Crop progress report 10/02: Row crop harvest, fall planting progressed normally in Washington

There were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 6.8 days reported the previous week. Statewide average temperatures continued to remain well above normal throughout Washington. Moisture received during the previous week helped to maintain soil conditions. Wildfire smoke lingered in much of Eastern Washington. Yellow potatoes were harvested in Skagit County. Soil was quite dry, so some farmers had to irrigate prior to digging potatoes out of the ground. Several farms held off on fall grains planting until more moisture was received. Corn silage chopping was well underway. Central Washington reported a dry week. The nights cooled down; however, daytime temperatures were well above normal for this time of the year. Cattle came down from summer ranges. Winter wheat planting was well underway. Northeastern Washington reported some rain last week. Temperatures were still above freezing at night. East-central Washington reported good progress for winter wheat seeding on fallow fields. Several farmers waited for additional moisture to seed winter wheat fields in the northeastern portion of Lincoln County. In southeast Washington, adequate weather and some moisture helped maintain harvest progress and get fall seeding done.

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat planted: 66% this week 57% last week 76% last year 69% 5-year average Winter wheat emerged: 34% this week 26% last week 38% last year 37% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 50% this week 40% last week 56% last year 67% 5-year average