Crop progress report 09/27: Rain received throughout Washington

From NASS There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week, up from 6.6 days the previous week. In San Juan County, there were some nice field days until a major low-pressure system brought back much needed moisture. This reduced harvest time for many vegetable and fruit crops. Livestock were still on pasture, and most were supplemented with stored feed. Fall no-till planting was set back, but was anticipated to progress in the coming days with sunny weather. In Yakima County, air quality and visibility returned to normal. Daytime highs started the week off in the upper 70s dropping throughout the week to the upper 60s on Saturday. The weather was overcast most of Wednesday with a light rain widespread through the county. The apple crop came in with harvest focused on midseason varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. Winter pears were harvested this week as well. Hop harvest continued and was about 75 percent complete. Field corn was mature and starting to dry in the field. Tomatoes, peppers and winter squash also came in. In Lincoln County, much needed rain was received in the last few days. The county recent ly endured a 130,000-acre fire. In southeast Washington, crops were harvested and fall seeding commenced.

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat harvested: 99% this week 94% last week 92% last year 98% 5-year average Winter wheat planted: 59% this week 49% last week 57% last year 62% 5-year average Winter wheat emerged: 32% this week 16% last week 11% last year 29% 5-year average Oats harvested: 95% this week 89% last week 94% last year 98% 5-year average Dry edible peas harvested 95% this week 91% last week 90% last year 98% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 93% this week 91% last week 95% last year 99% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 59% this week 43% last week 63% last year 73% 5-year average