Crop progress report 10/04: Pumpkins, squashes, apples harvested in Washington 

From NASS There were 7.0 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week, up from 6.8 days the previous week. Raspberry growers in Whatcom County began to tie and prune berries. Corn silage harvest was in full swing. Skagit County received rainfall last week, which helped the hay crop condition. Corn for silage producers in Snohomish County were in a holding pattern, waiting for their crop to mature. Vegetable harvest, including squash and pumpkins, started. Conditions remained dry in Okanogan and Ferry counties. Smoke haze acted as a cap on the atmosphere, and morning dews were heavy. Hay that was still on the ground was wrapped into round bales due to the lingering moisture. Apples were coloring, even with smoke haze blocking out direct sun. Yakima hops were in the field, and workers were bringing in irrigation tubing. Wine grape harvest continued. Apple harvest continued with Honeycrisp, Granny Smith and Golden Delicious varieties. Fruit stands were ripe with autumn bounty including pumpkins, maize, and winter squashes. The Palouse had typical fall conditions, leaning towards warm temperatures.

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat planted: 76% this week 59% last week 65% last year 70% 5-year average Winter wheat emerged: 54% this week 32% last week 25% last year 43% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 95% this week 93% last week 97% last year 99% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 67% this week 59% last week 71% last year 79% 5-year average