OR-crop-weather

Oregon Crop Weather
Released: June 9, 2008 
Week ending: June 8, 2008     
OR-CW1008

OREGON CROP WEATHER
 
NATIONAL
AGRICULTURAL
STATISTICS
SERVICE

USDA, NASS, Oregon Field Office

Phone: 503-326-2131
Released: June 9, 2008
Toll Free: 1-800-338-2157
Week ending: June 8, 2008
Email: nass-or@nass.usda.gov
Volume: 10-08
Internet: www.nass.usda.gov/or

Weather: The cool spell continued last week with all counties in the State 
reporting below average temperatures.  High temperatures ranged from 80 
degrees in Medford to 57 degrees at the Crescent City weather station. Low 
temperatures ranged from 48 degrees in Portland to 27 degrees in Christmas 
Valley.  The Detroit Lake weather station received the most precipitation 
with 3.45 inches followed by Florence with 2.94 inches. All but 1 of the 43 
stations received measurable precipitation with many southwest valley and 
southcentral counties reporting only a trace.  Precipitation levels in most 
Willamette Valley cities and along the coast were above normal for this time 
of year.

Field Crops: Conditions for grass seed crops were good. However, good haying 
weather was not available this past week as cool wet conditions continued to 
hamper cutting and baling across the State.  Warmer weather is forecasted 
this week, but a good dry spell would aid hay a lot.  Fescue grass seed 
pollination began in the Willamette Valley.  Hops were rapidly growing in 
Marion County last week.  Crimson clover seed was seeded in Washington County 
and Red clover silage was almost done in Yamhill County.  Some grains in 
Klamath County showed sings of frost after low nighttime temperatures.  In 
drier northern central and eastern areas, grains have benefited from the cool 
wet weather conditions.   
   
Vegetables: Unseasonably wet and cool conditions continued throughout the 
State this past week. Many vegetable crops were growing slowly and have been 
delayed in their development this spring due to the cold weather.  Some 
scheduled sweet corn plantings were delayed. Warm season vegetables aren't 
going to be ready for picking until well into the summer months. The cool and 
wet weather that has set back other crops in Jefferson County has not been a 
real problem for vegetable seed. Overall, sun and warmer weather is needed. 

Fruits and Nuts: Last week's predominately cool weather again slowed fruit 
growth.  Strawberries were becoming increasingly available in the northern 
Willamette Valley, but were still ripening in the southern Willamette Valley. 
Blueberry and raspberry development continued; harvest is expected about two 
weeks late this year along with many other fruits. Overall, Willamette Valley 
apples look to be a good crop.  Southern Oregon apples and pears were off to 
a good start. Vineyards were showing good growth. Wasco County cherry 
orchardists continued spraying for fruit fly and were hoping for drier 
conditions. 

Nurseries and Greenhouses: Nurseries were busy getting balled/burlapped and 
potted plants out. The cool temperatures provided a low stress environment 
for digging and moving ornamental plants. Greenhouses and nurseries continued 
with weed control activities, and spraying new shrubs and trees. Greenhouses 
remained busy providing vegetable and flower starts.

Livestock, Range and Pasture: Pasture and rangeland across the State have 
benefited from recent rains and are showing improved growth.  Livestock were 
in good condition.  

                Soil Moisture-Week Ending 06/08/08                
------------------------------------------------------------------
                :   Very    :           :             :           
                :   short   :   Short   :  Adequate   :  Surplus  
------------------------------------------------------------------
                :                     Percent                     
                :                                                 
Topsoil         :     4          21           69            6     
Subsoil         :     7          21           67            5     
------------------------------------------------------------------

                       Crop Progress-Week Ending 06/08/08                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :   This    :   Last    :   Last    :  5 year   
              Crop              :   week    :   week    :   year    :  average  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :                    Percent                    
                                :                                               
Alfalfa hay, first cutting      :   55          32          82          27      
Winter wheat headed             :   84          55          95          86      
Barley headed                   :   33           -          99          42      
Spring wheat headed             :   55           -          49          29      
                                :                                               
Days suitable for fieldwork     :    4.8         5.5         5.4         5.8    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                           Crop Condition-Week Ending 06/08/08                           
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         :   Very    :           :           :           :               
           Crop          :   poor    :   Poor    :   Fair    :   Good    :   Excellent   
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         :                            Percent                            
                         :                                                               
Winter wheat             :     9          21          42          24             4       
Spring wheat             :     4          28          35          27             6       
Barley                   :     3          17          31          43             6       
Range and pasture        :     3          11          29          45            12       
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 WESTERN OREGON                                 

