Crop progress report 06/09: Washington grass, hay progressed nicely

From NASS There were 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week, down from 6.6 the previous week. Rainfall was plentiful late last week throughout northwestern Washington, with rain in Clallam, Jefferson, King, San Juan and Skagit counties. In Snohomish County, rain knocked down some fall triticale, and low-lying fields stayed very wet. Crops planted over Memorial Day weekend in Snohomish County appreciated the rain. Second cutting of grass began in Clallam, Jefferson, King and Snohomish counties. Jefferson County farmers finished their first cutting of hay. In San Juan County, pastures saw continued growth and maturation. Livestock were doing well on pasture, and orchards and CSA operations hummed along. Corn mazes and direct seed pumpkin patches were planted in Snohomish County. First cutting hay finished in Snohomish County with preparations for silage corn wrapping up as well. Despite the rain throughout northwestern Washington last week, precipitation levels were lower than historic levels. Rain was heavy in Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties. In Kittitas and Yakima counties, temperatures were generally cooler than average, and precipitation was minimal. Green onion and asparagus harvest continued in Yakima County, yet some growers let asparagus go to ferns. Vegetables were planted in Yakima County as well. Alfalfa and timothy hay were cut and dried. Early sweet cherries were fire-hydrant red and almost ready for harvest. Peach and apple thinning operations were underway. In Franklin County, field and sweet corn planting slowed down, and the first cutting of alfalfa hay finished. Asparagus harvest finished in Franklin County too. Early morning frost occurred in Lincoln County. Wind in Adams, Lincoln, Columbia and Walla Walla counties prevented spraying, but crops looked good across southeast Washington.

Washington crop conditions:

Winter wheat: 0% very poor 3% poor 26% fair 62% good 9% excellent Spring wheat: 0% very poor 1% poor 32% fair 58% good 9% excellent Barley: 0% very poor 0% poor 25% fair 65% good 10% excellent Oats: 0% very poor 0% poor 39% fair 60% good 1% excellent Dry edible pea: 0% very poor 0% poor 8% fair 90% good 2% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat emerged: 92% this week 86% last week 96% last year 98% 5-year average Winter wheat headed: 76% this week 53% last week 85% last year 82% 5-year average Barley emerged: 76% this week 70% last week 92% last year 94% 5-year average Oats planted: 80% this week 7760% last week NA last year NA 5-year average Oats emerged: 62% this week 3449% last week 80% last year NA 5-year average Dry peas emerged: 79% this week 742% last week 92% last year 95% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 1st cutting: 66% this week 42% last week 7895% last year 78% 5-year average