Crop progress report 0513: Washington alfalfa was ready to cut, while some cattle ventured towards mountains

From NASS There were 5.5 days suitable for field work last week. Pasture and range conditions were reported at 1 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 68 percent good and 12 percent excellent. A low temperature of 36 degrees F was reported in the northeast region, while a high temperature of 90 degrees F was reported in the northeast and western regions. Statewide temperature differential ranged from 3 degrees to 11 degrees above normal. Grain crops and seed crops emerged on the Olympic Peninsula and in northwest Washington. The first cutting of alfalfa was taken last week with lighter production due to previous cold, wet weather. Livestock in this area continued to be on pasture. San Juan and Snohomish Counties reported continuing apple blooms that started to taper off, while cane berries were forming buds and blooming. Manure spreading continued in grass fields. Compared to previous years, Skagit County was approximately three weeks behind the usual fieldwork tasks due to the extended rain. This week, producers tackled this lag with longer, sunnier days aiding them. Klickitat County had spring planting nearly complete, while orchards and vineyards were irrigated and sprayed. Cattle herds were preparing for their mountain drives. Asparagus, rhubarb, and chives were harvested and sold at markets in Yakima. Producers were planting vegetable hills. Hop vines continued to grow up the trellises, while peach and nectarine fields were being thinned. Corn and bean plantings surged ahead in Franklin County. Flooding from the Pend Oreille River affected hay and cattle producers in Pend Oreille County. Flooding was also reported in Okanagan County. Heavy rains for two days this last week increased soil moisture in Columbia and Walla Walla Counties. Almost all crops were planted in those counties.  

Washington crop conditions:

Winter wheat: 0% very poor 3% poor 12% fair 65% good 20% excellent Spring wheat: 0% very poor 1% poor 25% fair 74% good 0% excellent Barley: 0% very poor 0% poor 19% fair 81% good 0% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat planted: 94% this week 83% last week 80% last year 94% 5-year average Spring wheat emerged: 65% this week 49% last week 54% last year 79% 5-year average Winter wheat headed: 5% this week 4% last week 5% last year 14% 5-year average Barley planted: 70% this week 66% last week 73% last year 87% 5-year average Barley emerged: 57% this week 37% last week 48% last year 68% 5-year average Oats planted: 47% this week 25% last week 36% last year NA 5-year average Oats emerged: 20% this week 15% last week 2% last year NA 5-year average Dry peas planted: 72% this week 57% last week 48% last year 75% 5-year average Dry peas emerged: 32% this week 22% last week 14% last year NA 5-year average Alfalfa hay 1st cutting: 3% this week NA last week 5% last year NA 5-year average