Crop progress report 05/12: Sunshine in Washington

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 6 days the previous week. In western Washington, the weather began to warm up and was ideal for planting. Producers were busy getting their new grass and corn plantings in. Central Washington had rain at the beginning of the week in some areas but became warm and dry. In Yakima County, asparagus harvest had peaked. More vegetable fields were planted with peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers going in under black plastic. Field corn was starting to emerge in a few areas. The sweet cherry crop was sizing up nicely with oblong green fruit. Apple and pear trees had a good set of fruit. Grape vines and hop bines stood upright, growing toward the sun. Pend Oreille and Spokane counties had cattle out on pasture. Most spring crops were planted in east central Washington and southeast Washington except for some areas with corn planting still underway. High winds prevented spraying in some areas. 

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 6% very poor 11% poor 37% fair 42% good 4% excellent Spring wheat: 2% very poor 5% poor 38% fair 46% good 9% excellent Barley: 2% very poor 3% poor 34% fair 56% good 5% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat planted: 98% this week 90% last week 93% last year 90% 5-year average Spring wheat emerged: 77% this week 54% last week 66% last year 67% 5-year average Winter wheat headed: 8% this week 1% last week 5% last year 5% 5-year average Barley planted: 95% this week 82% last week 85% last year 85% 5-year average Barley emerged: 70% this week 48% last week 54% last year 55% 5-year average Dry edible peas planted: 91% this week 62% last week 71% last year NA 5-year average Dry edible peas emerged: 42% this week 18% last week 22% last year 37% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 1st cutting: 3 this week 0% last week 4% last year 8% 5-year average