Crop progress report 06/30/19: Much needed rain helped prevent some deterioration of crop conditions

There were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week, equal to the days suitable the previous week. In Okanogan, Ferry and Douglas counties, spotty thunderstorms brought moisture to fields. Flash flooding occurred in Chelan County, with hail reported on the Waterville Plateau. However, no crop damage from hail was reported. Cherries suffered from rain damage in Chelan County, while apple producers finished thinning trees. Adams and Lincoln counties experienced light precipitation and cool temperatures, both of which helped to maintain soil and crop condition. Winter wheat turned in dry areas of Garfield and Asotin counties; soil thinned out as well. Producers neared winter wheat harvest across Eastern Washington. Crop condition was good in Columbia, Walla Walla and Whitman counties. Kittitas and Yakima counties stayed dry. Green onions, green beans, yellow beans, garlic, summer squash, cucumbers and broccoli showed up in Yakima County farm stands. Sweet corn tasseled, and grape clusters formed. Rainer and Bing sweet cherries were harvested, as well as early-variety apricots and raspberries. In northwest Washington, much-needed precipitation helped crops recover in the short term from drought conditions. Good growing weather was maintained throughout western Washington. Some field crops were damaged by wire worms, but condition overall was strong. Corn stalks in King and Snohomish Counties were 12 to 16 inches tall with good coloring. In Whatcom County, strawberry harvest finished, raspberry harvest began, and blueberries ripened. Drought conditions relaxed in San Juan County, which benefitted CSA farms, orchards, and berry farms. Forage regrowth was strengthened by rain statewide.

Washington crop conditions:

Winter wheat: 1% very poor 4% poor 21% fair 63% good 11% excellent Spring wheat: 2% very poor 4% poor 29% fair 55% good 10% excellent Barley: 1% very poor 2% poor 28% fair 60% good 9% excellent Oats: 0% very poor 0% poor 36% fair 64% good 0% excellent Dry edible pea: 0% very poor 1% poor 10% fair 83% good 6% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat headed: 79% this week 64% last week 87% last year 84% 5-year average Barley headed: 73% this week 48% last week 81% last year 79% 5-year average Oats emerged: 77% this week 70% last week 99% last year NA 5-year average Oats headed: 12% this week 2% last week 48% last year NA 5-year average Dry peas emerged: 97% this week 94% last week NA last year NA 5-year average Alfalfa hay 1st cutting: 99% this week 93% last week NA last year NA 5-year average Alfalfa hay 2nd cutting: 49% this week 40% last week 49% last year 39% 5-year average