Alfalfa
Growers experienced favorable conditions for putting up green second cutting Alfalfa this past week. Weather forecast is showing warm weather for the upcoming week, which should allow for an ideal harvesting environment.
PNW
Columbia Basin, Washington
Roughly 60-80% of growers have completed their second cutting Alfalfa in the basin, with the remaining balance to be finished this week. Quality and conditions of second cutting Alfalfa is significantly better due to the weather that was experienced in comparison to first cutting.
Ellensburg, Washington
A few growers in the Kittitas Valley have completed their second cutting. Quality all around is better across the state since the weather permitted a prime window of harvest opportunity for many. Weather forecast is calling for warm and breezy days which will allow for faster drying times for those that still have fields left to finish.
Idaho
Quality of first cutting varied significantly throughout parts of Idaho. Some growers were able to put up quality hay with good color and no rain, while others not faring as well with a few showers and bleached color. A number of growers who pulled first cutting earlier have completed second cutting and quality seems to be superior to the previous cutting. Weather forecast is showing clear skies and hot temperatures, which should allow a good opportunity to harvest.
Oregon
First cutting quality was comparable to Washington and Idaho’s quality. Growers are gearing up for second cutting to begin later this week or starting the beginning of next. Weather seems promising for those that are scheduled to start by then.
PSW
California
6th Cutting Alfalfa is beginning in certain parts of the PSW. Weather forecast is hot and sunny for the upcoming week. Product quality is expected to be of finer stem, color is mixed with bleach and green. Crop analysis results have been mixed.
Timothy
First cutting has been completed across the state of Washington. Idaho harvest is well underway with weather systems causing some headaches and issues for some. Future forecasts show promising opportunity for those that have recently laid down product to put into a bale later in the week.
PNW
Columbia Basin, Washington
First cutting Timothy has been completed in the Columbia Basin. Many experienced a gripping harvest with a few surprise rain showers. Quality across the board has been lower than 2019 crop. The challenge moving forward, will be coming to a consensus among industry regarding overall quality of new crop throughout the pacific northwest, which does not match up to the quality of 2019 old crop. Given this year’s experience with poor weather, we were successful in pulling off some nice product that should allow for high quality grade for our more premium horse grade customers.
Ellensburg, Washington
Growers in the Kittitas Valley experienced a similar headache with regards to weather this year. Generally, harvest tends to be a few weeks behind basin harvest schedule. Many growers were able to pull off some high end timothy and were given a good window of opportunity to put product in the a bale. Just like the basin, due to high amounts of rain earlier in the year and some extreme changes in weather combined with lodged fields, quality is slightly lower in the valley compared to last year. A number of growers cut earlier than expected, with others waiting until much later than normal to finish harvesting, so the maturity of timothy throughout the valley is variable. Given the circumstances with this year, we have a wide variety of product grades to offer our customers from this year’s crop.
Idaho
New crop harvest is underway for timothy producers in Idaho. Many who are located in the Palouse with product on the ground, experienced scattered rain showers at the beginning stages of harvest. Product that is being hauled in to storage has some good color, but typically found have a fair amount of bleach and some rained on material. Weather forecasts are promising for the next week and a half, which should allow for a good amount of hay to be put up that will not be affected by adverse weather. Heavy dew affects a major portion of the northern Idaho region. Product quality can change significantly from the time of cutting until it’s put into a bale.
Kleingrass & Bermuda Hay
Grass producers have put product into bales and have begun prepping for next harvest.
PSW
Kleingrass
3rd cutting is underway in the PSW. Similar to last month, most of the Kleingrass material has graded #1 and low #1 due to humidity and hotter weather.
Bermuda
Harvest for 3rd cutting is underway. Product grade has been consistent across the board with a majority being lower #1 grade. Just like Klein, product quality is lower due to humidity and warmer temperatures.
Sudan
Supply of Sudan in the PSW region has been reduced by nearly 3,000 acres.
PSW
California
Harvest for 1st cutting is 75-80% complete. Color is trending towards a lighter color due to humidity and warmer temperatures. Some growers have begun early 2nd cutting in the PSW.
PNW
Ellensburg, Washington
Sudan cut schedule is still expected to be at the beginning of August. The valley is forecasting higher temperatures which should allow for a strong and healthy stand over the next couple of weeks prior to harvest.
Straw
Harvest is underway in the Oregon valley. Annual Rye and Fescue growers have begun combining, with a few producing bales and put into stacks. Growers are anticipating harvest for Perennial to begin in roughly a week and a half. Forecast is calling for warmer temperatures for the future.
PNW
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Growers in the Willamette Valley are knee deep in harvest for both Annual Rye and Fescue. Many have put product into the bale and continue to push forward given the weather window they are experiencing at the moment. Overall quality has been good so far.
Oregon - Perennial Ryegrass Straw
Growers say that Perennial Rye will be harvested in the next week and a half, if weather permits. Many are anticipating bales to begin hitting the ground shortly thereafter.
Columbia Basin, Washington - Fescue Straw
Fescue has yet to begin in the basin. Producers are expected to begin harvest within the next week or two.
Columbia Basin, Washington - Bluegrass Straw
Growers in the Columbia Basin have begun harvesting and baling Bluegrass. Dry weather conditions have allowed for an ideal curating environment. Quality throughout the area has been fairly good.
PSW
Bermuda Straw
Harvest is well underway for some, product color is a lime green color, lighter to no colored straw is anticipated to begin towards the end of this month or beginning of August.