Crop progress report 04/26: Soil conditions improved in Washington

From NASS There were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week, down from 6.5 the previous week. In Western Washington, soil conditions improved, but most soils were too wet. The newly planted grass and grains were emerging well and looked good. Livestock were on pasture rotations. Fruit trees had very high levels of bloom. Caneberries came out with growth. In Snohomish County, there was a lot of field preparation in anticipation of early field corn planting. Vegetable producers planted in fields and high tunnels. Early greens harvest started. In Skagit County, beets, Swiss chard, spinach, spring wheat and potatoes were planted. Widespread moisture was received early in the week in central Washington. In Yakima County, field crews were in cherry orchards thinning fruit crops. Grape vines showed nearly one foot of new vine growth. Some hop fields were burned back to stagger hop harvest. Asparagus harvest was picking up. Alfalfa fields were green and actively growing. There was more irrigation under black plastic in vegetable fields. Producers started to plant cucumber, tomato and peppers into the black plastic stripes. In Eastern Washington at the beginning of the week, conditions were dry and windy. Precipitation occurred during the middle of the week. Crops were up and looked good.

Washington crop conditions:

Winter wheat: 0% very poor 2% poor 22% fair 65% good 11% excellent Spring wheat: 0% very poor 2% poor 20% fair 66% good 12% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat planted: 88% this week 78% last week 45% last year 63% 5-year average Spring wheat emerged: 60% this week 47% last week 3% last year 24% 5-year average Winter wheat headed: 0% this week 0% last week 1% last year 2% 5-year average Barley planted: 76% this week 70% last week 34% last year 44% 5-year average Barley emerged: 38% this week 30% last week 5% last year 16 5-year average Oats planted: 43% this week 35% last week 30% last year 28% 5-year average Oats emerged: 2% this week 1% last week 4% last year 10% 5-year average Dry peas planted: 71% this week 52% last week 27% last year 43% 5-year average Dry peas emerged: 11% this week 0% last week NA last year NA 5-year average