or-crop-weather

Oregon Crop Weather
Released: September 8, 2008 
Week ending: September 7, 2008     
OR-CW1405

OREGON CROP WEATHER
 
NATIONAL
AGRICULTURAL
STATISTICS
SERVICE

USDA, NASS, Oregon Field Office

Phone: 503-326-2131
Released: September 8, 2008
Toll Free: 1-800-338-2157
Week ending: cweek@, @year_cwk@
Email: nass-or@nass.usda.gov
Volume: 23-08
Internet: www.nass.usda.gov/or

Weather: Conditions were cool and dry to begin the week, but by week's end, 
temperatures throughout much of the State climbed to above 80 degrees.  High 
temperatures ranged from 95 degrees in Medford, down to 63 degrees in 
Crescent City.  Low temperatures ranged from 47 degrees in Portland, down to 
24 degrees in Agency Lake and Worden.  The Portland weather station received 
the most precipitation with 0.07 total inches and only five other stations 
reported measurable precipitation. Precipitation levels were below average 
State wide and temperatures were below normal in most areas.  

Field Crops: Fall field preparations continued throughout most of the State, 
especially where they were done harvesting grains.  Some Willamette Valley 
wheat still remains to be harvested.  There were continued concerns of sprout 
damage in the Valley wheat due to recent excess moisture.  Sugarbeet seed and 
red clover seed harvest was near completion in Clackamas County.  The mint 
and hop harvest in Marion County gained momentum.  Grass silage and grass hay 
harvest also continued in some western areas.  Red clover harvest was slowed 
by high moisture in Washington County.

Vegetables: Cooler fall-like temperatures this past week slowed the maturity 
development of some processed sweet corn, while also helping to produce a 
great green bean crop in the Willamette Valley. Early harvest corn yields in 
the south Valley were reported to be an average 10 to 11 tons per acre. Local 
growers in southwestern Oregon commented that recent inconsistent daytime and 
nighttime temperatures have affected the form and size of their produce.  

Fruits and Nuts: Hazelnut orchards were prepared for harvest. Nuts have begun 
to fall in Yamhill and Clackamas counties. Late blackberries continued to be 
picked, as did summer apples, pears, and peaches. Wine grapes continued to 
mature. Douglas County fruits, while still behind developmentally, remain in 
good condition. Southern Oregon pear harvest was in full swing. The summer 
pear harvest continued in mid-Hood River Valley orchards and began in the 
upper valley. Fruit growers in the lower valley prepared for the winter pear 
harvest. Nectarines, peaches, pears, and apples continued to be harvested in 
the northern end of Wasco County.

Nurseries and Greenhouses: Nurseries were busy with irrigation activities and 
caring for new spring-planted starts. Greenhouses were caring for fall starts 
and marketing landscaping shrubs and trees.

Livestock, Range and Pasture: Pastures greened up some in areas that received 
moisture this past week, but many areas were still seeing dryland pastures 
deteriorate.   Some Lake County producers have been forced to come off their 
desert allotments early due to the lack of water and feed. A few growers in 
Wasco County moved their cattle onto wheat stubble.  The buffalo calves in 
Washington County were doing well. Cattle all across the State were still in 
good shape despite the dry conditions.  Producers were preparing for winter 
by stocking their barns with hay.  

                Soil Moisture-Week Ending 09/07/08                
------------------------------------------------------------------
                :   Very    :           :             :           
                :   short   :   Short   :  Adequate   :  Surplus  
------------------------------------------------------------------
                :                     Percent                     
                :                                                 
Topsoil         :    32          41           27            0     
Subsoil         :    34          45           21            0     
------------------------------------------------------------------

                       Crop Progress-Week Ending 09/07/08                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :   This    :   Last    :   Last    :  5 year   
              Crop              :   week    :   week    :   year    :  average  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                :                    Percent                    
                                :                                               
Alfalfa hay, third cutting      :   69          59          85          61      
Barley harvested                :   98          96          97          94      
Spring wheat harvested          :   96          93          98          97      
                                :                                               
Days suitable for fieldwork     :    6.9         6.1         6.5         6.7    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                           Crop Condition-Week Ending 09/07/08                           
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         :   Very    :           :           :           :               
           Crop          :   poor    :   Poor    :   Fair    :   Good    :   Excellent   
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         :                            Percent                            
                         :                                                               
Corn                     :     0           0          29          56            15       
Range and pasture        :    22          30          35          13             0       
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 WESTERN OREGON                                 

BENTON/LINN/LANE: Strong weekend warm winds have dried things extremely fast. 
Fall like weather conditions have slowed the maturity process for both silage 
and sweet processed corn. Corn yields in the south Valley early in the 
harvest season have been in the average range of 10 to 11 tons per acre. 
Movement of annual ryegrass seed was good for early September, but prices 
were sluggish. Fescue grass seed movement was nonexistent.

