Crop progress report 06/02: Cool temperatures in Washington

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service There were 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 5.6 days the previous week. Western Washington producers received more rain this week and had cool temperatures. Central Washington saw limitations for herbicide applications last week due to the wind and rain. In Yakima County, irrigation districts were rationing water. Small brush fires broke out throughout the county, causing power outages but no crop losses. The asparagus harvest appeared to be winding down. Traces of green onion harvest were found. Early maturing sweet cherry varieties started to show red color, and grape vines began to put on length as they cascaded from the trellises. Most hop bines climbed the trellis, with some of the most mature bines reaching six to eight feet tall. Pend Oreille and Spokane counties saw a few nights of frost last week. Winter wheat heading progressed, but producers reported a lack of heat in the region. In east central Washington, late night freezes were unsuitable for the crops and took out some of the winter crops. Southeast Washington received wind and rain that hindered spring work.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 8% very poor 11% poor 33% fair 44% good 4% excellent Spring wheat: 1% very poor 8% poor 35% fair 43% good 13% excellent Barley: 1% very poor 5% poor 34% fair 51% good 9% excellent Dry edible peas: 0% very poor 3% poor 7% fair 80% good 10% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat headed: 69% this week 46% last week 58% last year 49% 5-year average Spring wheat headed: 4% this week NA last week 0% last year 1% 5-year average Barley headed: 3% this week NA last week 0% last year 1% 5-year average Dry edible peas emerged: 95% this week 84% last week 87% last year NA 5-year average Alfalfa hay 1st cutting: 50% this week 27% last week 49% last year 47% 5-year average