Crop progress report 0707: Washington state stayed cool for summer weather

From NASS There were 6.9 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week, up from 6.6 days suitable the previous week. Mild temperatures and moderate precipitation across western Washington helped maintain good crop condition. Soil moisture still lagged behind previous years. In Clallam, Jefferson, King and Snohomish counties, temperatures held below average with light showers of rain. Ground moisture was adequate, though some fields were still supplemented with irrigation. Cool, damp weather allowed wire worms to stay within root zones. Corn height was average, with early corn standing three feet, and later plants just breaking the soil surface. Early vegetable harvest was strong in Snohomish County. Second cuttings of hay continued. In Whatcom County, blueberries ripened rapidly and approached an early harvest date. Raspberry harvest continued. Supplemental irrigation was necessary despite light moisture throughout the week. In San Juan County, most hay harvest finished. Livestock stayed on pastures. CSA growers harvested and planted fall harvest vegetables. Fruit sized up, raspberries were harvested, and marionberries were close behind. Some blueberries were also harvested. Crop condition was excellent in Skagit County. No precipitation was reported in Yakima or Kittitas counties. Farm stands were full of a cornucopia of vegetables. First cuttings of mint began. Harvest of Rainier and Bing sweet cherries slowed as the Yakima County cherry harvest peak passed. Apricots and blueberries were harvested. Early-maturing hops flowered. In Okanogan and Ferry counties, hail, heavy rains and thunderstorms damaged cherries and pears. Winter wheat turned quickly in Lincoln County. Crown rot was found in many winter wheat fields in Douglas County. Wheat conditions were strong in Columbia, Walla Walla and Whitman counties.

Washington crop conditions:

Winter wheat: 1% very poor 4% poor 23% fair 58% good 14% excellent Spring wheat: 1% very poor 3% poor 39% fair 46% good 11% excellent Barley: 0% very poor 1% poor 29% fair 57% good 13% excellent Oats: 0% very poor 0% poor 36% fair 64% good 0% excellent Dry edible pea: 0% very poor 3% poor 22% fair 68% good 7% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat headed: 89% this week 79% last week 95% last year 94% 5-year average Winter wheat harvested: 0% this week 0% last week 1% last year 3% 5-year average Barley headed: 75% this week 73% last week 89% last year 90% 5-year average Oats emerged: 95% this week 77% last week 100% last year NA 5-year average Oats headed: 55% this week 12% last week 61% last year NA 5-year average Alfalfa hay 2nd cutting: 58% this week 49% last week 69% last year 55% 5-year average