Crop progress report 06/01: Much Needed Precipitation Throughout Washington 

From NASS  There were 7 days suitable for field work, up from 6.8 days reported the previous week. Statewide temperatures for the week ending May 30 were below normal. In western Washington, rainstorms provided much needed precipitation. Ground preparation for planting was excellent. In San Juan County, some fields were replanted due to dry weather. CSA farms planted potatoes, melons and tomatoes. In central Washington, crop stress became more apparent. Several livestock operators were concerned about drought relief programs and looked for additional pastures. In Okanogan County, cherry crops looked average, pastures were in tough shape, and wheat was stunted. The cooler weather helped keep wheat from maturing early with no moisture. In Yakima County, light measurable rain was received for the first time in two months. Farmers were concerned about wildfires on the rangeland due to lack of precipitation. June-bearing raspberries were in bloom, and hop producers were able to successfully stretch out vine growth. In east central Washington, conditions remained dry. In Lincoln County, hot, dry and windy conditions downgraded soil moisture and cereal crop conditions. In northeast Washington, reports from producers were received throughout the area stating that the previous drought conditions and a freeze stunted the growth of all crops. In southeast Washington, no precipitation severely hurt spring crops. In Garfield County, pasture growth was completed and had dried up.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 7% very poor 17% poor 42% fair 34% good 0% excellent Spring wheat: 13% very poor 38% poor 33% fair 16% good 0% excellent Barley: 9% very poor 31% poor 36% fair 24% good 0% excellent Oats: 4% very poor 8% poor 11% fair 77% good 0% excellent Dry edible peas: 4% very poor 21% poor 49% fair 26% good 0% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat emerged: 93% this week 86% last week 90% last year 89% 5-year average Winter wheat headed: 51% this week 25% last week 51% last year 53% 5-year average Barley emerged: 91% this week 82% last week 85% last year 80% 5-year average Oats planted: 98% this week 820% last week NA last year NA 5-year average Oats emerged: 55% this week 50% last week 58% last year 53% 5-year average Dry edible peas planted: 94% this week 89% last week NA last year NA 5-year average Dry edible peas emerged: 77% this week 69% last week 97% last year 78% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 1st cutting: 43% this week 25% last week 59% last year 54% 5-year average