Crop progress report 0811: Rain, hail affected crops across Washington

From NASS There were 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week, down from 7.0 days suitable the previous week. Western Washington had weak storm fronts that brought cooler temperatures. Spotty rain showers stabilized crops, pastures, and soil moisture. Harvest continued for cereal crops. Some producers weaned calves and culled cows. Lighter, sandy soils were stressed. Vegetable and berry crops were in good condition. Whatcom County raspberry harvest finished. Conditions remained dry. Crops under irrigation on small CSA farms were in good condition due to the dry and warm weather in San Juan County. Nonirrigated farms were in distress. Many livestock operations provided supplemental feed due to poor pasture conditions. Grain harvest in Snohomish County was delayed due to rain. Sweet corn, peppers and melons were all harvested. Kittitas County had the heaviest heat of the summer so far, followed by significant rainfall. Second cutting of hay started. There were isolated thunderstorms in Yakima County, but little to no precipitation was received in crop-producing areas. Daytime temperatures soared into the triple digits. Field crews were harvesting peaches, nectarines and blueberries. Pears and apples were coloring and sizing up. Vegetable stands were stocked with sweet corn, cantaloupe, watermelon, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and summer squash. Producers were haying. Adams County had a cooler-than-average August. Winter wheat in Douglas County was suffering. There were wheat fields with long straw and small heads, while several fields had foot rot and root lesion nematodes identified. Rain on Friday shut down wheat harvest. Some areas of Columbia and Walla Walla counties were finishing harvest while other areas were just beginning. There was rain and hail damage to wheat on Saturday, resulting in areas that would not be able to be harvested. Whitman County also received some showers and thunderstorms.

Washington crop conditions:

Winter wheat: 1% very poor 4% poor 21% fair 64% good 10% excellent Spring wheat: 2% very poor 4% poor 28% fair 58% good 8% excellent Barley: 1% very poor 2% poor 24% fair 68% good 5% excellent Oats: 0% very poor 1% poor 10% fair 87% good 2% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat harvested: 18% this week 10% last week 32% last year 48% 5-year average Winter wheat harvested: 56% this week 35% last week 67% last year 76% 5-year average Barley harvested: 21% this week 9% last week 36% last year 46% 5-year average Oats harvested: 49% this week 10% last week 28% last year NA 5-year average Dry peas harvested: 69% this week 56% last week 67% last year 71% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 78% this week 45% last week 67% last year 49 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 1% this week 0% last week 0% last year NA 5-year average