Crop Progress Report 09/03: Conditions remained hot and dry in Washington

From NASS There were 7 days suitable for field work last week. Pasture and range conditions were reported at 38 percent very poor, 26 percent poor, 27 percent fair and 9 percent good. A low temperature of 43 degrees F was reported in the northeast region, while a high temperature of 108 degrees was reported in the southeast region. Statewide differentials ranged from 4 to 14 degrees above normal. In the western region, dry conditions persisted. Pastures were dried up, and farmers were supplying supplemental feed to animals. Nonirrigated crops were showing stress. Early apples were on, and plums were almost ready in San Juan County. Skagit County soils had officially run out of moisture. Some grain fields were being harvested, early apples were ripe and corn silage was near harvest in Snohomish County. In the central regions, smoky conditions made field work difficult. There were no reports of cropland or farmland damage. Winter wheat harvest was wrapping up, and spring wheat harvest continued. Some winter wheat planting was completed, but more moisture was needed. Harvest of earlier hop varieties started, and processing houses were full to capacity. Harvest of gala apples and other early varieties were underway. Vegetable production of melon, squashes, tomatoes and peppers were picking up. In the southern region, some canola was planted, and some producers were getting ready for fall field work. Wheat harvest was nearly complete, as well as garbanzo beans. The state as a whole remained incredibly dry, hot and in need of rain.

Washington crop conditions:

Oats: 0% very poor 4% poor 48% fair 47% good 1% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat harvested: 88% this week 77% last week 89% last year 90% 5-year average Winter wheat planted: 5% this week 1% last week 13% last year 11% 5-year average Barley harvested: 82% this week 63% last week 91% last year 92% 5-year average Oats harvested: 72% this week 43% last week 91% last year NA 5-year average Dry peas harvested: 92% this week 83% last week 92% last year 94% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 78% this week 75% last week 94% last year 76% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 24% this week 16% last week 56% last year 21% 5-year average