BENTON/LINN/LANE: Unseasonably wet and cool spring conditions continued 
throughout the past week, preventing scheduled plantings of sweet corn. 
Pollination of early fescue grass seed has begun in most areas of the 
southern Willamette valley. Cool damp weather is ideal for cool season 
grasses in pastures and for seed production. The grass seed crop looked good. 
Pollination is running about a week behind average and rust was slowly 
developing. Local dry hay has been nearly impossible to make. Some hay has 
been in windrows over three weeks. Strawberries were ripening. Fruit crops 
were still two weeks slow. A few peach orchards had crop. There was a lot of 
scab on apples. The plum crop appeared to be down and the pear crop appears 
to be huge. Raspberries were producing a lot of fruit and the blueberry crop 
looked good. Vegetable crops were growing slowly due to the cold weather. 
Greenhouses continued growing crops.

COLUMBIA: It was unseasonably cool last week. Some days received some mist 
but there was not a lot of moisture. This could increase disease pressure on 
a variety of crops.

COOS/CURRY: Temperatures were unseasonably cool throughout much of the week, 
with a high of only 67 degrees in Brookings. Just over one inch of 
precipitation was received for the week, with 0.9 inches on Tuesday. Hay 
fields were getting ready to cut, but growers were very nervous about the 
continued wet weather. Curry County: The low temperature for the period was 
44.96 degrees, 2.93 degrees below the 5-year average. The high temperature 
for the period was 66.94 degrees, 4.48 degrees below the 5-year average. 
Precipitation for the period was 1.01 inches, compared to a 5-year (including 
drought years 2003-2004) average of 1.08 inches. Current weather year 
precipitation (began 10/07) stands at 64.09 inches, 15.07 inches below the 5 
year average. Historical average precipitation through June is 69.98 inches.
 
DOUGLAS: The cool continued during the past week. Perennial crops looked good 
but are about 10 to 12 days behind normal development. Grape growers were 
getting a little concerned since a cool summer would really put harvest under 
pressure from an early fall. Vegetable crops were slow to develop this spring 
and warm season vegetables are going to be well into summer before picking. 
Cool temperatures have allowed the ornamental nursery industry to have a very 
low stress period for digging and moving plants.

JACKSON: Last week was another off-and-on-again week of rain showers with 
temperatures about 10 degrees below normal during the day and 5 to 10 degrees 
below normal during the night. All field crops showed good growth last week. 
Hay, both alfalfa and grass, had fair growth. A lot of hay has been cut, but 
most has had some precipitation on it. Lots of work was being done to try to 
get hay dried and baled. Apples and pears were off to a good start, plenty of 
weed control. Vineyards were showing good growth. Vegetables that were in 
were doing ok but were in need of sun and warmer weather. Still lots of 
vegetable and flower starts at outlets, so greenhouses were still quite busy. 
Nurseries were still busy getting potted and balled/burlapped crops out.  

MARION: Field crops benefited from some decent rainfall early in the week. 
Temperatures were still unseasonably low. Some early grass seed crops were 
pollinating and, overall, crop development was good. Cool temperatures were 
delaying maturity. Winter wheat was heading out. Hops were growing rapidly 
now. 
 
POLK: Temperatures were below normal with some rain in parts of the County. 
But it still wasn't much help for dry areas. Winter wheat looked good. Fruit 
crops were delayed due to the cool temperatures.

TILLAMOOK: Temperatures were below normal last week. The seasonal rain was 
good for pastures, but tough on those with grass silage down.

WASHINGTON: It was a rainy and misty week with a high temperature of 70 and a 
low of 41. Humidity was 83 percent for the high and 47 percent for the low 
and the area received 1.25 inches of rainfall. Red clover was growing well. 
Crimson clover was setting seed. Green chop and red clover were nearing 
completion. Field crops in general were starting rapid growth. New grass for 
seed plantings looked good. Spring wheat was in boot to early flower stage. 
Some varieties of apples were doing well and prunes were scarce. Strawberries 
were coming on strong and stands started opening last week. Rhubarb was about 
finished. Berries were two weeks behind in growth for this time of year. 
Blueberries were being sprayed for disease control. There were reports of 
cherry losses. Plum drop has occurred. Higher yields in the hazelnut crop are 
being anticipated according to some reports but that remains questionable. 
Some sweet corn was still being planted. Greenhouses and nurseries were 
weeding and spraying new shrubs and trees, and culling shrubs. Pastures were 
beginning to rebound due to the favorable weather.

