Crop progress report 08/01: Extremely dry conditions on nonirrigated land in Washington

From NASS There were 6.7 days suitable for field work, down from the previous week. Statewide temperatures for the week ending Aug. 1, were above normal. In San Juan County, drought conditions remained. Most hay was done, but a lot was poor quality. Some fields of barley pulled through the drought and were harvested. Blueberry harvest had begun, and other cane berries were on the downward slope. Livestock was on stored feed. In Chelan County, winter wheat harvest was coming to an end. Farmers began spring wheat and other grain harvest. In Okanogan County, cherry harvest transitioned right into apple harvest. Fires throughout the county continued to burn extremely dry fumes. In Yakima County, hot and dry weather continued throughout the area. Growers were waiting for Bartlett pears, peaches and plums to size up. Hop yards were filling in nicely. In Douglas County, another hot and dry week allowed for winter wheat harvest to progress quickly. In Whitman County, harvest was in full swing earlier than normal due to drought conditions.

Washington crop condition

Spring wheat: 57% very poor 33% poor 10% fair 0% good 0% excellent Barley: 36% very poor 32% poor 30% fair 2% good 0% excellent Oats: 9% very poor 22% poor 18% fair 51% good 0% excellent Dry edible peas: 10% very poor 17% poor 50% fair 23% good 0% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat harvested: 74% this week 50% last week 31% last year 35% 5-year average Spring wheat harvested: 40% this week 12% last week 9% last year 10% 5-year average Barley harvested: 38% this week 15% last week 12% last year 8% 5-year average Oats harvested: 33% this week 10% last week 10% last year 11% 5-year average Dry edible peas harvested: 54% this week 18% last week 27% last year 48% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 16% this week 9% last week 18%last year 34% 5-year average