Crop progress report 07/05: Small grains, range grass did great in Washington

From NASS There were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week, unchanged from the previous week. Grays Harbor, Lewis and Pacific counties reported most farmers were on the second cut for dry hay and haylage. The first grass growth was finished, but the undergrowth was coming in fine. Some vegetable farmers reported poor germination attributed to unstable weather. Hay and haylage growers finished the first cut and started the second cutting in King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce and Thurston counties. In Island, San Juan and Skagit counties, there were more days of rain than sunshine. Temperatures ranged from the mid 60s to lower 70s. San Juan County also reported some haylage completed but most farmers held off due to unpredictable weather. CSA and market growers reported both maturing and recently planted vegetables did great with recent rains. Livestock were on pasture, but maturing grasslands became overly ripe and lowered the quality for grazing. Berry crops were coming on. Tree fruit sized up. Okanogan and Ferry counties reported small grains and range grass did great with cool temperatures and sporadic moisture. Cherry harvest moved into the upper valley toward the later maturing varieties. June-bearing raspberry harvest slowed. Peach and nectarines sized up nicely. Green peas, onions, green beans and summer squash were coming on in Yakima County. Adams County reported small grains crops, spring barley and pea seed crops were turning. They also sighted the first corn silking. Second cuttings of alfalfa were underway. In general, farming conditions were good.

Washington crop conditions:

Winter wheat: 1% very poor 1% poor 16% fair 55% good 27% excellent Spring wheat: 0% very poor 6% poor 8% fair 56% good 30% excellent Barley: 0% very poor 6% poor 6% fair 61% good 27% excellent Oats: 0% very poor 0% poor 5% fair 75% good 20% excellent Dried edible peas: 0% very poor 1% poor 8% fair 72% good 19% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat headed: 83% this week 73% last week 86% last year 91% 5-year average Winter wheat harvested: 1% this week NA last week NA last year 2% 5-year average Barley headed: 89% this week 81% last week 74% last year 84% 5-year average Oats headed: 61% this week 49% last week 43% last year NA 5-year average Alfalfa hay 1st cutting: 97% this week 94% last week 100% last year 100% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 2nd cutting: 9% this week 7% last week 55% last year 53% 5-year average