YAMHILL: Last week's cool, wet weather has slowed the development of tree 
fruits and their insect pests. The emergence of cherry fruit fly has been 
delayed. Caneberries were in bloom, but we need warm weather for all crops 
and a dry spell for hay. Red clover silage should be almost done as should 
haylage.

                                 EASTERN OREGON                                 

BAKER/UNION: Cool, cloudy weather continued last week with light 
precipitation to add to the 1 inch (approximately) received the previous 
week. Recent precipitation and cooler weather has helped cool season crops 
rebound from the current spring dry spell. Range conditions have improved 
with the showers.

GILLIAM: Continuing cool weather and occasional showers have sustained the 
cereal crops. However, the same conditions have hampered hay production.

GRANT: Cold temperatures were slowing growth.

JEFFERSON: The cool wet weather that had been a huge problem for other crops 
like hay has not been a real problem for vegetable seed and grass seed crops. 
Windy conditions have delayed some pesticide applications, but nothing major.

KLAMATH: The area experienced cooler temperatures last week. There was more 
rain and some light snow during the week. With the promise of better 
temperatures next week a few farmers have dropped first cutting. Some grains 
were showing signs of frost due to the cold nighttime temperatures and 
excessive moisture. 

LAKE: The County received some precipitation during the week. Pasture 
conditions have improved dramatically with the recent moisture.

MALHEUR: There were scattered showers toward the beginning of the week. This 
along with cool temperatures stopped some field work. Some hay that got wet 
the previous week got wet again. All crops were behind and are in need of 
warmer weather.

SHERMAN: The cool weather along with small showers helped wheat and barley. 
This is expected to be a later than usual harvest with such a short crop. 
 
UMATILLA: The cool weather pattern has kept daytime temperatures in the 60's 
and 70's. Good moisture from several previous weeks has helped turned 
stressed wheat back. Wheat has started to head out. Army worm worries seemed 
to be isolated in a small portion of the County. Spring wheat in the southern 
and western portions of the County was in poor condition. Moisture was still 
a concern here as we look forward to the next several weeks.

WASCO: The cool weather and showers all last week have really saved the small 
grains and rangelands. Most growers are confident of at least an average crop 
now. Spring grain crops looked better but were still smaller than normal due 
to cooler weather. Most of the winter wheat was headed by the end of the 
week. Grain farmers were praying for more rain. Cherry orchardists continued 
spraying for fruit fly and were hoping for drier conditions. Other fruit 
growers would like some warmer weather but were enjoying the showers as well. 
Peaches and apples continued to size. Hay growers were in full swing trying 
to get the first cutting in between showers. Pastures continued to produce 
forage at a normal level and livestock were in good condition.

