PASCO, Wash. – While the return of warmer temperatures might sound good to most people, farmers might not feel the same way. One local farmer said that because of the warmer weather, the snowpack is melting sooner.
According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, snowpack levels are low. Washington relies on the snowpack to melt into streams and aquifers for water during the spring and summer months.
Kyle Beus of Angel Brook Farm said the nice thing about living in the Columbia Basin is that the water they use comes from the Columbia River through Grand Coulee Dam.
He said farmers in the basin are fortunate because he thinks they’ll have all the water they need. Beus said he’s concerned about Yakima.
“There is some concern in the Yakima Valley and some of those crops,” Beus said. The last I heard, the snowpack was about 72%. This definitely could be an issue, especially if we get a really hot summer. Hopefully, there’s no rationing later in the summer, but it is a concern.”
According to the Washington Department of Ecology, in July of 2023, the state issued a drought emergency for the Yakima Basin.
The Columbia Basin is rich in agricultural history. Farmers have always considered the weather and conditions when growing their crops.
According to Beus, the Columbia Basin has some of the best farming grounds in the world.
Beus said he grows sweet corn, melons, and heirloom tomatoes, which are his best sellers. He plants those crops around early spring. He said a few of his farming friends planted garlic before the winter.
Beus said he and some of his farming friends know the area, where to plant their crops, and at what time of year.
“The majority of crops planted in this area have been grown for decades,” Beus said. “They’re planned for a little warmer spring and a little cooler. They should be fine.”
Beus said the seeds he is planting in the coming days, the temperatures and days, make a big difference in how his crops turn out. Beus said he’s having to adjust his planting schedule due to the weather, but he’s prepared and is expecting to be on schedule with his crops.
