Crop progress report 05/14: Spring crops planted, warmer weather reported in Washington

From NASS There were 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 5.8 days last week. Western Washington had some grass growth, but the warm weather slowed the growth. In San Juan County, grass was heading even though it was too short to cut for hay. Central Washington had a great week for farming. Tractors cultivated, seeded and sprayed while cattle were let out into nice looking spring pastures. In Yakima County, there was no precipitation in the crop-producing areas, allowing asparagus harvest to continue. Hops worked their way up the trellis, with the more advanced hops reaching hip height on the trellis. First cuttings on fields of alfalfa hay were underway. Nickel-sized apricot fruit was found in orchards, while apple and pear fruit formed in clusters and grew upright. Green cherry fruit was abundant this year throughout the county, and warm weather during bloom appeared to allow for great pollination and fruit set. Cucumbers, squash, watermelons and onions were emerging. In northeast Washington, dry conditions were suitable for planting, but there was no moisture in the forecast. Pasture conditions were doing well, and most cattle were out on pasture. In east central Washington, crops looked good, but more rain was needed. Spring planting finished up. In Franklin County, fieldwork occurred throughout the irrigated half of the county while spraying occurred on the dryland half. In Adams County, with the hot and dry conditions, topsoil moisture was reduced. Southeast Washington received rain in the past couple weeks, but more rain was needed. Spring planting was finishing up.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 1% very poor 8% poor 27% fair 60% good 4% excellent Spring wheat: 0% very poor 7% poor 23% fair 68% good 2% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat planted: 95% this week 89% last week 90% last year 92% 5-year average Spring wheat emerged: 72% this week 52% last week 57% last year 70% 5-year average Winter wheat headed: 6% this week 1% last week 2% last year 8% 5-year average Barley planted: 88% this week 76% last week 87% last year 84% 5-year average Barley emerged: 62% this week 35 last week 42% last year 58% 5-year average Dry edible peas planted: 74% this week 65% last week 84% last year NA 5-year average Dry edible peas emerged: 25% this week 16% last week 33% last year 45% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 1st cutting: 5% this week NA last week NA last year 11% 5-year average