Crop progress report 09/20: Smoke cleared throughout Washington

From NASS There were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week, up from 6.0 days the previous week. In western Washington, most fieldwork came to a halt or decreased due to the poor air quality from the wildfires. A couple of light rain events reduced the fire danger locally but did not provide the deep watering that was much needed. Days were cool due to the smoke inversion. Some tree fruit crops and vegetable crops struggled last week due to a lack of sunshine. In Skagit County, the smoke was gone, and it was dry. In Snohomish County, the smoke put everything in stasis. The rains at the end of week perked up some fall vegetables and pastures. There were irregular rain totals across the county. Some areas received a lot, while other areas received very little. In central Washington, air quality in Yakima County remained hazardous throughout most of the week, but finally cleared out over the weekend. Daytime highs remained in the mid-70s to low 80s. Nighttime lows were in the mid-40s and lower 50s. Apple harvest continued. Hop harvest was short of 50 percent complete despite harvest activities continuing through the night. Peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, melons and winter squash were found fresh at the roadside stands. In east central Washington, the wildfires were out. Producers that lost wheat due to the high winds contemplated on whether or not to reseed because there was poor ground moisture.

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat harvested: 94% this week 87% last week 90% last year 98% 5-year average Winter wheat planted: 49% this week 44% last week 42% last year 50% 5-year average Winter wheat emerged: 16% this week NA last week 4% last year 18% 5-year average Barley harvested: 95% this week 90% last week 80% last year 95% 5-year average Oats harvested: 89% this week 81% last week 89% last year 95% 5-year average Dry edible peas harvested 91% this week 86% last week 85% last year 96% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 91% this week 85% last week 93% last year 97% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 43% this week 25% last week 50% last year 64% 5-year average