May 21 2019 Crop Update

Updated 21 May 2019

Pacific Northwest

Timothy

Columbia Basin, Washington

It is still very early in the growing season but if weather is good for growing conditions first cutting could be sometime around the first or second week of June

Ellensburg, Washington

If weather is good first cutting could begin sometime around the middle to third week of June.

Idaho

Normal harvest is anticipated and should be starting around the third week of June or 4th week at the latest.  The entire area got quite a bit of rain last week and this past weekend which should give them enough moisture to have a fairly decent crop for 2019.  There is currently more rain in the forecast for this week.

Alfalfa

Columbia Basin, Washington

A portion of Columbia Basin growers began harvesting alfalfa the 2nd week of May.  The following week some growers were able to get their fields baled and stored prior to several days of rain, but for many of those that cut early they were impacted by the weather.  The rain lasted for several days.  The weather has also turned cooler.  Subsequently it will create some challenges to get product to dry and out of the field.  In speaking to some growers who have not yet cut they are waiting for some potential rain this week in hopes of avoiding having their alfalfa hay damaged.

Ellensburg, Washington

1st cutting could begin sometime next week depending upon weather conditions. 

Oregon

Is expected to be about 2 to 3 weeks late this year and may begin around the middle of June. 

WEATHER

Pasco, Washington

Ellensburg Washington

Christmas Valley Oregon

May 2019 Crop Update

Updated May 8, 2019

Timothy– Pacific Northwest

Columbia Basin, Washington – Timothy in some parts of the Basin is at knee height, so growth is coming along well.

Ellensburg Washington - Too early in the season to comment

Idaho - Too early in the season to comment

Alfalfa

Pacific Northwest

Columbia Basin, Washington – Some first cutting has begun in the South Basin and other areas will be underway soon.  Cutting will be spread out over the next couple of weeks depending on the location in the Columbia Basin. 

Ellensburg, Washington – Too early in the season to comment

Oregon, Klamath Falls and Christmas Valley - Too early in the season to comment

Pacific Southwest

California – 1st Cutting Alfalfa has been harvested.  Quality has looked good so far.

1st Cutting Alfalfa

Quality is good.

Kleingrass & Bermuda Hay

Pacific Southwest, California

Klein Hay - Early fields are being harvested right now. Material is available to see in the bale now, more on the way.

Bermuda Hay - Will update at a later time.

Bermuda Straw - Will be available around the end of July

Sudan

Pacific Southwest

California - Fields are starting to grow more rapidly as temperatures rise. Sudan is between 1 to 2 feet high at the current time. Early Sudan is expected to be cut and harvested near the end of May.

Pacific Northwest

Ellensburg, Washington - Too early in the season to comment

Straw

Pacific Northwest

Oregon

Eastern Oregon – Too early in the season to comment

Western Oregon – Too early in the season to comment

Washington

Columbia Basin – Too early in the season to comment