Crop progress report 04/30: Warm Washington weather

From NASS There were 7 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 5.8 days the previous week. Western Washington saw warmer temperatures and improved pasture growth. Spring planted crops emerged, and grass growth was noticeable. Berry farmers laid out irrigation piping, and newly planted strawberries emerged. Central Washington also saw warmer temperatures, and spring work was underway. Grass was growing, and cattle were out grazing. Yakima County saw no precipitation throughout the week, and nighttime temperatures stayed above freezing. Cherries, plums, apples and pears were mostly in full bloom, while apricots were in postbloom. Asparagus harvest had started, and small reddish leaves were unfurling on grape canes. Vegetable growers put irrigation lines under black plastic, with some black plastic beds already receiving transplants. It was an excellent week for farmers to plant crops in northeast Washington, and the warm temperatures improved pasture growth. Southeast Washington saw warmer weather and started their spring work as well.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 1% very poor 8% poor 33% fair 54% good 4% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat planted: 74% this week 48% last week 75% last year 77% 5-year average Spring wheat emerged: 38% this week 10% last week 38% last year 43% 5-year average Winter wheat headed: NA this week NA last week NA last year 1% 5-year average Barley planted: 55% this week 27% last week 64% last year 66% 5-year average Barley emerged: 12% this week 4% last week 16% last year 31% 5-year average Dry edible peas planted: 25% this week 13% last week 56% last year 3957 5-year average Dry edible peas emerged: 4% this week 1% last week 16% last year NA 5-year average