Idaho Crop Reports
October 23—29
Agricultural Summary: Cold weather accompanied by snow and rain was reported in South Central Idaho last week. Statewide, major agricultural activities include shipping calves, herding cattle in from summer rangelands, and harvesting sugarbeets and potatoes. Temperatures last week ranged from 54 to 66 degree highs and 19 to 30 degree lows.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Cattle continue to come off the range, and calves are being shipped from Caribou as well as Custer Counties, according to County Extension Educators. Wolves are an increasing problem for ranchers in Custer County. Franklin County livestock are in very good condition.
Field Crop Report: Very little field work remains in Caribou County. Franklin County reports good soil moisture conditions for fall tillage operations. In Power and Minidoka Counties, snow slowed the sugarbeet harvest midweek. Statewide, potato harvest is nearing completion.
October 16—22
Agricultural Summary: Idaho onion harvest is complete. Silage corn, alfalfa hay, and potato harvest were quickly coming to a close last week, and the last of Idaho’s winter wheat acreage was planted. Apple, grain corn and sugarbeet harvest continue into late October. Temperatures last week ranged from 53 to 73 degree highs and 19 to 39 degree lows. Precipitation fell throughout Idaho last week, improving topsoil moisture and irrigation supplies.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: In Camas County, pastures are very dry. Cattle have moved from their ranges and are eating stubble and crop litter left in swathed hay fields. Most cattle in Caribou County are still moving off the range, and calves are being shipped, according to County Extension Educators.
Field Crop Report: Caribou County field work and field activities are complete this fall, according to County Extension Educators. In Power County, potato harvest should wrap up early next week, and growers have finished harvesting dry corn this week. Sugarbeet yield is excellent this year, but sugar content is down, report Power County Extension Educators.
October 9—15
Agricultural Summary: Statewide, winter wheat acreage is over eighty percent planted. Idaho growers are almost finished harvesting field corn for silage, onions, and hay. Temperatures ranged from 60 to 75 degree highs and 25 to 35 degree lows. Scattered locations throughout Idaho received precipitation last week.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: In Jerome County, some producers are harvesting 5th cutting alfalfa hay, according to Extension Educators. Livestock look good in Franklin County. Idaho’s range and pasturelands are in mostly fair to good condition as cattle continue to come in from their summer ranges.
Field Crop Report: Southwest Idaho is nearly finished with potato harvest, while South Central and Eastern Idaho producers have harvested about three quarters of their potato acreage. Sugarbeet harvest is over a third complete statewide. Power County producers are preparing for the later sugarbeet dig. Franklin county producers harvested much of their acreage, with the exception of some corn for grain and safflower, according to State Extension Educators. Apple harvest is estimated to be about three-fourths complete.
October 2 - 8
Agricultural Summary: Statewide, major agricultural activities included seeding winter wheat and harvesting potatoes, dry beans, alfalfa hay, apples, silage and grain corn. Due to rain, harvest was delayed briefly in many locations throughout the state. Temperatures ranged from 63 to 84 degree highs and 33 to 44 degree lows.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Cattle operations continue to bring livestock in from summer pastures. Fourth cutting alfalfa hay was dampened in windrows last week, according to the Twin Falls and Power County Extension Educators. For pastured cattle, fall forage greened in the rain, according to the Caribou County Extension Educator.
Field Crop Report: Rains delayed harvest briefly throughout Idaho last week, according to County Extension Educators. Caribou County potato growers are still getting the last of their potatoes in. In Jefferson County, farmers were able to work lighter soils, though potato harvest in heavy soils was limited. Late beans still in the field were dampened by last week’s rain in Twin Falls County. Statewide, almost three quarters of Idaho’s winter wheat acreage has been seeded. Apple and potato harvest is over half complete.
September 25—October 1
Agricultural Summary: Statewide, major agricultural activities included seeding winter wheat and harvesting potatoes, dry beans, alfalfa hay, apples, silage and grain corn. Reporting weather stations recorded above average temperatures last week. Mild temperatures ranged from 74 to 88 degree highs and 31 to 47 degree lows. A dry week allowed growers to make progress on fall harvest, tilling, and planting.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Cattle are coming in from summer pastures. Fall feed is a little short in Caribou County, according to the County Extension Educator. Most of Idaho’s range and pasture is in fair to good condition for remaining pastured cattle. Third cutting alfalfa hay harvest is almost complete statewide.
