Callisons Mid-Harvest Update
September 24, 2025
Written in August 2025
Willamette:
Harvest is just now starting. We have had no rain since April, so irrigation has been going non-stop. Fields have looked great this year with little to no disease pressure or weeds. Early in the harvest season yields appeared to have been slightly above average. As of late August, yields have shifted in this region and appear to be well below average for the area, despite the appearance of the fields.
Eastern Oregon & Idaho:
We are about halfway through harvest in Idaho. This summer’s cooler-than-average temperatures have had a noticeable impact on oil yields. Fields harvested early came in way below the normal range, likely due to growers feeling the pressure of wilt, stemborer and spider mites. As harvest progresses into stronger fields, yields are beginning to improve, however, it may still be challenging for some growers to meet their contracts. Open oil dwindled last winter and, with lower production this year, I anticipate tight supply heading into fall.
Yakima:
Farwest Native spearmint yields were good to above average for the first cutting, though the second cutting, beginning the week of August 25, is expected to be lower due to increased water restrictions in some areas. Farwest Scotch spearmint produced average yields with good quality, but its second cutting is also anticipated to be down in total yield. In Yakima, single-cut peppermint yields were disappointing and below expectations for the few remaining growers, while double-cut peppermint delivered average yields with generally good quality.
La Grande:
La Grande peppermint harvest will wrap up by August 29 with good yields, though quality remains unknown as the crop is just entering drums. Across the region, growers are feeling the strain of rising production costs and declining crop returns, creating frustration as they face mounting financial pressures. For some, limited water availability is compounding the challenge, adding further stress to an already difficult season.
Midwest:
The Midwest is about halfway through harvest, and conditions so far have been defined by fluctuating temperatures and persistent rainfall. Early stretches of heat were followed by cooler periods through late July and August, while widespread rains have been the most defining factor for growers. These weather patterns have created uneven stands, complicated harvest planning, and in many cases reduced yields when cut hay was exposed to moisture.
Canada:
Canada is expected to wrap up harvest in the next couple of weeks. Although the season began with unusually high temperatures, conditions shifted as rainfall increased, and temperatures cooled in the weeks leading up to harvest. Typically harvest begins around July 25, but most growers delayed swathing until the second week of August. This proved to be a sound decision as yields are coming in average for the year. Demand has been strong for scotch in this region and there will be very little open oil after harvest.
Stay tuned for our Fall Mint Market Report coming soon! If you haven’t seen it yet, you can find out more information about our spring market report here!
