High Heat and Harvest in Idaho

There were 6.9 days suitable last week for fieldwork. Pasture and range conditions were 2% very poor, 15% poor, 51% fair, and 32% good. A low temperature of 36 degrees Fahrenheit was reported in the southeast region, while a high temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit was reported in the southwest and north regions. The statewide temperature differential ranged from 4 degrees Fahrenheit below normal to 4 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. The northern region experienced temperatures in the mid to high 90s. There were some small fires in Benewah County. Lewis and Boundary Counties were preparing for grain harvest. Pastures went dormant in most areas. Wheat harvest started in upper elevations in Nez Perce County. Barley at mid elevations appeared good but was stressed at higher elevations. Dry pea harvest began. Some pea fields appeared excellent, while others had poor stands and were suffering from heat stress. The southwest region started to harvest potatoes. Producers in Elmore County harvested in the early morning and at night during cooler temperatures. Hot weather continued in the south central region. In Jerome County, a few potato fields were harvested. Fields had dead vines and were in preparation for digging. Voles were moving off the desert and dry cereal fields and started causing problems in pastures and other crops. The southeast region continued to experience hot and dry conditions. Madison County was surrounded by smoke for several days. A fire started by a combine in a barley field near Blackfoot grew to about 40 acres.