Million-dollar rain: June timing key for crops

Jana Mathia, Gazett Editor | Jun 25, 20200

Roger Harnack/Free Press Publishing count

A canola field near Rosalia soaks up summer rays from above while the roots drink from the June rains that have graced the county.

COLFAX – June rainfall is already above average, promising excellent conditions for crop growth.

"We're in good shape," said USDA Soil Conservation Technician Dave Weber. "It's really been a great summer for growing."

While May rainfall was above average, it is the June rainfall, the timing of it, that is key to crop growth.

"Timing is everything," Weber said.

As of June 22, Weber had recorded 1.42 inches of rain at the office in Colfax. Historical average for the month is 1.3 inches. With a predicted 30% to 50% chance of rain in the last days of June, that total may increase.

Rain in June is prime time for the crops of the Palouse; grain heads are filling, legumes are blooming. So long as there is not a stretch of high temperatures, the crops are set for fattening with June's "million-dollar rain."

The additional moisture from May and June surplus can help carry crops over the rest of the summer months and heat. Historical average for July and August is about half an inch of rain each.

"As long as you have the moisture, the heat is fine," Weber said, clarifying so long as it does not get hot at once.

If temperatures hit and stay in the 90s too early it can cause concern. Several days of heat trigger the plants to start shutting down, putting their energy into the roots instead of the seeds farmers are waiting to harvest.

That is not the case so far. Temperatures have been "excellent," Weber said. More moisture and warm-but-not-hot temperatures have meant extra spraying for fungus and blight–diseases that thrive in cool, wet conditions–but timing for the growing season has been good.

Even given the variation in the county from west to east, timing of moisture and heat has been beneficial across the board.

Looking forward, timing remains the key. Rain in July is okay, Weber said, but as crops get close to harvest, farmers will want clear, sunny skies above and dry ground below.