Alfalfa
Weather patterns over the last few months have been cooler than normal with rain events occurring more regularly in the PNW. This has had some impact on the crop growth cycle. Future forecasts call for cooler temperatures and rain events over the next few weeks.
PNW
Columbia Basin, Washington
First cutting harvest is anticipated to begin over the next two weeks if weather patterns will cooperate. Cooler temperatures have allowed the slower growing plant to have larger stems and leaves. Overall the crop is looking nice.
Ellensburg, Washington
The alfalfa stand is looking good across the valley, albeit a week or two behind normal. Some growers in the valley are concerned that this may have an impact on yield, while others believe that the slower growing crop may make for a really nice first cutting. Growers are optimistic that first cutting could be a high-quality product. Many growers are currently unsure of when they will be harvesting first cutting. Forecast is calling for more rain and cooler temps over the next week to ten days.
Idaho
Domestic demand is anticipated to be very high for 2022. Many feeding operations have very low or limited inventory currently. Some first cutting in SW Idaho is beginning in the next week. Reservoirs in parts of Idaho are below what is required to meet irrigation needs. In these areas many growers have opted to remove hay stands and plant grain crops instead.
Oregon
Parts of Eastern Oregon should begin harvesting in the next two weeks. In many parts of Eastern Oregon they are facing water shortages which has resulted in a shift of some acres of forage crops. With a shortage of precipitation in some areas pasture and rangeland will be short on grass for cattle feeders resulting in continued demand from domestic feeders.
PSW
California
Third cutting alfalfa has been completed in the Imperial Valley with fourth cutting just around the corner. Acreage across the Imperial Valley is down compared to last year. Prices remain elevated due to continued strength from the US domestic market.
Timothy
Average nightly temperatures in the Kittitas Valley have been at or below freezing the last several weeks. Daytime highs have only been averaging in the 50’s.
PNW
Columbia Basin, Washington
We anticipate there being a reduction in Timothy tonnage out of the Basin this year due to reduced acres being planted. This has happened due a number of factors with the primary reason being grain prices are higher than previous years and growers did not want to assume the weather risk typically associated with first cutting Timothy.
Ellensburg, Washington
Many growers in the Kittitas Valley believe they are behind at least one week to two weeks on the 1st cutting harvest. The crop is growing well, just at a slower rate with the cooler temperatures. Some growers are concerned yields will be down due to the cooler weather. In spite of this, fields look clean and the plants seem to be leafier than typically seen.
Idaho
Growing conditions have been ideal for Timothy in Idaho and the yield outlook is very good with overall production of dryland timothy to be double the quantity harvested in 2021 which was at a historic low due to the severe drought. Most growers anticipate harvest to be two weeks later than last year which would be starting sometime around the end of June or Early July depending on variety. In 2021, there was strong demand in the Idaho area from the domestic market due to the overwhelming shortage of feed in the area. The situation appears to be improving due to the heavy spring rains helping the production of pasture grass and other grasses that are purchased by local cattleman and feedlots.
Kleingrass & Bermuda Hay
Domestic demand for these two commodities kept prices at higher rates last year. That trend is not expected to change for 2022.
PSW
Kleingrass
1st cutting harvest has been completed. There is little to no carryover of 2021 crop. Acreages across Imperial Valley are flat to down. Demand is expected to be higher.
Bermuda
1st cutting harvest has been completed. Acreage is flat to down from last year. Due to increased domestic pressure last year the lower priced commodities were sought out before alfalfa. It appears that this same trend will continue into 2022. Second cutting harvest is expected to begin the end of May.
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
Imperial Valley reports show that overall sudan acreage is flat. Last year’s production was less than expected resulting in limited carryover of 2021 crop into 2022. This will most likely increase demand with prices to remain competitive. First cutting harvest is anticipated to begin the first week of June.
PNW
Ellensburg, Washington
Too early in season to comment.
Straw
Western Oregon has been receiving heavy rains, but the grass seed crop is looking good overall.
PNW
Willamette Valley, Oregon
With water conditions being good, the grass crop in the Willamette Valley is coming along nicely. Early estimates have yields being very good. Growers anticipate harvest to be somewhat delayed if the wet weather pattern persists.
Columbia Basin, Washington - Fescue Straw
Too early in the season to comment.
Columbia Basin, Washington - Bluegrass Straw
Too early in the season to comment.
PSW
Bermuda Straw
Too early in the season to comment.