Crop progress report 09/25:  Dry, warmer weather transitioned Washington growers to row crop harvest 

From NASS There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 6.7 days reported the previous week. Statewide temperatures were above normal throughout Washington as the autumn season started with a warmer and dry weather pattern. There were some scattered showers reported in the northeast region of the state. Overall, the small grain harvest was complete. This allowed growers to focus on row crops and fall planting. Row crops like onions and potatoes were harvested at a normal pace. Third cutting alfalfa wrapped up. Fall grain planting continued. In Yakima County, daytime high temperatures held steady in the mid to upper 70s and low 80s over the weekend. Nighttime lows were reported in the 40s. Apple harvest picked up some with Gala, Golden Supreme and Honeycrisp varieties headed to the packinghouse. The harvest of Bartlett and winter pears continued. Vegetable harvest held steady. Hop harvest was in full force with nearly 70% of the crop in. Most of the corn harvested to date was sweet corn. Mature field corn began to dry out. Some early grain corn was harvested. In central Washington, a warm and dry week was reported. Above average temperatures for this time of year were reported. Moisture received from previous weeks helped the freshly planted 2023 winter wheat crop emergent growth. Apple harvest was under way. Overall, the apple crop looked to be average with slightly reduced size and quality from previous years. This past spring’s great range forage growth carried most producers into a good situation for fall grazing.

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat planted: 57% this week 45% last week 66% last year 59% 5-year average Winter wheat emerged: 26% this week 5% last week 25% last year 22% 5-year average Dry edible peas harvested: 95% this week 90% last week 94% last year 95% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 95% this week 85% last week 94% last year 96% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 40% this week 15% last week 41% last year 57% 5-year average