Crop progress report 10/01: Growers harvested around wet conditions in Washington

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service There were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 6.6 days reported the previous week. In western Washington, drought conditions escalated to a D3 status for King and Pierce counties. Shellfish farmers had to cancel going out on the bay several days in a row because the tide would not drop due to wind and rain. Grain and corn silage harvest concluded in several counties. Cover crops and new seedlings were planted. Central Washington received a soaking rain. Producers tried to complete fall planting. Cattle were still coming down from the mountains and grazing on residue with supplemental feed. In Yakima County, apple harvest continued with about half of the apple crop completed. Grape harvest started in Yakima Valley, but growers held off for better size and fruit sweetness. Winter squash and sweet corn were still being harvested. Tomato and pepper fields were being harvested, but crop maturity slowed down considerably over the past week. Northeast Washington had five days of rainfall. Ranchers prepared to bring cattle back from summer pastures to put on hay because pasture was mostly in poor condition. Fall plantings were well underway. East central Washington farmers were seeding or reseeding winter wheat compromised by the rain or dry conditions. Precipitation from last week was enough to maintain soil moisture conditions. Winter wheat seeding was nearly complete. Southeast Washington saw cooler temperatures and scattered rainfall.

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat planted: 65% this week 52% last week 65% last year 68% 5-year average Winter wheat emerged: 37% this week 22% last week 33% last year 33% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 76% this week 69% last week 49% last year 60% 5-year average