Field Crop Report: According to state Extension Educators, potato growers harvested in good weather last week in Caribou and Power Counties. In Franklin County, corn silage growers reported good yields to the Extension Educator. High moisture corn harvest is well underway in Power County. Winter wheat is being planted directly behind potato harvest in Power County. Caribou County growers seeded most of their winter wheat acreage. Statewide, half of Idaho’s winter wheat acreage has been seeded this fall. Early digs for sugarbeets are beginning in Power County. Idaho apple harvest is about half complete.
September 18-24
Agricultural Summary: Mid-week rains and cooler weather in South Central and Eastern Idaho slowed potato harvest last week. Temperatures during the past week were well below normal. Statewide, major agricultural activities included seeding winter wheat and harvesting potatoes, dry beans, alfalfa hay, silage corn, and apples.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: In Caribou County, cattle have started to come off the range. Idaho range and pasture continues to be in mostly fair to good condition statewide.
Field Crop Report: Potato harvest was halted in several areas due to the wet weather, and a few farmers are still waiting for fields to dry. A killing frost finished off the remaining potato vines in Eastern Idaho last week. Franklin County reports corn silage harvest is going well with excellent yields. In the Treasure Valley, fruit growers have nearly finished harvesting soft fruits and are now concentrating on picking apples and pears.
September 11-17
Agricultural Summary: Scattered showers throughout the state dropped hundredths of inches to just under an inch of rain last week statewide. Reporting weather stations recorded 80 to 91 degree highs and 30 to 42 degree lows during the past week. Apple harvest is about a quarter complete, and Idaho peach, prune and plum acreage are over three-fourths harvested.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: In Caribou County, fall forage for cattle is starting to run out, and some producers may be short of fall feed. Franklin County livestock look good, according to state Extension Educators. Idaho range and pasture is in mostly fair to good condition statewide.
Field Crop Report: Caribou, Power, and Blaine County potato harvest is getting under way. Vines are killed and a few farmers are testing out equipment and getting ready to go. Franklin County silage corn is looking very good (yield and quality). Power County growers started an early dig of sugarbeets but were quickly rained out. They received some cooler weather and welcome thundershowers. Light scattered showers slowed dry bean harvest in Cassia and Minidoka Counties, according to Extension Agents.
September 4-10
Agricultural Summary: Scattered showers throughout the state dropped trace precipitation last week. Reporting weather stations recorded 86 to 99 degree highs and 40 to 59 degree lows during the past week.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Major mosquito infestations continue in Canyon County. Canyon County received some frost in the highlands last week. In Caribou County, frosts slowed alfalfa growth, delaying 3rd cutting alfalfa swathing. Idaho’s range and pasture remains in mostly fair to good condition, according to state Extension Educators.
Field Crop Report: Statewide, Idaho fruit harvest continues. Apple harvest is under a quarter complete. Over three quarters of Idaho’s peach, prune and plum harvest is complete. Potato harvest will commence on the 15th in Caribou County, where most cereals have been harvested. Potato harvest is just beginning in Power County, and winter wheat planting is well along. Up north, Benewah County is experiencing dry conditions for harvest. Dry pea and lentil harvest is nearly complete, according to County Extension Educators.
August 28—September 3
Agricultural Summary: Northern Idaho received trace precipitation last week, but for the rest of Idaho, dry weather persisted during harvest. Reporting weather stations recorded 88 to 103 degree highs and 29 to 47 degree lows during the past week. Dry pea and lentil harvest is nearly complete. Idaho’s irrigation water supply is in mostly good to excellent condition.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Major mosquito infestations continue in Canyon County, according to Extension Educators. Franklin County livestock are in good condition. Idaho’s range is in mostly fair to good condition, according to state Extension Educators. Fourth cutting alfalfa is being swathed, with most harvested acreage in Southwest and South central Idaho.
Field Crop Report: Apple harvest is just beginning. Over half of Idaho’s peach, prune and plum harvest is complete. Favorable weather advanced Idaho County harvest vigorously last week. Wheat and barley harvest are nearing completion in Franklin County. Power County growers began seeding their winter wheat fields, and desiccating and rolling potato acreage. Continued extremely dry conditions prevailed in Benewah County. Minidoka and Madison Counties received frost, affecting some potato vines in the latter county.
