Crop Progress Report 08/13: A bit of rain did little to alleviate dry conditions for Washington

From NASS There were 6.4 days suitable for field work last week. Pasture and range conditions were reported at 12 percent very poor, 32 percent poor, 31 percent fair, 24 percent good and 1 percent excellent. A low temperature of 50 degrees F was reported in the northeast region, while a high temperature of 105 degrees was reported in both the central and southeast regions. Statewide temperature differentials ranged from 1 degree below normal to 13 degrees above normal. In the western regions, a number of nonirrigated crops were stressed due to above-normal temperatures paired with little moisture for growth, with some producers concerned about decreased growth as a result. Nonirrigated corn appeared to be impacted quite a bit. Smoke from fires continued to be a problem, limiting sunlight alongside dry conditions. While a little rain arrived in some parts, conditions remained excessively dry. Raspberries and blueberries were impacted by poor conditions. Potatoes vines were being cut in preparation for harvest. Most of the cane fruits were harvested in several regions while peaches began to ripen. Pumpkins were beginning to bloom as well and there was an increase in haylage cuttings. In the central regions, temperatures remained high and dry, while smoke continued to pour in from Canada and Montana. Hay cuttings were ongoing while other crops were being harvested such as sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, green beans, squashes, blueberries, raspberries and melons. In the eastern region, temperatures remained high and conditions dry. Buckwheat was planted after wheat harvest finished. Dry beans appeared to be doing well while many fruit operations prepared for the coming weeks’ harvest of apples. Third cuttings of alfalfa were underway, while peas were almost all harvested. Winter wheat appeared to be doing well, while spring wheat was on the moderate side.

Washington crop conditions:

Spring wheat: 4% very poor 19% poor 41% fair 34% good 2% excellent Barley: 3% very poor 14% poor 51% fair 32% good 0% excellent Oats: 1% very poor 16% poor 42% fair 41% good 0% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat harvested: 43% this week 17% last week 42% last year 47% 5-year average Winter wheat harvested: 74% this week 54% last week 72% last year 77% 5-year average Barley harvested: 42% this week 12% last week 48% last year 43% 5-year average Oats harvested: 25% this week 11% last week 59% last year NA 5-year average Dry peas harvested: 67% this week 51% last week 75% last year 62% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 2nd cutting: 93% this week 88% last week 95% last year 93% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 46% this week 25% last week 63% last year 42% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 4% this week NA last week NA last year NA 5-year average