CLACKAMAS: It was a nice week of warm dry weather. Most wet grain fields 
dried out and were harvested. The red clover seed and the sugarbeet seed 
harvests were nearly done. Late blackberries, Chesters and Evergreens, were 
still being picked. Filberts were starting to fall. Tomatoes were finally 
ripening. Local sweet corn was becoming plentiful. Cool weather has produced 
a great green bean crop. Pastures have greened up but need more rain to keep 
growing.

COOS/CURRY: Temperatures were about 5 degrees below the 5-year average for 
the week in Coos and above the average in Curry County, with, only a trace of 
rainfall on Monday. The fall weather was becoming more apparent with breezy 
conditions helping keep the temperatures moderate for the week, with gusts to 
30 mph 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 52.59 degrees, 5.2 degrees below the 5-year average. The high 
temperature for the period was 65.26 degrees, 5.04 degrees below the 5-year 
average. Precipitation for the period was 0.01 inches, compared to a 5-year 
(including drought years 2003-2004) average of 0.06 inches. Precipitation for 
Current weather year precipitation (began 10/07) stands at 51.67 inches, 4.44 
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 48.17 degrees, 2.16 degrees above the 5-year average. The high 
temperature for the period was 97.8 degrees, 14.3 degrees above the 5-year 
average. Precipitation for the period was 0.0 inches compared to a 5-year 
(including drought years 2003-2004) average of 0.20 inches. Precipitation for 
Current weather year precipitation (began 10/07) stands at 66.86 inches, 
14.96 inches below the 5 year average. Historical average precipitation for 
Brookings area through September is 73.48 inches. Overall, the dry, warm, and 
windy conditions dried pastures and the only ones still producing grass are 
those that are very near the water table.

DOUGLAS: Very nice late season weather is allowing fruit and vegetable crops 
to mature in good shape. Most tree fruit and grape crops were still about a 
week behind normal maturation dates but it appears there will be minimal 
negative impacts.

JACKSON: Last week was another very dry week. There was very little dew at 
night, and ground was very dry. We could really use a good rain. Most all 
grain is now harvested. There was still some hay being made. Lots of ground 
preparation was being done getting ready for fall plantings. The pear harvest 
was getting busy. People were still picking wild blackberries, lots for their 
own use, but some for sale at farmers markets. There were still lots of good 
vegetables being harvested. Greenhouses were busy with caring for fall 
starts. Nurseries were doing a lot of watering and caring for new spring-
planted starts. All livestock on good pastures were looking good, but dry 
ground feed is mostly all gone. There is a lot of irrigation being done to 
keep pastures growing.  
 
JOSEPHINE: Temperatures were very cool the first two days of last week. Night 
time temperatures were in the low 40's and day time temperatures were in the 
80's. By the end of the week conditions were more seasonal with night time 
temperatures in the 60's and day time temperatures in the upper 90's. Our 
local produce growers were remarking on the quality of some of their products 
and lay blame on the inconsistent night time temperatures when setting fruit. 
Size and quantity seem to be the issues. Form and size were not what they 
should be for the produce that needs consistent temperatures above 50 
degrees. The heavy smoke in the Valley from fires around the region probably 
had something to do with this. Livestock were fairing well. Second cutting of 
hay continued. Water was not an issue for those with irrigation systems; 
however, those without don't have the resources or the availability to water 
and pastures were drying up. Grapes continued to do well and the harvest is 
going to be good. 

MARION: It was as somewhat cool summer week again, but temperatures warmed up 
to about 90 degrees by week's end. Weather conditions improved enough to help 
finish up the grain and grass seed harvests. Very few fields were left to 
combine. Farmers were busy with after-harvest field work on a lot of the 
harvested fields around the County. Some field burning was being done when 
conditions allowed. The ground was being tilled and readied for its next 
crop. The hop and mint harvests were in full swing. Corn was being harvested. 
Hazelnut orchards have the ground smoothed out and ready for the hazelnuts to 
fall and be harvested.

POLK: Soil conditions were dry. A lot of harvested ground was being tilled 
for fall planting. There are still some fields of small grains to be 
harvested. Unharvested small grains may suffer from sprout damage resulting 
from cooler temperatures and moisture in the past weeks. Evenings were 
cooler, lower 40's, with day time highs in the mid 80's.

