Alfalfa
The past few weeks have not been kind to growers across the growing region, but things are improving.
PNW
Columbia Basin, Washington
1st cutting alfalfa is approximately 60% done across the Columbia Basin. Most product that had been cut before last week had been rained on. Forecast is warming significantly this week and next. Conditions are favorable for drying hay in a timely manner. Some farms in the South Basin will be preparing for 2nd cutting in the next week or so.
Ellensburg, Washington
1st cutting began last week with more growers starting this week. Temperatures are warming this week, but will cool into next. However, average temperatures should allow for good drying conditions overall. First fields are going into the bale today.
Idaho
Western Idaho and parts of South Central Idaho have completed their 1st cutting harvest. Much of it being rained on. Demand continues to remain very strong in the domestic market as milk prices are near all-time highs. Eastern Idaho is expected to begin harvest this next week.
Oregon
Many farms in Eastern Oregon have concluded their 1st cutting harvest with many being rained on in various amounts. Domestic demand from feedlots in the area are soaking up a lot of this material. This continues to keep prices high in that region.
PSW
California
4th cutting is just over half-way completed in the Imperial Valley. Demand for alfalfa is still very high in the domestic market. Alfalfa acreages are down from 2021 in the Imperial Valley which places additional pressure an a market that’s already short material.
Timothy
Growing conditions have improved dramatically over the last two weeks. The crop is coming along nicely.
PNW
Columbia Basin, Washington
Some farms began cutting two weeks ago with more starting last week. With rare exception, all these fields were hit with rain. Most farms that waited to avoid rain have begun cutting this last weekend and weather conditions are looking good.
Ellensburg, Washington
Some early fields cut in the Valley last week received rain. Most growers decided wait and begin this week. Compared to historical timelines the harvest in the Valley is behind 10-14 days.
Idaho
Idaho has seen a lot of rain over the last several weeks. Most growers indicate that field conditions are overly saturated which could potentially lead to a delayed harvest. Growers are very optimistic about yield for this season.
Kleingrass & Bermuda Hay
Prices continue to remain strong with most product being purchased for the retail market.
PSW
Kleingrass
2nd cutting is underway. The domestic demand is very high which limited quantities being purchased for export markets. With potential limitations in water, it is unknown how many total cuttings will be taken in 2022.
Bermuda
2nd cutting is just beginning with product being baled over the next week. Most product being baled in 3-tie is being purchased for the retail horse market. Will most likely see a reduction in cuttings on this commodity as well due to water shortages.
Sudan
Limited supplies in PNW and PSW from 2021 will most likely increase demand for 2022 crop. Domestic demand is expected to apply some pressure on the market.
PSW
California
Very little product has been put in the bale, but harvest is fully underway. Weather conditions continue to be ideal resulting in better quality than last year. Acreages in the Imperial Valley are up 10% from last year. Some growers are awaiting water allotment assignments which will then determine whether some acreage will be taken out.
PNW
Ellensburg, Washington
Fields planted a few weeks ago are coming along nicely. The increased temperatures will really help with the crop growth.
Straw
Western Oregon has been receiving heavy rains, but the grass seed crop is looking good overall.
PNW
Willamette Valley, Oregon
The grass seed crop is looking good. Harvest continues to be delayed to due to the we weather. Additional updates will be forthcoming.
Columbia Basin, Washington - Fescue Straw
Fescue seed harvest is just getting started. With good weather ahead we should see harvest in full swing over the next week or two.
Columbia Basin, Washington - Bluegrass Straw
Bluegrass seed harvest has begun in parts of Southern Washington. Full harvest throughout the Basin should be underway over the next week. This is delayed by a few weeks compared to prior years.
PSW
Bermuda Straw
Too early in the season to comment.