Crop progress report 08/15: Dry, hot conditions continued throughout Washington

From NASS There were 7 days suitable for field work, up from 6.9 days the previous week. Statewide temperatures for the week were above normal. In Jefferson County, the weather remained very dry and warm. Crops were one to two weeks ahead in maturity compared to an average year. Nonirrigated crops showed stress from the drought. Grass regrowth shut down, and there were no late pasture cuttings. Crops on lighter soils really suffered. In San Juan County, a little rain was received, but it did not improve plant life. Wildfire smoke lowered air quality throughout the area. In Chelan County, farmers made good progress planting the 2022 winter wheat crop. More wildfires took over the area and grew rapidly with dry fuels and hot temperatures. Orchardists evaluated their crop damage from previous heat waves. In Yakima County, hot and dry weather continued throughout the area. A major forest fire continued to grow and approached nearly 17,000 acres. Peaches and other stone fruits were harvested. In Whitman County, conditions were extremely dry. Pasture and crop conditions continued to deteriorate. Seeding throughout the area was pushed back.

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat harvested: 92% this week 84% last week 70% last year 73% 5-year average Spring wheat harvested: 62% this week 57% last week 33% last year 38% 5-year average Barley harvested: 67% this week 62% last week 43% last year 43% 5-year average Oats harvested: 63% this week 54% last week 37% last year 38% 5-year average Dry edible peas harvested: 64% this week 59% last week 58% last year 69% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 50% this week 36% last week 46% last year 62% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 1% this week NA last week NA last year NA 5-year average