TILLAMOOK: Feels like fall weather, cool evenings and warming during the day. 
Grass silage continued to be harvested. Cooler temperatures with some 
moisture have helped grass growth. Some grass hay was still being harvested.

WASHINGTON: The high temperature was 90 degrees and the low was 43 degrees 
with humidity ranging from 71 percent to 47 percent. Light rain helped 
prepare soils for fall planting and was encouraging pastures. Field work for 
the fall planting season was being accomplished. There is a growing interest 
in no-till planting due to rising fuel prices. Excess moisture has delayed 
the wind up of the spring wheat harvest; fear of sprouting mounting. Field 
corn was approaching harvest for silage, most hay harvesting was finished, 
and the red clover harvest was slowed by high moisture. Gravenstein apples, 
Veteran peaches, Bartlett pears, blueberries, plums, elderberries, 
raspberries, and blackberries were available. Wine grapes were nearing 
maturity. Green beans, potatoes, zucchini, new potatoes, sweet corn, carrots, 
table beets, onions, peppers, Swiss chard, and tomatoes were being harvested. 
Greenhouses were putting shrubs and trees for landscaping on the market. 
Nurseries were irrigating new plantings and cover crops. Range grasses 
greened up some after spotty rain. Buffalo calves were doing well and most 
cattle were looking good.  
 
YAMHILL: Warmer weather with no rain has allowed red clover to dry and 
continue with harvest. More straw from wheat has also dried and has been cut 
and baled. Much ground work was getting done to prepare for fall planting, 
but not much planting has been done at this point. Hazelnuts were just 
starting to show up on orchard floors. Grapes still need the warmer days to 
get them ready for harvest.

                                 EASTERN OREGON                                 

BAKER/UNION: We have had a few cold nights, but, overall, conditions have 
been warm and dry. Yields are up so far this year on all crops.

GILLIAM: Fall wheat seeding continued in the fields with decent moisture.

GRANT: There has been a lack of needed moisture. 

HOOD RIVER: Fair weather prevailed through the week. The summer pear harvest 
continued in mid-Hood River Valley orchards and began in the upper valley. 
Fruit growers in the lower valley prepared for the winter pear harvest.

KLAMATH: Klamath County had its first night time freezing temperatures last 
week. There were a few nights in the low 30's and high 20's. The grain 
harvest was continuing, as was mint and the third cutting of hay. Day time 
temperatures were also cooler.

LAKE: No precipitation fell during the week. Day time temperatures were 
warmer toward the middle of the week and over the weekend. Some livestock 
producers have been forced to come off the desert allotments early due to 
lack of water and feed.

MALHEUR: Weather was dry and temperatures were below normal last week. Some 
corn may not mature before the first frost. Harvest started on early onions, 
potatoes and alfalfa seed. Harvest continued on hay. Fall work started on 
harvested grain fields. 

SHERMAN: School started and fields were being prepared for seeding.

UMATILLA: The Pendleton Round-Up begins this week.

WALLOWA: Cooler temperatures prevailed through most of the week.

WASCO: Dry weather prevailed through the week. Fieldwork included 
fertilizing, weeding, and getting ready for fall grain seeding operations. 
Rain is needed to improve seeding conditions. Nectarines, peaches, pears, and 
apples continued to be harvested in the northern end of the County. Table 
grapes were being picked in home gardens. Commercial wine grapes will be 
picked later. Growers are currently testing the grapes for sugar levels. 
Alfalfa hay operations were winding down for this year's season. Cattle were 
still doing fairly well on dry pastures, and a few were being moved onto 
wheat stubble. Stockman are currently purchasing and filling their barns with 
alfalfa hay for the winter months.

