Crop progress report 05/16: Dry conditions affected crop conditions in Washington

From NASS There were 7.0 days suitable for fieldwork, up from 6.8 days reported the previous week. Statewide temperatures in Washington for the week ending May 16 were above normal. In western Washington, pastures were in prime condition with grasses that started to boot. Well drained sandy-loamy soils dried out, and livestock were on pasture rotations. In Snohomish County, grass was cut for silage, but was late due to lack of moisture. Field corn was planted with perfect field conditions. In central Washington, dry and warm conditions continued. In Chelan County, temperatures were warm over the last half of the reporting period and helped invigorate crop growth. In Yakima County, grain heads were formed on winter wheat. The first cutting of alfalfa hay was done. Asparagus harvest continued. In east central Washington, conditions remained dry with no precipitation. In Adams County, there were multiple reports of drought conditions, and measurable precipitation was needed to improve crop conditions. In southeast Washington, dry conditions left spring crops in an almost failed status. Pasture conditions were poor in Asotin County. In Walla Walla County, crops failed in drier areas of the county while other areas needed water. Wheat looked good, but other crops were in critical shape with no rain.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 3% very poor 11% poor 30% fair 52% good 4% excellent Spring wheat: 5% very poor 28% poor 47% fair 17% good 3% excellent Barley: 5% very poor 20% poor 55% fair 18% good 2% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat planted: 99% this week 88% last week 98% last year 92% 5-year average Spring wheat emerged: 84% this week 65% last week 82% last year 74% 5-year average Winter wheat headed: 10% this week 3% last week 18% last year 19% 5-year average Barley planted: 98% this week 85% last week 95% last year 84% 5-year average Barley emerged: 79% this week 61% last week 71% last year 63% 5-year average Oats planted: 70% this week 60% last week 84% last year 63% 5-year average Oats emerged: 34% this week 10% last week 49% last year 33% 5-year average Dry edible peas planted: 85% this week 73% last week NA last year NA 5-year average Dry edible peas emerged: 65% this week 47% last week 84% last year NA 5-year average Alfalfa hay 1st cutting: 10% this week 1% last week 26% last year 23% 5-year average