Dry Pea and Lentil Harvest Nears Completion

Agricultural Summary
Temperatures across the state ranged from three degrees below normal to four degrees above normal for the week ending September 14. Only traces of precipitation were measured throughout the state. Major farm activities for the week included irrigating, caring for livestock, harvesting crops, planting winter wheat, and cutting hay. 

Soil Moisture and Days Suitable for Fieldwork
Topsoil moisture is estimated at 18% very short, 47% short, 35% adequate, and 0% surplus. Statewide, Idaho farmers had an average of 6.9 days suitable for fieldwork last week.

Crop Progress Table	
Percentages	2008	2007	Avg.	
Field Corn Harvested for Silage	9	36	28	
Onions Harvested	30	54	45	
Potatoes Vines Dying/ Killed	56	86	77	
Peaches Harvested	75	90	93	
Alfalfa 4th Cutting	19	42	44	
Lentils Harvested	95	99	100	
Dry Peas Harvested	99	100	99	
Dry Beans Harvested	38	58	52	
Oats for Grain Harvested	75	99	91	

Field Crop Report
Dry peas harvested are estimated at 99% complete and lentils are estimated at 95% complete, essentially finishing the harvest for these crops.  Most crops are still behind normal. The Caribou County extension educator reported that good weather helped farmers catch up on cereal harvest. The Franklin County extension educator reported that much of the corn is not mature yet. Farmers are hoping for a longer season so it can finish maturing. In Southwestern Idaho, the prune and plum harvest is about half complete and the apple harvest is just getting underway.

 Livestock, Pasture and Range Report
Statewide, the third cutting of alfalfa hay is at 67% harvested, with Eastern Idaho being well behind normal. Fourth cutting of alfalfa hay is at 19% harvested. 

Condition Table	
Percentages	Very Poor	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent	
Range & Pasture	3	22	42	30	3	
Potato	--	4	18	73	5	
Irr. Water Supply	--	8	33	51	8	

Weather Data for the Week Ending Sunday, September 14, 2008 1/
Station	Weekly Air
Temperature	Weekly
Precipitation	Since Mar 1
Precipitation	Growing Degree Days Since March 1	
	Hi	Lo	Avg	DFN	Total
Inches	DFN	Total
Inches	DFN	Base 40
Total	Base 50
Total	Base 50
DFN	
North												
Coeur D’ Alene	80	44	61	-1	0.00	-0.28	8.53	-2.24	3171	1773	-232	
Grangeville	81	41	61	4	0.00	-0.42	13.74	-0.48	3166	1795	296	
Lewiston	87	50	68	3	0.00	-0.20	3.94	-2.70	4419	2745	124	
Porthill	78	27	55	-2	0.04	-0.31	8.47	-0.97	2920	1517	-58	
Winchester	75	36	56	2	0.00	-0.35	11.03	-2.86	2441	1163	130	
Southwest												
Boise	84	43	63	-2	0.00	-0.21	3.46	-2.09	3949	2370	-139	
Emmett	83	46	64	3	0.00	-0.21	3.82	-1.65	3934	2422	6	
Glenns Ferry	88	36	64	2	0.01	-0.13	3.79	-0.48	3980	2456	33	
Grand View	87	35	63	-2	0.00	-0.14	2.99	-0.66	3881	2365	-329	
Nampa	82	40	63	-1	0.00	-0.16	2.99	-1.81	4001	2431	-86	
Parma	86	41	65	4	0.00	-0.20	1.92	-3.37	4162	2561	185	
South Central												
Fairfield	81	30	55	-2	0.00	-0.21	2.36	-3.90	2367	1108	-278	
Malta	87	29	59	-1	0.00	-0.21	3.42	-3.45	3169	1772	-123	
Picabo	86	31	59	4	0.00	-0.21	2.03	-3.74	3019	1677	174	
Rupert	84	36	58	-2	0.00	-0.14	1.98	-2.91	3173	1765	-181	
Twin Falls	85	37	61	3	0.00	-0.18	2.91	-2.07	3429	1981	124	
East												
Aberdeen	86	36	58	2	0.00	-0.15	1.78	-3.37	3074	1694	47	
Ashton	81	31	54	-2	0.05	-0.30	5.61	-4.50	2435	1174	-91	
Fort Hall	88	35	59	0	0.00	-0.21	3.01	-3.76	3055	1669	-184	
Idaho Falls	86	36	59	2	0.00	-0.21	3.37	-2.80	3134	1745	3	
Lava Hot Springs	81	36	56	-3	0.05	-0.16	6.42	-0.35	2910	1581	-272	
Monteview	82	31	55	-2	0.00	-0.14	1.81	-4.13	2730	1386	-258	
Preston	82	40	60	0	0.07	-0.21	6.59	-1.56	3360	1949	6	
Rexburg	83	30	54	-2	0.02	-0.26	3.22	-4.35	2626	1303	-48	
1/ Summary based on NWS data. DFN = Departure From Normal. Precipitation (rain or melted snow/ice) in inches. Air Temperatures in Degrees Fahrenheit. Weather data prepared by AWIS, Inc. For more weather information visit www.awis.com or call 1-888-798-9955.