August 21—27
Agricultural Summary: Dry weather persisted statewide, except Eastern Idaho, which received some precipitation. Reporting weather stations recorded 79 to 102 degree highs and 38 to 55 degree lows during the past week. Much of Idaho’s winter wheat, second cutting alfalfa, and mint is harvested, according to summarized reports from County Extension Educators statewide. Grains are in mostly good to fair condition statewide.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Most of the second crop hay is done and cereal harvest is well underway with many fields done, according to the Caribou County Extension Educator. Forage supplies are starting to decline as extended warm temperatures are taking their toll on late summer grass in Caribou County. Idaho’s range and pasture is in fair to good condition statewide, according to County Extension Educators.
Field Crop Report: Apple harvest is just beginning. Over a third of Idaho’s prune and plum harvest is complete, and half of Idaho’s peach harvest is complete. Dry weather advanced harvest this week, according to the Caribou County Extension Educator. In Power County, grain harvest is finished except for some higher elevation dryfarm ground. Winter wheat seeding has just begun. Some potato fields have been rolled. The Benewah County Extension Educator reported extremely dry conditions.
August 14—20
Agricultural Summary: Very little rain fell last week, delaying local grain harvests only slightly. Reporting weather stations recorded 84 to 100 degree highs and 37 to 57 degree lows during the past week. Much of Idaho’s winter wheat and mint is harvested, according to summarized reports from County Extension Educators statewide. Lemhi County Fair runs August 23-26, and the Western Idaho Fair is in full swing in Boise.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Second cutting alfalfa harvest is nearing completion, while third cutting alfalfa is over half harvested. Idaho’s range and pasture is in fair to good condition statewide according to County Extension Educators.
Field Crop Report: Canyon County suffered light damage from storms last week. Rain delayed harvest in Nez Perce and Custer Counties briefly. Several growers in Franklin County mentioned winter wheat yields were lower than expected. Power and Madison County Extension Educators noted that grain is a bit slow to mature this year.
August 7—13
Agricultural Summary: Several weather stations recorded triple digit highs during the past week. Unlike the hot spell in July, last week’s hot temperatures only lasted a few days, and the nights were cooler than last month. A few, isolated storms were reported, but most of the state was dry last week. Major activities across the state include irrigating and, harvesting small grains, hay, dry peas, lentils, and mint.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Dry thunderstorms moved through Southwestern Idaho last week, sparking range fires in several locations. One-half of the State’s range and pasture was rated to be in good or excellent condition, a decline from last week.
Field Crop Report: Grain harvest was underway in nearly all areas of the state during the past week. Much of the grain harvest in Southwestern Idaho and other low elevation areas is nearly complete, while farmers at high elevation areas are just beginning. A few dry bean and potato fields have been harvested. Fruit growers in the Treasure Valley are harvesting peaches and other soft fruits.
July 31—August 6
Agricultural Summary: Reporting Idaho weather stations reported scattered rain last week. Temperatures statewide were a bit cooler than average, and ranged from 84 to 100 degree highs and 44 to 58 degree lows. Growers are harvesting small grains, hay, peas and lentils, mint and oats.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Alfalfa hay yield and quality were strong last week as second cutting alfalfa was harvested, aided by the hot weather and plentiful irrigation, remarked the Franklin County Extension Educator. Second cutting alfalfa is nearing completion statewide. The Power County Extension Educator reported Thursday’s thunderstorms provided good moisture for local rangelands, but halted grain harvest briefly. Range and pasture is in mostly good to fair condition statewide.
Field Crop Report: Grasshoppers were reported in both Camas and Clearwater counties, according to County Extension Educators, and also armyworms in Camas County. Growing conditions for corn are excellent in Franklin County, and grains and potatoes statewide are in good condition. First cutting mint is almost half harvested, and potato vines are just beginning to be prepared for potato harvest.
