Alfalfa
Weather has been variable over the last several weeks. The alfalfa crop is at differing stages across the Western United States
PNW
Columbia Basin, Washington
First cutting harvest has begun in some areas of the Basin. Variable weather systems have made it challenging in different parts of the Columbia Basin. Some first cutting alfalfa was rained on to varying degrees depending on severity of the rain event. There is another system making its way over the next 5-7 days that will scatter rain across the area. Some very early second cutting is being green chopped in the South Basin.
Ellensburg, Washington
The last several weeks we’ve seen warming weather which has helped the crop in growing. We’ve also seen temperatures dip to nearly freezing. Some early first cutting is on the ground. There have been many different scattered rain events, with fields receiving varying amounts of rain. Expect to see more fields cut the middle of next week .
Idaho
Harvest is underway in Western Idaho. They have also seen some scattered rain events. Some areas were caught off guard with hay being rained on in the bale. Some parts of Eastern Idaho are expected to be a few weeks behind due to lagging cold temperatures and snow into April. More information to follow in the coming weeks.
Oregon
Snow pack levels in the state overall are good. Northeast Oregon is below average. There are fair amounts of alfalfa, timothy and grass straw produced in NE Oregon, so the result will not be known until mid-Summer. There have been some late weather events that have brought snow to this area, but it still appears that they will be below normal. Parts of Eastern Oregon have begun first cutting alfalfa. A similar story of scattered rain events has affected different areas.
PSW
California
Third cutting alfalfa is wrapping up and some early fourth is being laid down in the Imperial Valley. Acreage across the Imperial Valley is down compared to last year. There have been some rain events over the early cuttings so far this year that have affected quality to some extent.
Timothy
The growing conditions for timothy hay have been ideal for this time of year.
PNW
Columbia Basin, Washington
Acreages across the Columbia Basin are down to flat from 2023. Most of this is due to economic decisions. Crop growth looks good overall with heads out of the boot. Harvest is on track with a early to mid-June start. Quality in the field varies across the region.
Ellensburg, Washington
With ideal conditions for the crop, we’re just starting to see heads out of the boot. If the weather patterns hold we should see a typical harvest timeline for the valley. Quality varies considerably across the valley with some fields seeing grass contamination.
Idaho
The water situation for dryland production in Idaho is very good. Acreage appears to be flat. More information to come in next update.
Kleingrass & Bermuda Hay
Domestic demand to remain steady, although pressure from domestic market is trying to move the price down.
PSW
Kleingrass
First cutting is currently delayed as growers watch current weather systems to avoid rain. Acreage of Kleingrass is down from 2023 crop season.
Bermuda
First cutting harvest is underway. Acreage is up from last year. Demand for this product should be steady due to domestic demand. More details to come in next report.
Sudan
There is higher than normal carryover from the 2023 crop, but planted acres in the Imperial Valley are off by over 30%.
PSW
California
Imperial Valley reports show that overall sudan acreage is down over 30% from 2023. Much of this is due to reduced demand from export markets. Many growers are planning to bypass a second cutting so they can bank water for more profitable crops like vegetables. Harvest is expected to begin in the weeks ahead.
PNW
Ellensburg, Washington
Too early in season to comment.
Straw
Western Oregon weather has been more in-line with typical years.
PNW
Willamette Valley, Oregon
The grass crop in the Willamette Valley has been growing well. Annual and fescue acres to be fairly flat, with perennial being down a little. Harvest schedule to be updated in future reports.
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.