Crop progress report 0924: Washington pastures rebounded but still damaged going into autumn

From NASS There were 6.7 days suitable for field work last week. Pasture and range conditions were reported at 23 percent very poor, 35 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 19 percent good and 1 percent excellent. A low temperature of 27 degrees F was reported in the northeast region, while a high temperature of 84 degrees F was reported in the southeast region. Statewide temperature differentials ranged from 6 degrees below to 4 degrees above normal. Pastures were suffering in southwestern Washington. Only irrigated pastures or pastures near streams and wetlands were flourishing. Many small streams dried up. With recent rain, some pastures greened up, but they were in poor overall condition. Southern Thurston County was especially suffering; many dry hay producers only took one cutting. Haylage producers had two cuttings. Vegetable crops, unless they were irrigated, were in fair to poor condition. The recent rain and regular dew in Snohomish County promoted the grass coming back. However, the same rain and dew hampered corn harvest. Tomatoes showed some blight, however harvest was nearly over. Peppers were still being harvested. Jefferson County experienced their first freeze of the year on Sept. 16. This freeze did not harm the potatoes, carrots or beets. Corn harvest was ongoing in Whatcom County. Pastures began to regrow with cool season grasses and legumes in San Juan County. Livestock were on stockpiled feed on many operations. CSA farms continued to harvest fall vegetables along with beans and winter squash. Apples, pears and other tree fruit were harvested in abundance for markets. Almost all grain harvest finished in Klickitat County, and winter wheat planting started. Adams County had good fall weather conditions for harvest. Dry bean quality was very good. Overall soil moisture in Douglas County was good. Conditions were dry in the Palouse. Producers fertilized and seeded throughout Garfield and Asotin counties. Some producers held off seeding until more moisture arrives.

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat planted: 65% this week 47% last week 52% last year 57% 5-year average Winter wheat emerged: 27% this week 10% last week 18% last year 29% 5-year average Barley harvested: 98% this week 94% last week 99% last year 100% 5-year average Oats harvested: 96% this week 93% last week 95% last year NA 5-year average Dry peas harvested: 98% this week 93% last week 100% last year 100% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 96% this week 94% last week 99% last year NA 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 57% this week 52% last week 69% last year 58% 5-year average