SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The cool, wet spring weather is creating challenges for Oregon farmers for the second year in a row.
Growers are catching up on their planting but keeping a keen eye on the weather.
Stuart Olson, part-owner of Olson Farms southeast of Salem, says this year reminds him of a series of late planting years when he farmed in the 1970s.
Olson says it looks like the farm is about 10 to 12 days behind normal on everything. He anticipates strawberries won’t be ready until June 15-20.
A meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Portland office says it’s normally about 70 degrees this time of year, so temperatures have been about 10 degrees below normal. And rain has been about a tenth of an inch above average.
___
Information from: Statesman Journal, http://www.statesmanjournal.com
Your tax-deductible donation to The Columbian’s Community Funded Journalism program will contribute to better local reporting on key issues, including homelessness, housing, transportation and the environment. Reporters will focus on narrative, investigative and data-driven storytelling.
Local journalism needs your help. It’s an essential part of a healthy community and a healthy democracy.
