Crop progress report 0804: Folks across Washington said ‘it’s a hot one’ last week

From NASS There were 7.0 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week, up from 6.7 days suitable the previous week. In Clallam and Jefferson counties, hot temperatures and declining soil moisture pushed crops towards declining condition. Shallow-rooted crops and pastures showed the most stress. Corn and potato crops progressed, while most berry crops were harvested and farmers were harvesting grain. In San Juan County, an overnight rain temporarily replenished topsoil moisture. Pastures experienced little regrowth and a decline in condition. Berry harvest slowed down with the exception of blueberries. Early apples were a week out from harvest. Irrigation pond water levels dropped as CSA farmers required water. Farms that planted barley late were troubled by a lack of growth due to the drought conditions. Skagit and Snohomish counties had unexpected rain that helped corn growers, but foiled the plans of producers with cut hay that had yet to be baled. Berry and seed producers were not helped by the rain. Pickling cucumbers were finally ready to harvest in Snohomish County. In Chelan and Douglas counties, temperatures warmed up, soft fruit harvest continued, early apple harvest began, and winter wheat harvest was in full swing. Wildfires in Yakima County were put out or at least corralled last week, and air quality improved dramatically. No crop damage was reported. Raspberry harvest slowed down due to heat. Peaches and blueberries were harvested, and pears sized up. Apple growers sprayed protectants and laid ground fabrics to help their apples color. Vegetable stands were stocked with green beans, sweet corn, melons, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and summer squash. Vineyards colored and filled up. Heat dominated the landscape across southeast Washington last week, and winter wheat harvest happened across the region. Yields were average to good in Columbia, Walla Walla and Whitman counties.

Washington crop conditions:

Winter wheat: 1% very poor 3% poor 25% fair 63% good 8% excellent Spring wheat: 1% very poor 2% poor 37% fair 53% good 7% excellent Barley: 1% very poor 1% poor 28% fair 66% good 4% excellent Oats: 0% very poor 1% poor 36% fair 62% good 1% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat harvested: 10% this week 2% last week 15% last year 29% 5-year average Winter wheat harvested: 35% this week 19% last week 46% last year 58% 5-year average Barley harvested: 9% this week 1% last week 13% last year 24% 5-year average Oats headed: 95% this week 89% last week 98% last year NA 5-year average Oats harvested: 10% this week 0% last week 6% last year NA 5-year average Dry peas harvested: 56% this week 45% last week 59% last year 61% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 2nd cutting: 99% this week 93% last week 99% last year 89% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 45% this week 27% last week 60% last year NA 5-year average