IDAHO: Idaho had a milder winter in the north but cold conditions continued in the eastern region. Benewah and Kootenai Counties reported warming weather—temperatures in the high 40s in the day, freezing temperatures at night. Weather was favorable for calving across the Panhandle. There was above-average snowpack at higher elevations. Fall seeded crops were in good condition in Lewis County. Grass and winter wheat were greening up in Boundary County. Soil was still frozen, so no fieldwork was possible. Most fields in Latah and Nez Perce Counties were not snow-covered but snow existed on northern slopes. There was significant rainfall two weeks ago, followed by a dry week last week. Southwestern Idaho continued to have mild winter weather. Calving progressed nicely and hay stocks were in good condition. Mountain snow levels were above average in South-central Idaho; there was no current snow on the valley floor.
MONTANA: This report for Montana is for the entire month of February 2020. Topsoil moisture 8% very short, 10% short, 68% adequate, 14% surplus. Subsoil moisture 1% very short, 11% short, 75% adequate, 13% surplus. Winter wheat - condition 23% poor, 40% fair, 25% good, 12% excellent. Winter wheat – wind damage 47% none, 49% light, 4% moderate. Winter wheat – freeze and drought damage 43% none, 53% light, 4% moderate. Winter wheat – protectiveness of snow cover 17% very poor, 25% poor, 37% fair, 18% good, 3% excellent. Pasture and range - condition 3% very poor, 5% poor, 31% fair, 45% good, 16% excellent. Livestock grazing accessibility – 44% open, 24% difficult, 32% closed. Livestock receiving supplemental feed – cattle and calves 97% fed. Livestock receiving supplemental feed – sheep and lambs 96% fed. Cows calved 2%. February produced warm winter conditions with above average temperatures across the State of Montana, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Reporters in Prairie and Roosevelt counties noted unseasonably warm temperatures melted snow cover.
OREGON: Oregon dried out in February from the wet January. Early fruit trees, native shrubs, and daffodils were starting to bloom in the Willamette Valley. Cattle producers were calving. Farmers in Clatsop and Tillamook began fieldwork and applied manure in fields. Cover crop grasses continued to grow. Pastures needed more time to dry before livestock could be let out. Temperatures were mild for the month, but nighttime temperatures dropped to the teens this week in the Gorge. The dryness of this area impacted the early stages of the wheat crop. Calving was progressing well. Southern Oregon had warm days and frosty nights. January weather pushed plum, apricot, and blueberries to bud early. Recent cold nights have slowed bud break. Winter wheat and cover crops were in good condition. Cold mornings lowered detrimental insect populations.
WASHINGTON: Western Washington continued to have an active and wet weather pattern. Water was pooling in many fields, but no damage was reported. Fair spring calving rates were reported despite the inclement conditions. San Juan County had severe rain events before February 10. Run-off volumes hit a 30-year record high. Water closed roadways and blew culverts. Livestock was still on winter feed and lambing was underway. Fall-planted crops in Skagit County were surviving, with the exception of fields without drainage. Flooding in Snohomish and Whatcom Counties suspended fieldwork. Klickitat County suffered from potential drought with no significant rainfall since January. Calving conditions were very good. Northeastern Washington had a mild month with snow showers and temperatures in the 30s. Some winter wheat fields started to green. Calving started. Crops in Lincoln County were in good condition. Snow melted, except for shaded areas. The county dried since January showers. Adams County had good moisture, normal temperatures, and crop conditions ahead of schedule. Some groundwork started and some grass started to grow. The winter wheat crop over-wintered well. Soil moisture was in good condition with limited run-off. Whitman County has been dry and windy the last week with little precipitation. Soil moisture was adequate and rangeland was greening with annual grasses. There were good conditions for calving.