  
  Medford                :  51      98      73       +7      162      +45       -      -0.21     -      16.39    -2.87      85       105  
  Roseburg               :  49      94      70       +6      143      +41       -      -0.28     -      31.92    -1.35      96       142  
NORTH CENTRAL            :                                                                                                                
  Condon                 :  44      87      62       +4       83      +21       -      -0.19     -      12.14    -2.34      84       107  
  Echo 8/                :  39      91      63       -2       93       -7       -      -0.13     -       7.92    -1.33      86       100  
  Heppner                :  45      86      64       +3       99      +15       -      -0.21     -      14.05    -0.23      98       122  
  Hermiston              :  39      90      64       -1       95       -5       -      -0.13     -       7.91    -1.34      86        86  
  Madras 8/              :  39      86      62       +2       82      +11       -      -0.14     -       8.13    -2.59      76       100  
  Moro                   :  42      85      62       +3       88      +13       -      -0.14     -       9.68    -1.74      85        90  
  Parkdale 8/            :  38      84      61       +1       79       +0       -      -0.28     -      22.63    -8.73      72       116  
  Pendleton              :  45      86      65       +1      105       +3       -      -0.14     -      11.64    -0.67      95       100  
  Prairie City 8/        :  39      86      62       +2       82      +11       -      -0.14     -       8.13    -2.59      76       100  
  The Dalles             :  44      91      68       +8      126      +49       -      -0.14     -      13.23     0.42     103        85  
SOUTH CENTRAL            :                                                                                                                
  Agency Lake 8/         :  32      86      58       +3       58      +12       -      -0.14     -      12.90    -3.61      78        97  
  Bend                   :  34      81      59       +3       63      +12       -      -0.14     -      11.84    -0.16      99        78  
  Burns                  :  31      85      58       +3       57       +8       -      -0.14     -       9.12    -1.14      89       103  
  Christmas Valley 8/    :  27      89      57       -4       49      -25       -      -0.12     -       7.36    -5.29      58        74  
  Klamath Falls          :  38      89      63       +3       93      +19       -      -0.09     -       9.72    -4.03      71        84  
  Klamath Falls 8/       :  39      88      65       +5      106      +32       -      -0.09     -      10.96    -2.79      80       108  
  Lakeview               :   -       -       -        -        -        -       -       -        -       -        -          -         -  
  Lorella 8/             :  31      89      59       -2       64      -10       -      -0.09     -       9.40    -4.35      68       110  
  Redmond                :  29      86      58       -1       56       -4       -      -0.10     -       2.90    -5.93      33        45  
  Worden 8/              :  33      89      60       +0       72       -2       -      -0.09     -       8.38    -5.37      61       102  
NORTHEAST                :                                                                                                                
  Baker City             :  29      82      56       -3       43      -19       -      -0.20     -      10.10    -1.21      89       121  
  Joseph                 :  40      75      57       +4       49      +11       -      -0.29     -      19.65    -5.81      77       135  
  La Grande              :  36      86      61       +0       80       +1       -      -0.21     -      14.93    -3.00      83       109  
  Union                  :  35      85      60       +2       70       +6       -      -0.27     -      12.35    -2.03      86       107  
SOUTHEAST                :                                                                                                                
  Ontario                :  40      87      65       +2      109       +8       -      -0.14     -       6.33    -3.65      63        71  
  Rome                   :  34      88      61       +1       77       -2       -      -0.14     -       7.10    -1.48      83        88  
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Summary based on NWS data. Copyright 2008: 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, 2008.                                                                             
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.