                     Weather data for selected stations in Oregon, Week ending: September 7, 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      80      60      +0        70       +0     0.01     -0.52     1      64.04    -2.96      96       203  
  Bandon 8/              :  43      65      56      -3        45      -11     0.01     -0.33     1      53.50    -5.78      90       190  
  Crescent City          :  43      63      54      -5        32      -31     -        -0.32     -      45.35   -20.22      69       126  
  Florence               :  38      77      56      -6        41      -36     -        -0.45     -      88.48    11.52     115       172  
  North Bend             :  45      70      56      -4        46      -22     -        -0.35     -      58.97    -4.72      93       162  
  Tillamook              :  45      86      60      +2        68       +6     0.01     -0.68     1      58.86   -30.54      66       188  
WILLAMETTE               :                                                                                                                
 VALLEY                  :                                                                                                                
  Aurora 8/              :  42      86      64      -1        97       +0     -        -0.35     -      43.26     1.81     104       178  
  Corvallis              :  39      86      63      -2        94       -4     0.01     -0.27     1      43.90     0.88     102       164  
  Detroit Lake 8/        :  42      86      62      +4        88      +25     0.01     -0.43     1      91.91    23.86     135       192  
  Eugene                 :  39      89      64      -2        98       -9     -        -0.35     -      35.72   -14.05      72       147  
  Hillsboro              :  38      85      61      -3        80      -13     -        -0.31     -      31.95    -5.97      84       149  
  McMinnville            :  35      87      62      -3        85      -14     -        -0.31     -      34.31    -9.21      79       152  
  Portland               :  47      88      65      +0       110       -2     0.07     -0.31     1      34.09    -2.64      93       170  
  Salem                  :  42      89      64      -2        98       -2     -        -0.29     -      37.20    -2.29      94       141  
SW VALLEYS               :                                                                                                                
  Grants Pass            :  43      91      64      -4       100      -24     -        -0.14     -      28.23    -2.94      91       125  
  Medford                :  43      95      69      +0       132       +1     -        -0.18     -      16.39    -2.66      86       105  
  Roseburg               :  46      89      66      +1       116       +2     -        -0.23     -      31.92    -1.07      97       142  
NORTH CENTRAL            :                                                                                                                
  Condon                 :  37      83      59      -2        62      -14     -        -0.21     -      12.14    -2.15      85       107  
  Echo 8/                :  38      85      63      -4        92      -26     -        -0.14     -       7.92    -1.20      87       100  
  Heppner                :  38      83      60      -5        72      -28     -        -0.14     -      14.05    -0.02     100       122  
  Hermiston              :  39      86      63      -5        89      -29     -        -0.14     -       7.91    -1.21      87        86  
  Madras 8/              :  36      84      59      -3        67      -18     -        -0.14     -       8.13    -2.45      77       100  
  Moro                   :  39      88      61      -2        78      -11     -        -0.14     -       9.68    -1.60      86        90  
  Parkdale 8/            :  34      81      59      -5        61      -31     -        -0.23     -      22.63    -8.45      73       116  
  Pendleton              :  40      81      62      -5        85      -34     -        -0.14     -      11.64    -0.53      96       100  
  Prairie City 8/        :  36      84      59      -3        67      -18     -        -0.14     -       8.13    -2.45      77       100  
  The Dalles             :  43      88      67      +5       122      +32     -        -0.14     -      13.23     0.56     104        85  
SOUTH CENTRAL            :                                                                                                                
  Agency Lake 8/         :  24      83      56      -3        48      -11     -        -0.14     -      12.90    -3.47      79        97  
  Bend                   :  30      83      56      -3        46      -16     -        -0.14     -      11.84    -0.02     100        78  
  Burns                  :  28      82      56      -3        45      -18     -        -0.14     -       9.12    -1.00      90       103  
  Christmas Valley 8/    :  25      83      54      -9        32      -55     -        -0.14     -       7.36    -5.17      59        74  
  Klamath Falls          :  31      85      60      -4        71      -16     -        -0.14     -       9.72    -3.94      71        84  
  Klamath Falls 8/       :  29      84      62      -1        85       -2     -        -0.14     -      10.96    -2.70      80       108  
  Lakeview               :   -       -       -       -         -        -     -         -        -       -        -          -         -  
  Lorella 8/             :  29      85      57      -6        50      -37     -        -0.14     -       9.40    -4.26      69       110  
  Redmond                :  32      84      57      -4        54      -19     -        -0.14     -       2.90    -5.83      33        45  
  Worden 8/              :  24      83      56      -7        47      -40     -        -0.14     -       8.38    -5.28      61       102  
NORTHEAST                :                                                                                                                
  Baker City             :  26      78      54      -8        29      -48     -        -0.21     -      10.10    -1.01      91       121  
  Joseph                 :  34      79      53      -4        26      -23     -        -0.28     -      19.65    -5.52      78       135  
  La Grande              :  30      81      58      -7        57      -39     -        -0.23     -      14.93    -2.79      84       109  
  Union                  :  33      80      56      -5        47      -32     -        -0.28     -      12.35    -1.76      88       107  
SOUTHEAST                :                                                                                                                
  Ontario                :  39      85      64      -4       100      -20     -        -0.14     -       6.33    -3.51      64        71  
  Rome                   :  33      84      59      -5        65      -31     -        -0.14     -       7.10    -1.34      84        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.