Crop progress report 0917: Western Washington doused with rain, Eastern Washington still parched

From NASS There were 6.8 days suitable for field work last week. Pasture and range conditions were reported at 25 percent very poor, 31 percent poor, 25 percent fair and 19 percent good. A low temperature of 34 degrees F was reported in the northeast and central regions, while a high temperature of 82 degrees F was reported in the southeast region. Statewide temperature differentials ranged from 7 degrees below to 2 degrees above normal. There was widespread rain this past week in western Washington. Rain delayed harvesting of some crops; corn silage harvest slowed down due to trucks getting stuck in the mud. Field preparation for fall planting occurred. Grass fields that were harvested had adequate moisture for planting cover or fall crops. Seed potato harvest began in Whatcom County. The rain was helpful in Pacific County to fill irrigation ponds, but water supply was still woefully low for the approaching cranberry harvest. Pears, apples and plums were harvested in San Juan County. Hardy kiwifruit were picked and sent to market. Livestock was on stockpiled feed. The eastern side of the mountains remained drier. Kittitas and Yakima counties received little rain. Harvest reports were very positive in Pend Oreille and Spokane counties. Most crops were harvested in Columbia and Walla Walla counties other than potatoes and corn. Fall seeding started, even with very low moisture in the area.

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat harvested: 96% this week 90% last week 98% last year 99% 5-year average Winter wheat planted: 47% this week 29% last week 39% last year 44% 5-year average Winter wheat emerged: 10% this week N/A last week 9% last year 17% 5-year average Barley harvested: 94% this week 91% last week 95% last year 99% 5-year average Oats harvested: 93% this week 83% last week 92% last year NA 5-year average Dry peas harvested: 93% this week 89% last week 99% last year 99% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 94% this week 90% last week 94% last year 94% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 52% this week 44% last week 60% last year 48% 5-year average