Crop progress report 09/24: Overcast conditions in Washington

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service There were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 6.9 reported the previous week. Western Washington conditions remained dry. Livestock producers were already using stored winter feed. Feed corn was short this year in some western Washington counties, and some fields dried up earlier than normal. Central Washington had dry conditions, but the mornings were cooler. Tractors were in the field preparing seedbeds and seeding winter grains. Cattle were on crop residue and being supplemented as there was no pasture left. In Yakima County, nighttime lows dipped into the upper 30s. Apple harvest continued with operations focusing on Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and mid-season varieties. Apple bins were going out in the Red Delicious and Fuji apple orchards. Hop harvest continued. Vegetable stands were filled with plenty of melons, peppers, tomatoes, sweet corn, and squash. Field crews pulled up drip irrigation and black plastic from spent fields. Harvest was well wrapped up in northeast Washington, and fall planting began. Ranchers started to haul cows back to the ranch and put them on feed as pasture condition was dwindling. Southeast Washington experienced scattered showers.

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat planted: 52% this week 41% last week 55% last year 58% 5-year average Winter wheat emerged: 22% this week 6% last week 23% last year 21% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 95% this week 91% NA last week 94% last year 94% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 69% this week 54% last week 36% last year 49% 5-year average