Alfalfa

Western states alfalfa acreage down year-over-year. Water shortages a big concern in many key producing areas.

PNW

Columbia Basin, Washington

Early-season heat advanced the crop ahead of schedule, but a period of rain has impacted a portion of the early harvest. Some fields that were cut ahead of the rain escaped damage, while some cut material was rained on. Other growers elected to delay cutting to avoid the risk. The combination of early heat and the rain delay may have caused some degree of over-maturity in a portion of the alfalfa crop. Harvest is now underway throughout the Basin with approximately 20–30% of first cutting completed

Ellensburg, Washington

Early season warm temperatures provided a strong start to the crop, but conditions have since returned to more seasonal norms and growth has slowed accordingly. The first early-cut alfalfa is just beginning to come off, though weather uncertainty is causing some delays in harvest timing. Water supply concerns are present — local water districts are monitoring the situation — however early-cut material remains largely unaffected at this stage.

Idaho

Western Idaho harvest has begun in earnest. However eastern Idaho has seen a pretty severe cold snap over the last week with some areas even seeing some snow fall. This has pushed harvest back for the time being. Areas in both the east and west are facing critical water shortage issues that will impact future cuttings. Those situations are being monitored closely.

Oregon

Eastern Oregon harvest looks to begin over the next week or so. Northern parts of Oregon are well on their way to completing 1st cutting harvest in areas like Hermiston and Boardman. Christmas Valley should begin harvest in the next week or two also. Many parts of Oregon are also being impacted with the regional drought situation. Early crop seems to be largely unaffected but concern is growing for later cuttings.

PSW

California

The Imperial Valley is currently harvesting 4th cutting alfalfa. The warmer than normal start to the season has accelerated the cutting schedule. Test results are showing some variability, likely attributable to the early heat, but quality overall remains acceptable.

Timothy

Weather has been ideal in many areas for the crop to grow efficiently. Water shortages a concern in some production areas.

PNW

Columbia Basin, Washington

Timothy harvest is approaching in the Basin, with some areas potentially beginning harvest as early as the end of next week or the start of the following week. Fields overall are looking consistent heading into harvest. We believe total acreage is up for timothy this season compared to last year, which could support improved availability.

Ellensburg, Washington

Timothy fields in the Valley are showing higher than normal grass contamination this season, which is expected to impact quality in affected fields. Some growers are also unable to rotate to new seedings due to the ongoing water shortage, which may have longer-term implications for stand quality. Harvest remains a few weeks out.

Idaho

Dryland timothy production has been dealing with dry conditions through much of the early season. A weather event last week brought some welcome relief and moisture to the region. At this point it remains early, and additional precipitation will be needed — without it, yield reductions are expected.

Kleingrass & Bermuda Hay

Domestic and export demand to remain steady. Water shortages a concern.

PSW

Kleingrass

First cutting of kleingrass is nearly complete across the Pacific Southwest. The warmer than normal start to the season brought harvest on earlier than typical. Export demand has been steady.

Bermuda

First cutting of Bermuda hay is wrapping up. The majority of acres are headed toward seed production this season, which will limit the volume of Bermuda hay available for export relative to prior years.

Sudan

Acreages and volumes still unknown for the 2026 crop season.

PSW

California

Early sudan harvest is expected to begin soon in the Imperial Valley. Growers are anticipating one to two cuttings this season, with the final number dependent on individual grower decisions and price conditions. The warm start to the season has the crop tracking ahead of schedule.