Crop progress report 10/08: Great week for farming in Washington

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 6.1 days reported the previous week. Western Washington producers scrambled to harvest as much as possible before rain hit their fields. Central Washington had a great week of farming. Fall planting was wrapping up, and some pasture had greened up enough for cows to graze. In Yakima County, apple harvest continued with field crews turning their attention to Fuji, Red Delicious, and Granny Smith varieties. Hop harvest was nearly complete. A significant portion of field corn was harvested over the week. More vegetable fields were turned over and laid to rest for the season. Peak pepper harvest arrived with green, yellow, orange, red, and even purple peppers available at farmers’ markets. Northeast Washington had a warm weekend for planting. Farmers were active in the fields with fall planting activities, and some pasture grass was making a comeback with the moisture.

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat planted: 77% this week 65% last week 78% last year 78% 5-year average Winter wheat emerged: 49% this week 37% last week 44% last year 44% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 81% this week 76% last week 62% last year 69% 5-year average