Crop progress report 08/08: Harvest continued in Washington

From NASS There were 6.9 days suitable for field work, up from 6.7 the previous week. Statewide temperatures for the week ending Aug. 8 were above normal. In Jefferson County, the weather remained very dry. Crops showed stress, and growth slowed down. Crops were ahead in maturity compared to a normal year. In Whatcom County, producers struggled to keep up with irrigation required for grass and corn. Raspberry harvest concluded with damages from hot and dry conditions. In San Juan County, drought conditions remained. Ponds used for irrigation dropped as water was pumped for irrigation on farms. In Chelan County, winter wheat harvest progressed quickly and was coming to an end. Livestock producers struggled to find pasture and hay to feed their herds. Lightning storms throughout the week caused several fires. In Yakima County, hot and dry weather continued throughout the area. Peach and plum harvest began. Bartlett pears sized up, and apple producers looked at a large crop. Hop cones formed, and harvest was near. In Douglas County, conditions were extremely dry. A little precipitation was received, but it had no positive impact on crops throughout the area.

Washington crop condition

Spring wheat: 46% very poor 47% poor 7% fair 0% good 0% excellent Barley: 28% very poor 38% poor 34% fair 0% good 0% excellent Oats: 8% very poor 22% poor 16% fair 54% good 0% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat harvested: 84% this week 74% last week 52% last year 55% 5-year average Spring wheat harvested: 57% this week 40% last week 16% last year 22% 5-year average Barley harvested: 62% this week 38% last week 22% last year 23% 5-year average Oats harvested: 54% this week 33% last week 15% last year 21% 5-year average Dry edible peas harvested: 59 this week 54% last week 38% last year 59% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 36% this week 16% last week 33%last year 49% 5-year average