July 24—30
Agricultural Summary: Weather stations reported very little rain last week, but Idaho has a good to excellent supply of irrigation water statewide. Temperatures statewide ranged from 94 to 110 degree highs and 44 to 67 degree lows. Reporting weather stations recorded temperatures from 5 to 13 degrees above average.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Alfalfa hay harvested for second and third cutting hay stayed dry for baling, transport and storage during last week’s hot weather. Livestock are in good condition despite high temperatures in Franklin County, according to the Extension Educator. Range and pasture is drying, with grazing conditions mostly fair to good statewide, according to County Extension Educators.
Field Crop Report: Blaine County Extension Educators distributed bait to control grasshoppers last week, and voles continue to inhabit cropland and homes. Franklin County had some great growing conditions for area crops, while hot and dry weather in Jefferson County was broken by a hailstorm. In Oneida County, dryland and irrigated winter wheat harvest is well underway, according to Extension Educators.
July 17—23
Agricultural Summary: Idaho dry pea harvest is underway. Idaho’s irrigation water is in good to excellent supply, in spite of the hot weather statewide. Nevertheless, dryland crops suffered drought stress last week as temperatures statewide ranged from 88 to 109 degree highs and 46 to 65 degree lows. Reporting weather stations recorded temperatures from 5 to 12 degrees above average.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Franklin County received needed rain last week, which also wetted unbaled hay. No problems were reported for Idaho livestock, according to County Extension Educators. Range and pasture is in fair to excellent condition statewide.
Field Crop Report: According to County Extension Educators, alfalfa and potatoes look good in Caribou County. Winter wheat harvest is starting while 2nd cutting alfalfa wraps up in Power County. In the South central and Southwest districts, barley and spring wheat harvest is underway. Sweet cherry harvest continues statewide with an estimated 95% of the sweet cherry harvest completed by the end of last week.
July 10—16
Agricultural Summary: Idaho Winter wheat and mint harvest are underway as cherry harvest nears completion. Temperatures statewide ranged from 85 to 106 degree highs and 40 to 63 degree lows. Reporting weather stations recorded temperatures from 2 to 10 degrees above average.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Lincoln County range is rapidly drying as are non-irrigated pastures, according to the Lincoln County Extension Educator. No problems were reported for Idaho livestock.
Field Crop Report: According to County Extension Educators, rain early in the week helped Caribou County dryland crops, though irrigation remains the main activity. Power County Potato growers are applying preventative fungicide spray for late blight. Field corn is just starting to tassel, and farmers are beginning to shut off water in winter wheat. In Bonneville County, high temperatures are stressing crops. Irrigators are having a difficult time keeping up with crop demand for moisture. Sweet cherry harvest continues statewide with an estimated 85% of the sweet cherry harvest completed by the end of last week. Vole populations in Lincoln County are increasing and damaging crops.
July 3—9
Agricultural Summary: Crops progressed rapidly last week in the hot weather, aided by isolated thunderstorms. Most of southern Idaho’s grain has headed, and just under half has turned color statewide. Temperatures statewide ranged from 87 to 102 degree highs and 41 to 60 degree lows. Reporting weather stations recorded temperatures from 4 to 8 degrees above average.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Voles in Lincoln County are turning from drying desertland scavenging to the easier life in developing cropland, though damage levels are minimal, according to the Lincoln County Extension Educator. Last week’s scattered thunderstorms delayed Custer and Lincoln County hay harvest. Franklin County Extension reports good quality 2nd cutting hay at compromised yields, due to alfalfa weevil feeding. Cattle are moving to higher grounds in Custer County as lower rangeland dries.
Field Crop Report: Scattered thundershowers watered isolated dryland acreage across Idaho, and irrigation water supply remains in overall good to excellent condition statewide. Idaho grains remain in mostly good condition. Sweet cherry harvest continues statewide with an estimated 62% of the sweet cherry harvest completed by the end of last week. Cricket populations continue in Camas and Oneida Counties, according to County Extension Educators.
June 27—July 3
Agricultural Summary: Hot summer weather was broken by local scattered thunderstorms across Idaho. Overall, little rain was dropped, though our irrigation supply is still in good to excellent condition. Idaho’s winter wheat headed in much of the state and is starting to turn color in good condition. Temperatures statewide ranged from 88 to 101 degree highs and 43 to 61 degree lows. Reporting weather stations recorded temperatures from 4 to 11 degrees above average for last week.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Caribou County haying progressed last week on 1st cutting alfalfa, and Power County has finished harvesting 1st cutting hay, according to Extension Educators. In rainier Custer County, moisture delayed 1st alfalfa harvest. Franklin County applied pesticides to alfalfa for alfalfa weevil damage control. Livestock are in good shape grazing Idaho summer pastures, which are also in overall good condition statewide. Field corn is developing beautifully in the hot weather, according to the Power County Extension Educator.
