Crop progress report 05/15: Cooler temperatures throughout Washington

From NASS There were 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 4.6 days the previous week. Statewide temperatures were below normal. In San Juan County, cool and rainy weather continued throughout the area. Only a few acres of grass were harvested due to the weather preventing farmers from getting in fields. In Clark County, more rain occurred during the spring than it had in several years. Pastures looked good but needed more warmth. In Snohomish County, very few fields were planted with corn due to moisture conditions. Vegetable growers planted squash and tomatoes to get them out of the greenhouses and into the ground. Soil temperatures were still too cold for much growth to take place on warm season crops. In Yakima County, all varieties of apples were in post bloom. Apricots sized and began to put on a nice blush. Field crews harvested asparagus. Growers laid down more black plastic, and many of the fields were transplanted with vegetable crops. Hops started to work their way up the trellis with some yards showing knee-high bines. In Adams County, precipitation was light and scattered throughout the area. It was enough to maintain soil moisture and crop conditions.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 1% very poor 4% poor 34% fair 56% good 5% excellent Spring wheat: 0% very poor 3% poor 29% fair 67% good 1% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat planted: 91% this week 86% last week 97% last year 91% 5-year average Spring wheat emerged: 58% this week 49% last week 81% last year 71% 5-year average Winter wheat headed: 2% this week NA last week 9% last year 11% 5-year average Barley planted: 89% this week 75% last week 96% last year 83% 5-year average Barley emerged: 44% this week 30% last week 76% last year 62% 5-year average Dry edible peas planted: 86% this week 72% last week 83% last year NA 5-year average Dry edible peas emerged: 35% this week 23% last week 62% last year 46% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 1st cutting: NA this week NA last week 9% last year 15% 5-year average