Alfalfa
Overall, 2025 alfalfa harvest has been going well across the Western United States.
PNW
Columbia Basin, Washington
Second cutting is underway throughout the Columbia Basin. Many fields look to have bloomed during a brief heat spell which can sometimes result in lower feed tests. Weather forecasts shows good weather for the weeks ahead, but with some volatility in the daytime temperatures.
Ellensburg, Washington
Some early second cutting has been cut, but other fields are still a week or two away from being cut. The crop stand looks good throughout the valley and growers are hopeful the nice weather continues to hold.
Idaho
Western Idaho has been cutting some early second with first cutting just being completed in Eastern Idaho. Quality varies depending on localized weather in some regions. Domestic demand appears to be stronger in Idaho at this time.
Oregon
All of first cutting in Oregon has been completed with some regions putting up second cutting. There have been some challenging conditions in Christmas Valley where first cutting has had some quality issues on some farms.
PSW
California
Sixth cutting was just recently completed in the Imperial Valley. Quality is now into the summer hay where feed results are lower until the temperatures cool down a bit. Yields remain stable so far.
Timothy
Across the PNW timothy harvest is nearing completion.
PNW
Columbia Basin, Washington
Harvest has concluded across the Columbia basin with the exception of a few straggler fields. Quality overall has been good. In talking with growers across the Basin, many have stated that their yields are off from last year. In many conversations growers estimated having reduced yields of up to one ton. A potential reason for this was tmany growers cut earlier than anticipated due to a windstorm that flattened many fields across the Basin. Rather than lose quality, many growers cut. In the last two weeks export buying has become a lot more excited with farm gate offers increasing.
Ellensburg, Washington
There are just a handful of fields left to complete first cutting in the Valley. Weather was cooperative overall during the harvest. Quality is mixed across the Valley with some fields showing heavier grass. The water situation is not looking positive for some growers. Water districts have indicated water could be shut off as early as mid-August.
Idaho
Dryland production is over half complete. Growers have been experiencing yield reductions upwards of 30% in some areas. This has been a result of the lack of precipitation received over the last 30-60 days. This has resulted in better quality products due to the reduced yield.
Kleingrass & Bermuda Hay
Domestic demand remains steady.
PSW
Kleingrass
First and second cutting has been completed. Third cutting should be completed in August. Demand for exports has been steady with prices up from last year.
Bermuda
Over 80% of the crop will be going for seed this year, so there will be larger volumes of Bermuda straw available. Domestic demand is up for straw this year.
Sudan
Current inventories are low, and Sudan acres are up for the 2025 season
PSW
California
Sudan crop is in varying stages with some material being harvested and some being planted only just a few weeks ago. Demand for Sudan has driven prices higher than originally anticipated, but it is still early in the season.
PNW
Ellensburg, Washington
There appears to be a normal volume of acres in the Valley this year. Fields range from being two feet to four feet tall at this time. Harvest is anticipated to be near end of August.
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 is currently underway with the earliest baling taking place now. Many growers indicate that yields are going to be lighter than last year. There have been scattered rainstorms over the last 10-14 days which affect the harvest and the quality of the finished straw product.
Columbia Basin, Washington - Fescue Straw
Seed harvesting has begun in a few areas. Baling straw should continue over the next few weeks. Fescue acres are down as seed contracts have not been readily abundant resulting in reduced availability.
Columbia Basin, Washington - Bluegrass Straw
Seed harvesting has begun in a few areas. Baling straw should continue over the next few weeks. Bluegrass acres are down as seed contracts have not been readily abundant resulting in reduced availability.
PSW
Bermuda Straw
Bermuda seed harvesting is actively taking place now. Some of the earliest Bermuda straw are in the bale now. Domestic demand is strong from feedlots and dairies.