Crop progress report 05/02: Cold and wet conditions throughout Washington

From NASS There were 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 4.4 the previous week. Statewide temperatures were below normal. In San Juan County, cool and rainy weather was present throughout the area. Fields were too wet for any work to take place. Many vegetable seed and grain growers were behind with spring planting. Grass fields were thin, and conditions worsened. In Clark County, cold and wet conditions continued throughout the week. Cold weather hindered pasture growth, and warm days were needed. In Chelan County, soil moisture recovered enough where drought was not evident. Spring field work progressed quickly across several counties. Orchardists were still evaluating the impacts from snow and freeze events in April. In Yakima County, apple trees ranged from full bloom to petal fall throughout the week. Vegetable growers prepared the ground to receive seed while some fields had already been furnished with irrigation tubes and black plastic. Field crews finished stringing up most trellises, while hops binds had begun to break the surface in search of something to climb up. In Douglas County, cool and wet weather helped winter wheat and range conditions. Crops were being seeded, but at a slow pace due to heavy rains.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 2% very poor 6% poor 38% fair 51% good 3% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat planted: 75% this week 73% last week 85% last year 74% 5-year average Spring wheat emerged: 40% this week 24% last week 62% last year 41% 5-year average Winter wheat headed: 1% this week NA last week 1% last year 1% 5-year average Barley planted: 65% this week 59% last week 81% last year 62% 5-year average Barley emerged: 17% this week 10% last week 57% last year 31% 5-year average Dry edible peas planted: 59% this week 41% last week 68% last year 54% 5-year average Dry edible peas planted: 18% this week 2% last week 40% last year NA 5-year average