Crop Progress Report 08/27: Washington remains dry

From NASS There were 6.9 days suitable for field work last week. Pasture and range conditions were reported at 26 percent very poor, 32 percent poor, 24 percent fair and 18 percent good. A low temperature of 35 degrees F was reported in the northeast region, while a high temperature of 99 degrees was reported in the southeast region. Statewide differentials ranged from 3 degrees below normal to 6 degrees above normal. In the western region, dry conditions persisted. Pastures were especially impacted, with many of them drying out. Some corn operations mentioned their crops were not developing properly, with the ears of corn not filling in. The spring harvest was late but starting soon. Some wells dried out for some operations. While the small berry harvest ended, orchard operations for apples, pears, and plums were maturing with some beginning early harvest. Other crops such as summer squash, tomatoes and peppers were in full harvest. In the central region, the dry weather had been especially hard on pastures. Some operations’ livestock were allowed to graze on CRP land due to the dry weather’s impact on pastures. Wheat harvest continued, with many operations reporting above average to below average yields. Meanwhile, harvested winter barley had better than expected production in some parts. Fire danger remained a concern, with some areas experiencing heavy dust and smoke conditions. Nectarines and late peaches arrived at the markets, while grapes started to change colors as they began to ripen for harvest. Hops were almost ready for harvest. Apple and pear harvests were also about to start. In the eastern region, temperatures were high and conditions were dry. Wheat harvest was just about complete, with only peas and garbanzo beans left to harvest. However, these crops have been hindered by the stressful weather. The state as a whole has been incredibly dry, and many of the operations were hoping for some rain to alleviate the dry conditions.

Washington crop conditions:

Oats: 0% very poor 22% poor 47% fair 30% good 1% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat harvested: 77% this week 62% last week 76% last year 80% 5-year average Winter wheat harvested: 96% this week 89% last week 94% last year 95% 5-year average Winter wheat planted: 1% this week NA last week 0% last year 2% 5-year average Barley harvested: 63% this week 54% last week 77% last year 80% 5-year average Oats harvested: 43% this week 30% last week 74% last year NA 5-year average Dry peas harvested: 83% this week 77% last week 81% last year 82% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 75% this week 59% last week 78% last year 65% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 16% this week 10% last week 36% last year 11% 5-year average