Crop progress report 09/11: Hot, dry, smoky conditions present throughout Washington

From NASS There were 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 7 days the previous week. Statewide temperatures were above normal throughout Washington. In Western Washington, conditions remained extremely dry. Harvest continued for late variety blueberries and apples. Seed crops were prepared for harvest. In central Washington, morning dews began. Apple and pear harvests were running a couple of weeks late. Douglas County reported rain on Sunday with soil crusting concerns for newly planted winter wheat fields. In Klickitat County, another dry and hot week was present. Wheat harvest was wrapping up across the county. Cows were still on mountain pastures. In Yakima County, apple harvest ramped up with field crews picking Gala apples and other early maturing varieties. Vegetable harvest was also in full swing, with various tomatoes, peppers, melons and squashes present in farmers markets. Mechanical harvest of the hop bines continued. Over the past week, the smoke became increasingly noticeable as the air quality deteriorated. In northeast Washington, conditions were dry and smoky throughout the area. 

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat harvested: 92% this week 77% last week 98% last year 90% 5-year average Winter wheat harvested: 98% this week 93% last week 98% last year 98% 5-year average Winter wheat planted: 26% this week 7% last week 51% last year 34% 5-year average Barley harvested: 88% this week 76% last week 99% last year 88% 5-year average Dry edible peas harvested: 83% this week 71% last week 89% last year 88% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 69% this week 60% last week 85% last year 86% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 0% this week 0% last week 29% last year 33% 5-year average