Crop progress report 06/27: Historic high temps reported throughout Washington

From NASS There were 7 days suitable for field work, up from 6.7 the previous week. Statewide temperatures for the week ending June 27 were above normal. In San Juan County, most farms were successful at starting early harvests of haylage. Some vegetable crops suffered due to the heat wave, even with adequate irrigation. Caneberries began to size up and ripen. In Snohomish County, the recent heat took a toll on pasture regrowth, along with berry harvest. Vegetable crops with no irrigation suffered. In Chelan County, record setting temperatures imbibed moisture out of soils and vegetation. In Yakima County, field crews rushed to get sweet cherries, apricots and raspberries out of the heat. Growers sprayed kaolin clay on apples relying on overhead evaporative cooling to reduce the incidence of sun-burned fruit. Corn fields showed signs of heat stress. In Asotin County, severe drought conditions continued. In Adams County, early planted fields had some damage from the heat. Irrigation was needed and left some crops vulnerable.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 5% very poor 31% poor 46% fair 18% good 0% excellent Spring wheat: 23% very poor 47% poor 23% fair 7% good 0% excellent Barley: 13% very poor 48% poor 39% fair 0% good 0% excellent Oats: 10% very poor 10% poor 15% fair 65% good 0% excellent Dry edible peas: 7% very poor 47% poor 25% fair 21% good 0% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat headed: 88% this week 54% last week 71% last year 76% 5-year average Barley headed: 91% this week 65% last week 80% last year 72% 5-year average Oats headed: 71% this week 45% last week 48% last year 25% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 1st cutting: 98% this week 94% last week 93% last year NA 5-year average Alfalfa hay 2nd cutting: 13% this week 3% last week 6% last year 36% 5-year average