Spring rains contrast with last crop year

Drops of rain can be seen on this crop after a heavy rain fall last week.

Gazette intern reporter

The April, May and June showers have brought more than just flowers to the Palouse this season. The rains that were absent last year are making up for loss of crops now, as farmers are preparing for harvest.

“Temperatures are looking great, really good for growers,” said Steven Van Vleet, with the Washington State University extension agriculture and natural resources program unit. “It's been very positive. As long as we don't get hail we'll be okay. As long as there is none, growers are happy.”

With temperatures on the Palouse ranging much lower and less severe compared to last year, the increase in rain has been much more appreciated and noticed. The NRCS office in Colfax reported that precipitation for April totaled 1.27 inches, which was 0.29 below the 1.56 normal. However, the crop year total is still above record for this year's rains.

Van Vleet said although May was good as well – and that the weather has stayed consistent – farmers still need to been attentive to their crops.

“Mother nature is smiling down on us right now,” said Van Vleet, “but everyone should stay prepared. It's been completely different from last year but that could all change in one second.”

The best climate for crops to grow is a moist one with hot temperatures; it is all about timing. The weather needs to continue to stay warm yet wet until July, said Van Vleet, but for all of July and August the temperatures need to be hot in order for harvest to be successful.

“Moisture and climate are crucial for all crops, like barley, wheat, legumes and even canola,” said Van Vleet. “We like to have low protein wheat with a lot of moisture, but with high temperatures like last year the wheat had too high of protein to make it okay to harvest.”