Crop progress report 0714: Cherries, apricots, peaches and berries were harvested in Washington

From NASS There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week, down from 6.9 days suitable the previous week. In Whitman County, weather stayed mild and boosted crop condition. In Walla Walla and Columbia counties, crop condition was good, and weather helped harvest commence for winter wheat. Many peas were harvested for forage. Winter wheat producers set harvest dates for this week in the southwestern part of Adams County. Franklin County had a good week of growing temperatures. Apricots and peaches were picked. Grass seed was cut and put in windrows throughout Franklin County. Potato vines were being sprayed out. Precipitation evaded Yakima County, and sweet cherry harvest moved to northern orchards with late-maturing varieties. High temperatures slowed down raspberry harvest, but harvest of blueberries, apricots and peaches picked up. Apple trees were thinned, and pear tree branches were propped up. Sweet corn and melons appeared at farm stands alongside beans, cucumbers and summer squash. Hops filled trellises and many reached flowering stage. Cool temperatures in Snohomish County encouraged field work, and berry harvest continued to go well. In San Juan County, another infusion of moisture helped prolong serious crop damage. However, topsoil did not stay wet due to warmth and sun breaks. 

Washington crop conditions:

Winter wheat: 1% very poor 4% poor 23% fair 62% good 10% excellent Spring wheat: 1% very poor 2% poor 33% fair 55% good 9% excellent Barley: 0% very poor 1% poor 28% fair 65% good 6% excellent Oats: 0% very poor 0% poor 38% fair 61% good 1% excellent Dry edible pea: 0% very poor 1% poor 8% fair 85% good 6% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat headed: 95% this week 89% last week 99% last year 98% 5-year average Winter wheat harvested: 1% this week 0% last week 7% last year 9% 5-year average Barley headed: 90% this week 75% last week 94% last year 95% 5-year average Oats headed: 70% this week 55% last week 79% last year NA 5-year average Alfalfa hay 2nd cutting: 67% this week 58% last week 81% last year 67% 5-year average