Crop progress report 05/21: Warmer Than Normal Temperatures Helped Crop Emergence and Fieldwork 

From NASS There were 6.9 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 6.4 days recorded the previous week. Widespread warm temperatures allowed farmers to complete planting for spring planted grains and row crops in some areas. Farmers irrigated throughout the week to maintain adequate topsoil conditions. Grass growth and crop emergence benefited from the warmer temperatures. In Western Washington, near record-high temperatures were recorded in some areas. Some hay was cut on San Juan Island, with grass shorter than normal but already headed. Central Washington was also warmer, with good crop emergence and pasture growth reported in Klickitat County. Alfalfa weevils were noticeable and sprayed. In Yakima County, daytime high temperatures ranged from the upper 70s to the mid-90s. Nighttime low temperatures remained in the mid-50s to mid-60s. A few scattered thundershowers passed through the county. Air quality was compromised mid-week by smoke from wildfires burning in Canada. Apricots were about the diameter of a quarter with a good crop set. Apple and pear fruitlets were still growing upright. Grape vines started to cascade down from trellises. Mature hop bines were waist-to-head high as they climbed up the trellises. Vegetable growers laid black plastic and planted transplants, including watermelon, squash, cucumber and some tomatoes. Asparagus and rhubarb harvest continued. Northeast Washington experienced a warm week with little precipitation. Pasture conditions looked good. Spring wheat emerged and was doing well. In east central Washington, hot and dry conditions stressed topsoil moisture conditions. High temperatures near 100 degrees were reported in southeastern Washington. Spring-planted grains were stressed in these conditions. Some passing thunderstorms provided some relief but also brought the possibility of wind and hail damage.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 1% very poor 8% poor 24% fair 62% good 5% excellent Spring wheat: 0% very poor 8% poor 29% fair 60% good 3% excellent Barley: 0% very poor 4% poor 26% fair 60% good 10% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat emerged: 89% this week 72% last week 65% last year 77% 5-year average Winter wheat headed: 18% this week 6% last week 6% last year 20% 5-year average Barley planted: 95% this week 88% last week 93% last year 91% 5-year average Barley emerged: 74% this week 62 last week 65% last year 71% 5-year average Dry edible peas planted: 90% this week 74% last week 90% last year NA 5-year average Dry edible peas emerged: 62% this week 25% last week 61% last year 68% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 1st cutting: 16% this week 5% last week 14% last year 27% 5-year average