Harvest in Idaho continues at a rapid pace, with 12 percent complete by last weekend.
That pace is expected to pick up this week and for the next two as growers around the state get things under way.
Cold weather has been an impetus for growers, especially those in eastern Idaho who fear frost if they delay harvest too long. As of Sept. 14, 3 percent of the crop had been harvested in eastern Idaho, 22 percent in southern Idaho, and 59 percent in southwest Idaho.
Irrigation water supplies, with most irrigation used to prepare the ground for harvest, stood at 36 percent fair, 20 percent poor and 17 percent very poor. On the positive side some 26 percent is in the "good" category and 1 percent excellent.
Soil moisture stood at 28 percent very short, 46 percent short, and 26 percent adequate.
The vines killed or dying percentage was put at 82 percent statewide, compared to 58 percent in 2002 and 57 percent for a state average for the date.