Crop progress report 04/10: Cold start to spring in Washington

From NASS There were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 4.1 days last week. In western Washington, producers completed some fieldwork between rain showers. In San Juan County, moisture levels were slightly below previous years, but cold conditions slowed fieldwork and grass growth. Central Washington continued to see cold temperatures and had some rainfall. Temperatures warmed up some, but grass was still not growing and was about three weeks behind. Cattlemen were anxious to turn out livestock, but they had no pasture. In Yakima County, cloud cover and rainy conditions were reported. Grain was being planted in the eastern part of the county. Apricots were suddenly in bloom, apples were in tight clusters, and cherries showed bud swelling. Honeybees were distributed within soft fruit orchards, and water ran through irrigation canals. A significant portion of hop yards were strung up to receive hop bines, and irrigation was laid down. More vegetable fields were tilled, and crews weeded green onion fields. In northeast Washington, producers had scattered snow, partly sunny skies, and showers. In Douglas County, producers faced snow mold problems, especially in the western part of the county. After a warm, rainy weekend, snow only remained on some slopes in Douglas County. Soil moisture was still limited in Lincoln County. In southeast Washington, spring work started for most farms.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 3% very poor 18% poor 40% fair 38% good 1% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat planted: 11% this week 6% last week 31% last year 33% 5-year average Barley planted: 5% this week 2% last week 24% last year 23% 5-year average Dry edible peas planted: 2% this week 1% last week 33% last year 16% 5-year average