Field Crop Report: Idaho sweet cherry harvest continues statewide. An estimated 37% of the sweet cherry crop was harvested last week. Cricket hotspots were reported in Camas County, and a Haanchen Barley mealybug outbreak caused a stir among agriculturalists in Caribou County, according to Extension Educators. In Franklin County, growers continue pesticide applications to control cereal leaf beetle populations, minimizing grain damage. Soil Moisture and Days Suitable for Fieldwork Topsoil moisture was 3 percent very short, 19 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Statewide, Idaho farmers averaged 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork last week.
June 20—26
Agricultural Summary: Idaho sweet cherries are undergoing harvest, and small grains remain in good condition. Active Idaho weather stations reported no rain for the state since last Sunday, with temperatures ranging from 4 degrees cooler than average in Northern Idaho to 4 degrees warmer in Southwestern Idaho. Temperatures statewide ranged from 78 to 99 degree highs and 35 to 51 degree lows.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Caribou County livestock look good, and hay stands progressed rapidly last week, according to Extension Educators. Some uncut first stands were damaged by alfalfa weevil feeding, according to the Caribou County Extension Educator. Franklin County second cutting alfalfa is undergoing chemical applications to control their local alfalfa weevil populations. No problems were reported for Idaho’s summer-pastured livestock.
Field Crop Report: Overall, Idaho’s crops are progressing nicely during the long days around summer solstice. Southwestern Idaho sweet cherry growers are harvesting a nice late crop in Canyon County, and overall, Idaho has harvested an estimated 8% of the sweet cherry crop. In Franklin County, growers are controlling cereal leaf beetle populations to maintain good grain quality. Unfortunately, Northern Idaho growers in Boundary County reported extensive crop damage as high waters of the Kootenai River seeped into the dike system.
June 13—19
Agricultural Summary: Idaho received rain last week in most areas, overall maintaining good crop conditions and excellent irrigation water supply, though some cropland acres were adversely affected by the storms. Idaho’s potatoes are mostly emerged throughout the state, and in good to excellent condition. Overall, crop plants are progressing normally or ahead of the five-year average for Idaho. Temperatures statewide were slightly cooler than normal last week, and ranged from 71 to 97 degree highs and 35 to 54 degree lows.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Caribou County growers were kept from harvesting 1st cutting alfalfa last week due to wet weather, according to the County Extension Educator. Alfalfa plants are progressing past the optimal swathing window, compromising the quality of hay. However, growers who cut hay during the optimal swathing window suffered moisture damage. Livestock look good in Franklin County.
Field Crop Report: Rain in Northern Idaho maintained good crop condition in Latah County, but crops in Boundary County were adversely affected last week as flooding river water seeped into the dike system, according to Extension Educators. Caribou, Power and Bingham County dryland producers appreciated last week’s rains. In Washington County, onion and sugarbeet crop development are behind normal due to late planting, and Canyon County is assessing the agricultural impact of last week’s stormy weather. Franklin County growers are spraying for cereal leaf beetle and alfalfa weevil.
June 5—12
Agricultural Summary: Scattered rain and hail throughout the state last week replenished topsoil moisture for dryland cropping systems, while irrigation water supply remains excellent to good, according to Idaho Extension Educators. Small grains remain in good condition. Temperatures statewide ranged from 73 to 97 degree highs and 38 to 52 degree lows.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: According to Idaho’s Extension Educators, delayed hay swathing due to wet fields will resume as Idaho’s 1st cutting alfalfa crop dries.
Field Crop Report: Thunderstorms last week throughout Southern Idaho caused minor crop damage in counties receiving isolated hail storms, such as Canyon and Minidoka. Crop conditions were improved in Eastern Idaho as a result of the rains, report County Extension Educators. Crickets aroused concern in Oneida County, and Power County Extension Educators advise continued scouting for stripe rust, though no stripe rust infestations were reported.
National Agricultural Statistics Service