                        Weather data for selected stations in Oregon, Week ending: June 8, 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        :  44      59      52       -4      15       -23     2.19      1.56     5      59.89    -2.44      96       181  
  Bandon 8/              :  40      58      51       -5      10       -24     0.60      0.16     5      52.36    -4.25      92       170  
  Crescent City          :  43      57      52       -5      14       -26     0.51      0.08     3      44.19   -18.91      70       114  
  Florence               :  36      63      50       -7       5       -39     2.94      2.27     5      84.31    11.56     116       155  
  North Bend             :  39      59      51       -6      12       -31     1.23      0.76     5      57.78    -3.12      95       148  
  Tillamook              :  41      61      53       -2      22       -11     2.53      1.68     5      56.50   -26.68      68       169  
WILLAMETTE               :                                                                                                                
 VALLEY                  :                                                                                                                
  Aurora 8/              :  44      71      55       -6      34       -33     0.84      0.41     6      41.47     3.12     108       163  
  Corvallis              :  38      72      52       -8      18       -44     0.96      0.61     6      42.24     1.71     104       150  
  Detroit Lake 8/        :  40      72      50       -6      15       -26     3.45      2.84     6      87.45    23.49     137       174  
  Eugene                 :  36      72      53       -8      24       -45     0.57      0.15     4      34.52   -12.37      74       135  
  Hillsboro              :  42      68      54       -7      26       -40     0.09     -0.26     4      30.43    -4.59      87       136  
  McMinnville            :  40      70      53       -7      23       -44     0.90      0.60     6      33.82    -7.50      82       147  
  Portland               :  48      67      56       -6      41       -40     0.92      0.50     4      32.43    -1.21      96       151  
  Salem                  :  40      71      53       -7      26       -40     0.70      0.35     4      35.88    -1.08      97       133  
SW VALLEYS               :                                                                                                                
  Grants Pass            :  41      74      57       -8      47       -52     0.04     -0.12     2      28.00    -2.00      93       123  
  Medford                :  42      80      58       -7      55       -41     0.08     -0.08     2      16.34    -1.37      92       101  
  Roseburg               :  40      75      56       -7      40       -40     0.20     -0.04     5      31.82     0.66     102       137  
NORTH CENTRAL            :                                                                                                                
  Condon                 :  35      69      49       -8       9       -42     0.38      0.10     4      11.23    -0.99      92        98  
  Echo 8/                :  42      78      58       -8      58       -44     0.23      0.09     1       7.53    -0.54      93        95  
  Heppner                :  38      70      54       -8      27       -49     0.38      0.10     4      13.18     0.87     107       113  
  Hermiston              :  45      79      59       -6      67       -35     0.24      0.10     2       7.34    -0.73      91        77  
  Madras 8/              :  33      73      50      -10       9       -57     0.16     -0.05     3       7.43    -1.50      83        93  
  Moro                   :  37      67      51       -9      12       -49     0.24      0.09     3       9.33    -0.63      94        84  
  Parkdale 8/            :  34      69      50      -11      10       -61     0.44      0.23     4      21.68    -7.88      73       107  
  Pendleton              :  43      75      56       -8      42       -52     0.39      0.21     3      10.11    -0.63      94        90  
  Prairie City 8/        :  33      73      50      -10       9       -57     0.16     -0.05     3       7.43    -1.50      83        93  
  The Dalles             :  43      76      58       -2      58        -7     0.15      0.01     1      12.70     1.37     112        79  
SOUTH CENTRAL            :                                                                                                                
  Agency Lake 8/         :  37      68      48       -8       4       -35     0.08     -0.13     2      12.51    -2.07      86        92  
  Bend                   :  34      71      50       -6      12       -28     0.01     -0.20     1      11.64     1.60     116        76  
  Burns                  :  29      68      48       -8       7       -34     0.22      0.01     2       8.64     0.30     104        96  
  Christmas Valley 8/    :  27      71      47      -13       -       -63     0.13     -0.15     1       7.16    -3.47      67        71  
  Klamath Falls          :  30      69      48      -11       5       -54     0.06     -0.15     1       9.38    -2.74      77        80  
  Klamath Falls 8/       :  29      71      48      -11       5       -54     0.66      0.45     2      10.62    -1.50      88       104  
  Lakeview               :   -       -       -        -       -         -     -         -        -       -        -          -         -  
  Lorella 8/             :  30      72      49      -10       4       -55     0.07     -0.14     1       9.01    -3.11      74       104  
  Redmond                :  28      74      49       -8       9       -41     0.01     -0.20     1       1.83    -5.28      26        38  
  Worden 8/              :  28      73      47      -12       3       -56     -        -0.21     -       8.07    -4.05      67        99  
NORTHEAST                :                                                                                                                
  Baker City             :  31      68      49      -10       5       -52     0.15     -0.20     3       8.99     0.57     107       104  
  Joseph                 :  33      63      46       -7       2       -22     0.37     -0.12     5      17.78    -4.00      82       121  
  La Grande              :  37      70      52       -9      18       -50     0.80      0.42     5      13.03    -1.95      87        93  
  Union                  :  36      69      52       -6      24       -29     0.94      0.52     6      10.18    -1.04      91        94  
SOUTHEAST                :                                                                                                                
  Ontario                :  41      76      58       -8      61       -50     0.19     -0.02     2       5.83    -2.76      68        66  
  Rome                   :  32      73      52      -10      19       -60     0.30      0.02     2       6.99     0.19     103        82  
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, 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.