Crop progress report 07/10: Summer heat continued in Washington

From NASS There were 7 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 6.9 days reported the previous week. Western Washington reported more hot and dry conditions with no precipitation. Central Washington had crops showing signs of drought. Pasture was getting short, and ranchers were looking for places to move their livestock. In Yakima County, there was no precipitation, and most of the wildfires in the area had been contained. Sweet cherry harvest continued with Rainiers and Bings coming in over the past week. Apricot harvest was underway, and berry crews brought in raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Peaches began to color and size up, with harvest anticipated in a couple of weeks. Apple thinning was complete, and pears were blushing and sizing up nicely. Vegetable stands marketed cucumbers, peppers, zucchini, green beans, and garlic. Early harvest sweet corn was also available, and peppermint fields were cut over the past week. Most hops had reached the top of the trellis and were filling in. Hop flowers and immature green cones formed. In the northeast corner of the state, the week was dry. Winter wheat harvest was expected to begin soon in some areas, and hay seemed to be doing well. In east central Washington, hot and dry conditions persisted throughout the week. Southeast Washington continued to stay warm with no precipitation.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 2% very poor 12% poor 33% fair 50% good 3% excellent Spring wheat: 1% very poor 20% poor 31% fair 44% good 5% excellent Barley: 1% very poor 8% poor 34% fair 56% good 1% excellent Dry edible peas: 0% very poor 5% poor 43% fair 50% good 2% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat headed: 98% this week 90% last week 72% last year 89% 5-year average Winter wheat harvested: 1% this week NA last week 2% last year 3% 5-year average Barley headed: 95% this week 86% last week 82% last year 89% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 2nd cutting: 38% this week 24% last week 19% last year 47% 5-year average