Eastern Cornbelt:
Cool, wet weather settled over much of the Eastern Cornbelt during the week. Sources in southern Illinois reported showers and temperatures in the 60s, while highs in central Indiana struggled to break out of the 50s at midweek.
Up to 2-3 inches of rain was reported at midweek in central Indiana, while parts of northeastern Ohio picked up nearly four inches, prompting flood watches for a number of counties. A wind advisory was also in effect for parts of northern Ohio, with reports of 45 mph gusts on Sept. 22-23.
The corn harvest had progressed to 11 percent complete in Illinois by Sept. 19, compared with 9 percent in Indiana and 3 percent in Ohio. All three states were tracking slightly ahead of their five-year averages, with good or excellent ratings assigned to 74 percent of the acreage in Illinois and Ohio, and 69 percent in Indiana.
The soybean harvest was 8 percent complete in Indiana by Sept. 19, compared with 1-2 percent in Illinois and Ohio. Soybeans rated as good or excellent totaled 75 percent of the crop in Illinois, 67 percent in Ohio, and 66 percent in Indiana.
Western Cornbelt:
After some stormy weather at the beginning of the week that prompted severe thunderstorm watches for 41 Iowa counties, most of the state enjoyed beautiful harvest weather for the duration of the week.
Ideal weather conditions were also reported in Nebraska, while highs across Missouri dropped to the 60s during the week, roughly 15-25 degrees cooler than the previous weekend. The mostly dry weather allowed growers to move quickly on the harvest of corn, soybeans, rice, and sorghum and in the region.
The corn harvest as of Sept. 19 was 17 percent complete in Missouri, 7 percent in Nebraska, and 4 percent in Missouri, while the regional soybean harvest was estimated at 1-4 percent complete in the region. USDA assigned good or excellent ratings to 68-71 percent of Nebraska’s corn and soybeans, compared with 62-66 percent in Missouri and 58-61 percent in Iowa.
Missouri’s rice crop was 26 percent harvested by Sept. 19, with 68 percent of the acreage rated as good or excellent. The state’s cotton crop was 71 percent good or excellent on that date. Nebraska’s sorghum harvest was 3 percent complete, with 48 percent of the crop rated as good or excellent.
California:
Hot, windy weather continued to fan wildfires throughout California at mid-month. Forecasts warned of 40-50 mph wind gusts and 97 degree temperatures in the mountains west of Los Angeles, the Santa Clarita Valley, and the eastern Ventura County mountains and valleys.
Red flag warnings were also in effect in Northern California, including portions of the Bay Area and Sacramento, and as far north as Redding. The prior weekend brought cooler temperatures and rain showers to some northern areas of the state, but heat and gusty winds returned immediately after.
The harvest of rice and other crops continued in mid-September. USDA reported that 18 percent of California’s rice was harvested by Sept. 19, with 90 percent of the acreage rated as good or excellent. California’s cotton crop was 80 percent good or excellent, with bolls opening on 70 percent of the acreage.
Pacific Northwest:
Rainfall over much of western Washington at mid-month helped alleviate worsening drought conditions, and also aided firefighting efforts. Cooler weather and weekend rains also pushed Idaho toward the end of its wildfire season.
Warm weather continued over much of Oregon in late September. Temperatures climbed to the 80s again in Portland, the Willamette Valley, and the Columbia River Gorge during the week, tying the record for the most 80-degree days in one year. Temperatures in the 60s and 70s were reported across Montana, with weekend highs expected to reach the low-80s in some areas.
The small grains harvest was virtually complete across the Pacific Northwest, and growers were busy harvesting potatoes and sugar beets, with progress on the latter estimated at 14 percent complete in Idaho by Sept. 19. Winter wheat planting was also underway, with progress as of Sept. 19 rated at 7 percent complete in Oregon, 26 percent in Montana, 34 percent in Idaho, and 58 percent in Washington.
Western Canada:
Summer-like temperatures in the low- to mid-20s C were reported across southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba at midweek. A brief cold front accompanied by scattered showers was in the forecast for later in the week, but sunshine and heat were once again on tap for the coming weekend.
A frost advisory was issued for much of central and northern Alberta at mid-month, but sources said the fall harvest was well advanced in Alberta and throughout Western Canada. Alberta reported that 61 percent of the province’s major crops had been combined as of Sept. 14, well ahead of last year’s 30 percent progress at this time and the 28 percent five-year average.
Saskatchewan’s harvest was 74 percent complete by Sept. 16, also well ahead of the 50 percent five-year average. One contact in southern Saskatchewan estimated that fully 95 percent of the fall harvest was over in his trade area at midweek. “Harvest is still moving forward sooner than expected; should be good for fall application,” added another regional contact.