Crop progress report 0818: Warm, dry conditions reported across most of Washington

From NASS There were 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week, down from 6.3 days suitable the previous week. Western Washington reported above average temperatures. Conditions became drier with ponds continuing to drop. Only small irrigated operations were doing well. So far, there were no concerns regarding crop damage or cattle losses due to weather conditions. Yakima County reported field crews were harvesting peaches, nectarines and blueberries. Early varieties of apples started to come in. Vegetable stands at farmer’s markets were loaded with sweet corn, cantaloupe, watermelon, peppers, tomatoes, cucumber and summer squash. Lincoln County reported lots of rain throughout the county and hail causing damage to crops. The heavy precipitation slowed harvest but improved winter wheat seeding conditions. Overall winter wheat harvest was wrapping up across the majority of the county. and farmers were starting to focus on spring grain harvest and winter wheat seeding in the following weeks. Adams County reported favorable conditions, and harvest was wrapping up. Growers shifted their focus to winter wheat seeding.

Washington crop conditions:

Winter wheat: -% very poor -% poor -% fair -% good -% excellent Spring wheat: 1% very poor 2% poor 33% fair 56% good 8% excellent Barley: 1% very poor 1% poor 28% fair 65% good 5% excellent Oats: 0% very poor 1% poor 36% fair 62% good 1% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat harvested: 25% this week 18% last week 44% last year 64% 5-year average Winter wheat harvested: 69% this week 56% last week 82% last year 87% 5-year average Barley harvested: 27% this week 21% last week 61% last year 65% 5-year average Oats harvested: 28% this week 19% last week 46% last year NA 5-year average Dry peas harvested: 73% this week 69% last week 75% last year 78% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 79% this week 78% last week 70% last year 62 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 21% this week 1% last week 1% last year 6% 5-year average