Crop progress report 0421: Wet spring drying out in Washington

From NASS There were 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week, up from 3.8 the previous week. Western Washington had moderate precipitation, which reduced water deficits from the dry spring. Field planting and cultivation were progressing well, but slowed due to wet conditions. These wet conditions also deterred pasture growth. There were low nightly temperatures in the Puget Sound and wet conditions that prevented heavy machinery to go into fields. Pears, apples and plums were in bloom in San Juan County. Skagit County was wet. Snohomish County had wet soils, while apple and pie cherry trees were in bloom. There were occasional rainy days in Benton County, but fields were drying out and seeding started. Temperatures in Kittitas County were as low as 27 degrees F so fruit growers used frost control on orchards. Pastures were improving and wet fields were drying out in Klickitat County. Franklin County had light precipitation, mild winds and above-normal temperatures throughout the last week, which aided field work. Tillage, planting and spraying commenced. Some producers worked nights in their fields in an attempt to catch-up with the slow spring. Adams County also had good conditions. Soils started to firm up in Douglas County, and producers started to till and fertilize. Winter wheat spraying in Asotin and Garfield counties finished up, and spring crops were planted. Grasses were greening up, and winter wheat was growing quickly. Pastures perked up. Spring wheat in Columbia and Walla Walla counties was seeded while peas and garbanzos were behind on seeding. All spring work activities in the Palouse were in full swing.

Washington crop conditions:

Winter wheat: 0% very poor 1% poor 33% fair 59% good 7% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat planted: 27% this week 17% last week 39% last year 59% 5-year average Winter wheat headed: 0% this week 0% last week 0% last year 1% 5-year average Barley planted: 21% this week 15% last week 13% last year 39% 5-year average Barley emerged: 1% this week 0% last week 1% last year 11% 5-year average Oats planted: 29% this week 16% last week 7% last year NA 5-year average Oats emerged: 1% this week 0% last week 0% last year NA 5-year average Dry peas planted: 16% this week 3% last week 16% last year 35% 5-year average