Crop progress report 04/17: Fieldwork down in Washington

From NASS There were 2.8 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 5.4 last week. Statewide temperatures were below normal. In San Juan County, fruit trees blossomed more with rain and a cold wave. The ground was still soggy in low-lying and annual planting areas. Due to the cold and wet conditions, there was limited field activity. In Chelan County, snowfall was received with blizzard-like conditions throughout the area. Low temperatures dipped to levels that posed a risk to tree fruit. Winter wheat looked good and wasn’t impacted. Moisture throughout the area improved wheat and pasture conditions across the region. In Yakima County, freezing temperatures triggered the use of overhead irrigation and wind machines to try to protect the delicate flower buds and fruit in orchards. Peaches, nectarines, plums and apricots were in post bloom with early fruit formation. Some flowers and leaves showed signs of frost damage. Field crews burned back hop vines to the ground in some yards to help delay harvest. In Adams County, there were freezing temperatures all week. Precipitation throughout the area was enough to maintain current crop and moisture conditions. In Walla Walla County, there were no spring work activities due to the snow and rainfall. Low temperatures caused some damage to seeded crops.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 2% very poor 7% poor 35% fair 52% good 4% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat planted: 40% this week 32% last week 68% last year 44% 5-year average Spring wheat emerged: 15% this week 11% last week 13% last year 11% 5-year average Barley planted: 31% this week 24% last week 69% last year 34% 5-year average Barley emerged: 7% this week NA last week 21% last year 9% 5-year average Dry edible peas planted: 35% this week 34% last week 22% last year 20% 5-year average