Crop progress report 0616: Record high temps set in western Washington

From NASS There were 7.0 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week, up from 6.4 days the previous week. Dry, hot conditions characterized the weather statewide. In Adams and Lincoln counties, combined wind and heat pulled moisture out of top soil. Final bean crops in Adams and Lincoln counties required water immediately after planting. Winter wheat and spring cereal conditions declined in southeast Washington without the necessary rain. In Walla Walla and Columbia counties, dry peas bloomed, and the majority of first hay cutting was completed. In Yakima County, green onion harvest continued, and asparagus harvest finished. Peppers and tomatoes were planted through black plastic. Transplanted cucumbers and squashes had a great week of growth. Early hops reached the tops of trellises, and raspberries began to yield. Yakima County orchards cut groundcover and set out cherry bins. In western Washington, the lack of precipitation continued to lower soil moisture levels. Pasture regrowth was stunted as well. Farms with access to irrigation applied water earlier than usual in the season. In San Juan and Skagit counties, newly planted crops grew quickly. In San Juan County, hay equipment came out early, and pastures dried out. Berries sized up, and apples, pears and plums were close behind. Vegetables were harvested for CSA. In King and Snohomish counties, corn grew to around 6 inches. Most crop conditions stayed strong, except for barley planted in early May that had yet to recover from hard rains in late May. In Whatcom County, strawberry harvest was in full swing and bees were pollinating blueberry blooms. Hay second cuttings began.

Washington crop conditions:

Winter wheat: 0% very poor 3% poor 27% fair 63% good 7% excellent Spring wheat: 1% very poor 2% poor 37% fair 53% good 7% excellent Barley: 0% very poor 1% poor 31% fair 59% good 9% excellent Oats: 0% very poor 0% poor 53% fair 46% good 1% excellent Dry edible pea: 0% very poor 1% poor 9% fair 88% good 2% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat emerged: 98% this week 92% last week 98% last year 99% 5-year average Spring wheat headed: 13% this week 0% last week 41% last year 43% 5-year average Winter wheat headed: 91% this week 76% last week 94% last year 92% 5-year average Barley emerged: 91% this week 76% last week 96% last year 96% 5-year average Barley headed: 17% this week 0% last week 25% last year 35% 5-year average Oats planted: 90% this week 80% last week NA last year NA 5-year average Oats emerged: 65% this week 62% last week 90% last year NA 5-year average Oats headed: 1% this week 0% last week 21% last year NA 5-year average Dry peas emerged: 89% this week 79% last week 97% last year 97% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 1st cutting: 88% this week 66% last week 95% last year 85% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 2nd cutting: 2% this week 0% last week 7% last year 0% 5-year average