Crop progress report 04/08: Wet week in Washington

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service There were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 5.8 days last week. Western Washington saw a little precipitation. Crops were coming along a bit ahead of schedule. Pasture conditions were normal for this time of year, but there were few animals out because of the wet ground. Central Washington saw some precipitation that dropped temperatures overnight. Cows were put into pastures for grazing, but most grass was still short. Spring wheat seeding started in the eastern part of Klickitat County. In Yakima County, asparagus harvest began. Pear and plum orchards were entering full bloom in the Yakima Valley. Apricots were in post bloom, and peach flower blooms were quite spotty. Sweet cherry bloom also appeared. Some apple varieties in warmer areas of the county started to bloom. Hop bines were emerging from their hills and seeking trellis twine to start growing. Irrigation canals began to flow, but there were reports that junior water rights holders would not get their full allotment of water this summer. Northeast Washington saw rain delays that halted work during the middle of last week. Calving was going well. East central Washington had rain delays that stopped spring work during the middle of last week. Southeast Washington saw a good amount of precipitation, and the winter wheat looked great.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 3% very poor 7% poor 46% fair 40% good 4% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat planted: 21% this week 10% last week 10% last year 25% 5-year average Barley planted: 10% this week 4% last week 4% last year 20% 5-year average Dry edible peas planted: 1% this week NA last week 2% last year 12% 5-year average