Crop progress report 04/21: Strong winds in Washington

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service There were 7 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 6.7 days the previous week. Some areas of western Washington experienced dry conditions. Central Washington experienced high winds that dried out the topsoil and caused grasses to start heading out. In Yakima County, there was no precipitation over the past week. The upper Yakima Valley had sweet cherries in post bloom, and apples reaching full bloom. In the lower Valley, most apple varieties were in full bloom and early petal fall. Soft fruit orchards were all in post bloom. Orchard mowing and weed control took place over the past couple of weeks. Vegetable growers were tilling fields while more black plastic and irrigation were laid down. Asparagus harvest continued. Irrigation tubing was laid down in hopyards intended for early harvest this season. Pend Oreille and Spokane counties saw freezing temperatures at night. Fieldwork was underway, but it seemed slow this spring. Pasture was slowly growing.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 7% very poor 11% poor 34% fair 45% good 3% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat planted: 60% this week 42% last week 42% last year 57% 5-year average Spring wheat emerged: 18% this week 9% last week 8% last year 22% 5-year average Barley planted: 52% this week 28% last week 24% last year 48% 5-year average Barley emerged: 4% this week 1% last week 3% last year 16% 5-year average Dry edible peas planted: 22% this week 13% last week 12% last year 33% 5-year average