Mid-April freeze affects county crops

COLFAX – During the week of April 12, temperatures across the Palouse dipped below freezing, with some areas recording temperature in the nine to 12 degree range. These freezing conditions have impacted spring plantings and crops in the county and beyond.

"We've seen significant injury in our county. We've had temperatures in the nine to 12-degree range and each morning is still below freezing or close to it," said Whitman County Extension Agent Steve Van Vleet. "These freezing conditions have affected the wheat, some winter wheat out there looks very flat, compared to where it was."

Van Vleet said crops were damaged here on the Palouse, as well as in Dayton, Pomeroy and up in Spokane. He said that this has been a wide-spread issue.

According to the Washington State University College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences and WSU extension, wheat plant crowns still look white and healthy and it is expected for these plants to continue to grow and recover. Much of the damage appears to be limited to the leaves.

Van Vleet said on many spring crops, injury is not as bad. Although in some areas spring wheat and barley have seen damage, it isn't the worst that's out there.

While wheat and barley should recover just fine, Van Vleet said that most of the canola that was up has been killed.

"When canola is killed it turns black and has seen severe damage," Van Vleet said. "The canola that has yet to emerge should be fine."

Even though damage to some crops may be limited, it is suggested to still give time for the crops to recover after the chilling temperatures.

"I would suggest to farmers don't apply herbicide right now, the crop is already under stress," Van Vleet said. "It would be best to wait another few days to a week and reevaluate the situation. You don't want to put more stress on your crop."

In response to a comment on smallgrains.wsu.edu, Columbia County Extension Agent Paul Carter said the variety of wheat isn't limited to just one type, when it comes to damage. He said he has seen up to as many as eight varieties in the area showing symptoms of damage.

"It's only mid-April, we need to remember that last year we couldn't even seed until May because of snow," Van Vleet said. "We need to relax as farmers. The crop isn't completely dead or rotting in the ground. We just need to be patient."

Van Vleet said he has heard of many people thinking of replanting immediately, especially those with canola. He said he doesn't see why people would want to do this right away.

"Yes, crops are good in cool weather but cool and freezing are completely different," Van Vleet said. "If you wait for seven to 10 days you'll be fine."

In a response on another comment on smallgrains.wsu.edu, Carter said, in response to those considering reseeding, that it is expensive and will still be only a percentage of the original yield potential. He said in one field he looked at where wheat damage was heavy, in his analysis he felt that approximately one to five percent in the worst areas might be lost, but in that case, it is still better than replanting.