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June 18th 2020 Crop Update

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Alfalfa

Unfavorable weather systems affected a large amount of growers across the state. Quality of new crop varies dependent on how much precipitation was received. Growers are eager to know where the market is, considering the changes exporters are channeling through, with regards to COVID-19.

PNW

Columbia Basin, Washington

First cutting quality continues to be marginal with a large portion of the region being rained on. Most growers have either completed or are waiting for the weather to cooperate, in hopes to finish putting up product. Forecast is calling for warmer temps with fewer chances of rain showers. Some 2nd cutting will begin in the next 7-10 days.

Ellensburg, Washington

Cooler temps spanned across the board for weather during the harvest of first cutting. Many who harvested early were affected by rain showers that rolled across the state of Washington. Quality of hay in the valley seems to be fair, dependent on amount of rainfall that was received. A number of fields still remain to be cut for first cutting.

Idaho

Various parts of Western and Southern Idaho, have completed first cutting. Quality seems to vary across the board with certain parts of Idaho receiving various amounts of rain. Other areas of the state are beginning to put down first cutting, weather forecast is calling for warmer temps with slight chances of rain. Farmers are hopeful to be able to get product off the ground with some good decent green color in a bale.

Oregon

First cutting in Northern Oregon has taken place or is near wrapping up. A few growers were able to escape the rain, but a large amount of growers fields received some amount of rain. Quality inspection and sampling still to take place.

PSW

California

We are about halfway through the 3rd cutting harvest. Normally, 4th cutting would be in full swing now. However, due to the extremely wet and cool temperatures in the early spring, the harvest for alfalfa is almost a month behind. Quality for third cutting has tended to be finer stem, dryer texture, and low test.


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Timothy

Much of the Northwest received various amounts of rainfall. About 35-40% of new crop Timothy has been cut. Many are anticipating this weeks forecast to be the most promising with higher temperatures and fewer chances of rain showers across the region.

PNW

Columbia Basin, Washington

A number of growers have begun harvesting new crop with a few putting up bales without heavy rain. Much of the basin received rainfall, setting the harvest schedule back. Many anticipate this week to be a window of opportunity, due to the weather forecast being promising for the next week. Quality of Timothy is expected to be lower than last year.

Ellensburg, Washington

Kittitas Valley is already seeing a few growers completing fields of new crop. Many are waiting for a chance to miss any rainfall that may affect the crop. High winds have rolled through the valley to allow for faster drying times, but weather the past week has been unforgiving. Farmers are hoping to get remaining new crop off the ground with little to no rain, forecast is showing promising weather, with a few possible showers. Time will tell on the quality of Timothy we are seeing throughout the valley.

Idaho

The Northern part of the state has received desirable amounts of rainfall for dryland farmers, creating what’s looking to be a good year for tonnage. Harvest is on track for the end of June, beginning of July. Farmers have expressed concern that they won’t see enough of a break in the weather to cut and bale in a timely manner.


Kleingrass & Bermuda Hay

Grass harvest is underway again for growers in the PSW.

PSW

Kleingrass

Harvest for 2nd cutting is about 50% finished. Quality-wise, most of the material has graded as #1. There is a very limited amount of premium grade available.

Bermuda

Harvest is about one-third finished. Like the Kleingrass, there has been a very small percentage of premium grade. Much of what has been put up has been a #1 or a #1 Mix. With Bermuda seed prices being very low, many fields that were scheduled for seed harvest have been put into hay. This has also contributed to the higher percentage of lower grade.


Sudan

PSW acreage is approximately 3,300 acres down compared to last season at this time. Harvest schedule has been delayed due to cooler weather in the month of May.

PSW

California

Harvest was pushed back roughly two weeks or so due to weather. Quality so far has varied. We are seeing a little less brown leaf in the early material compared to last season. Stem size has been more to a medium thickness with a small percentage of fine stem. It is still too early for light-colored material. We should expect to see lighter colored material at the end of June or the early part of July.

PNW

Ellensburg, Washington

Sudan acreage amounts in the Kittitas Valley are comparable to last year. Harvest is anticipated to begin around August sometime. Weather in the valley has provided a good amount of rainfall for yield. Forecast is showing higher temperatures for the next week and a half in the valley.


Straw

Growers are seeing good amounts of needed moisture for crops. Weather is forecasting light rain throughout next week with higher temperatures as well. This should allow for a preferred growth environment nearing harvest in the next month.

PNW

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Weather has been cool and wet for the last few months, allowing for a strong and healthy crop throughout the valley. Growers are anxious for harvest, and that weather will cooperate when the time comes. Harvest is anticipated to begin in July.

Oregon - Perennial Ryegrass Straw

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Crop yield continues to look good. Weather received in the area is providing a good stand for the upcoming harvest. Farmers are expecting to be in the fields to begin harvest towards the beginning or mid July.

Columbia Basin, Washington - Fescue Straw

Harvest is anticipated to begin mid to the end of July. Will have more detailed comments for July crop update.

Columbia Basin, Washington - Bluegrass Straw

Harvest is anticipated to begin mid to the end of July. Will have more detailed comments for July crop update.