Fire Season Started in Southwest Idaho after another Dry Week

There were 6.9 days suitable last week for fieldwork. Pasture and range conditions were 1% very poor, 6% poor, 34% fair, 56% good, and 3% excellent. A low temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit was reported in the south central and eastern regions, while a high temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit was reported in the northern region. The statewide temperature differential ranged from 2 degrees Fahrenheit below normal to 6 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Winter wheat harvest began in low elevations and high temperature regions of Idaho. Wheat quality and yields continued to be great. In the northern region, very hot and dry conditions caused pasture conditions to deteriorate. Grains in Boundary County were rapidly ripening. Benewah County was preparing for another week with temperatures in the 90s. Hay baling was almost finished in Nez Perce County. Winter wheat at higher elevations were under stress and appeared to be average quality and yield. Legumes at higher elevations were also stressed by high heat and lack of rain. The sugarbeet crop looked great in southern Idaho, and growers estimated high yields and good sugar content. The southwest region experienced some fires on Bureau of Land Management grazing allotments. The fires were started by lightning and burned more than 26,500 acres. Onions looked good, but some stands were thin due to heavy winds earlier in the season.