Crop progress report 04/25: Cooler Temperatures Present in Washington

From NASS There were 4.4 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 2.8 the previous week. Statewide temperatures were below normal. In San Juan County, chilly, cool nights did not affect fruit trees. Fieldwork started up due to drier weather conditions. Some timed rotational grazing took place on farms with drier upland soils. In Whatcom County, dairy farms had begun to apply manure to drier fields. Grass damage was more evident from the November flooding and the continued wet and cold winter weather. In Klickitat County, conditions were too wet to get tractors in the field. Temperatures were too cold for pasture growth. In Chelan County, wheat and pasture conditions improved from the previous week. All areas of the county saw reduced effects of drought. In Yakima County, apple trees were in various stages of flower bloom to post-bloom, depending on variety and location. Cool temperatures postponed asparagus harvest, with some growers burying spears to insulate them from freezing temperatures. Field crews were in hop yards and tied string to the trellis for the emerging bines to climb. In Asotin County, cold, windy days turned into freezing nights. Snow was still present in the fields from drifts.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 2% very poor 7% poor 39% fair 48% good 4% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat planted: 73% this week 40% last week 79% last year 58% 5-year average Spring wheat emerged: 24% this week 15% last week 49% last year 24% 5-year average Barley planted: 59% this week 31% last week 77% last year 44% 5-year average Barley emerged: 10% this week 7% last week 49% last year 19% 5-year average Dry edible peas planted: 41% this week 35% last week 57% last year 39% 5-year average Dry edible peas planted: 2% this week NA last week NA last year NA 5-year average