Crop progress report 04/23:  April Showers, Cooler Temperatures Continued in Washington

From NASS There were 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 5.4 days last week. Western Washington saw cool weather, and slow pasture growth continued. Central Washington had a wet and cold week that was too wet for seeding and too cold for growing. Yakima County continued to see colder-than-normal April temperatures with overcast skies and rain. Early morning low temperatures dropped below freezing at least three times last week, triggering frost management measures. Apricot bloom was nearing the end. Cherries, peaches and nectarines were in various stages of bloom, with some peaches entering full bloom. Apple and pear orchards were unfurling leaves, but no flower bloom was observed. Asparagus fields were nicely hilled, spears emerged, and harvest was anticipated to start soon. In northeast Washington, days were partly cloudy, with some rain at the end of the week. There were some reports of light frost overnight. In east central Washington, recent precipitation improved crop and soil moisture conditions. A lot of spring wheat was seeded last week.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 1% very poor 12% poor 40% fair 45% good 2% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat planted: 48% this week 27% last week 68% last year 62% 5-year average Spring wheat emerged: 10% this week 2% last week 23% last year 26% 5-year average Barley planted: 27% this week 15% last week 55% last year 50% 5-year average Barley emerged: 4% this week NA last week 10% last year 19% 5-year average Dry edible peas planted: 13% this week 10% last week 40% last year 39% 5-year average Dry edible peas emerged: 1% this week NA last week NA last year NA 5-year average