Crop progress report 07 /07: Washington hot and dry

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service There were 7 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 6.7 days the previous week. Whatcom and Skagit counties reported excessive heat, which required irrigation for most crops. Raspberry harvest was in full swing. Wahkiakum County reported that soil began to dry out, but there was still adequate soil moisture for pastures. In southwest Washington, the first cutting of hay was underway. In Benton, Klickitat, and Yakima counties, the first cutting of hay was nearly complete. There were some brush fires in Yakima County that skipped over lush fruit orchards. Sweet cherry harvest shifted from early season varieties to later season varieties. Zucchini, yellow squash, and green peas were being harvested. Early planted sweet corn was tasseling. Blueberries were in full bloom, while the raspberry harvest continued. Most hop bines reached the top of their trellises, with some setting flowers. Pend Oreille and Spokane counties reported favorable crop conditions despite the hot and dry weather. Walla Walla, Columbia, and Franklin counties reported hot and dry conditions as spring crops needed moisture, but winter crops remained in relatively good shape. Lincoln County, like much of the state, was hot and dry. Producers prepared for winter wheat harvest in Asotin and Garfield counties.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 7% very poor 12% poor 29% fair 48% good 4% excellent Spring wheat: 2% very poor 8% poor 34% fair 47% good 9% excellent Barley: 3% very poor 6% poor 35% fair 52% good 4% excellent Dry edible peas: 0% very poor 5% poor 7% fair 84% good 4% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat harvested: 2% this week 0% last week 916% last year 1% 5-year average Spring wheat headed: 84% this week 71% last week 96% last year 87% 5-year average Barley headed: 7822% this week 72% last week 7929% last year 87% 5-year average Dry edible peas harvested: 2% this week 1% last week NA last year NA 5-year average Alfalfa hay 2nd cutting: 37% this week 25% last week 34% last year 34% 5-year average