Crop progress report 09/01: Fall planting underway in Washington

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 6.3 days the previous week. Washington did not receive much precipitation last week. Temperatures were warmer than usual in western Washington, but cooler than normal in eastern Washington. Western Washington reported drier conditions than normal, and irrigation was needed to keep crops going. Yakima County reported that the Gala apple harvest was well underway, with other early maturing apples also coming into the packinghouse. Vegetables were available at farmers markets, including green beans, sweet corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, zucchini, summer squashes, winter squashes, and melons. Hop and Bartlett pear harvest started as well. In northeast Washington, the lack of rain started showing in pastures and perennial crops. Harvest was wrapping up, and farmers prepared for fall planting. East central and southeast Washington both saw a dry week. 

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat planted: 22% this week 8% last week 8% last year 15% 5-year average Spring wheat harvested: 86% this week 75% last week 82% last year 75% 5-year average Barley harvested: 87% this week 76% last week 81% last year 76% 5-year average Dry edible peas harvested: 83% this week 70% last week 68% last year 73% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 81% this week 77% last week 81% last year 73% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 29% this week 23% last week 26% last year NA 5-year average