Alfalfa
The alfalfa crop is at differing stages across the Western United States with acreages overall being down.
PNW
Columbia Basin, Washington
First cutting harvest has begun across the Columbia Basin. We should see the harvest fully underway over the next two weeks. Weather forecasts are showing mixed weather patterns and temperatures over the weeks ahead. Alfalfa acreage across the Columbia Basin is down due to declining demand and prices both in export and domestic markets.
Ellensburg, Washington
We’re seeing a cooling trend that looks to persist over the next 8-10 days. We’ve also seen temperatures dip to nearly freezing the last two weeks. We anticipate some of the earliest cut fields to begin within 1-2 weeks.
Idaho
In speaking with contacts in Western Idaho they are currently cutting product with some early fields already in the bale. Eastern Idaho is expected to be a few weeks behind due to lagging cold temperatures. Acreages in Idaho are also down due to declining pricing and demand in export and domestic markets. More information to follow in the coming weeks.
Oregon
Parts of Oregon are underway with alfalfa harvest. Higher elevation areas are still a few weeks from beginning. Alfalfa acres have also declined in some areas for the same reasons as Idaho and Washington.
PSW
California
Third cutting alfalfa is around 80% completed in the Imperial Valley. Acreage across the Imperial Valley is flat compared to last year. Yields on 2025 crop appears to be down from average years. More information to follow in the coming weeks.
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 up from 2024. Most of this is due to last years performance in pricing and demand. Crop growth looks good overall with harvest to be on track with an early to mid-June start. Quality in the field varies across the region.
Ellensburg, Washington
With cooler temperatures in recent weeks the crop is coming along at a slower rate in some fields. Acreage in the area appears to remain flat. Quality in the field varies in the area by stand age and variety.
Idaho
The water situation for dryland production in Idaho is good at the moment. Some growers indicate there are trends to point to drier conditions going forward which could have an impact on yields. 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
Acres are up on this crop in 2025 due to the payments from water districts to participate in the fallowing program.
Bermuda
Acres are up on this crop in 2025 due to the payments from water districts to participate in the fallowing program. With limited production opportunity many growers are looking at raising the crop for seed rather than hay.
Sudan
Current inventories are low and Sudan acres are up for the 2025 season
PSW
California
A new water program is in effect for the Imperial Valley this year which will impact crops beginning after the month of June and beyond. Acreages of sudan are up from last year. Cutting will begin in early June. Updates to come in next report.
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.