Crop progress report 10/15: Row crop harvest progressed in nice autumn weather

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service There were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 6.8 days recorded the previous week. Warm temperatures helped farmers with fall-planted grains. Farmers also made progress harvesting remaining row crops like potatoes, corn, and onions. Fall moisture was reported in several parts of western and southern Washington. Klickitat County reported rain last week. No killing frost was reported yet this fall, so pastures were still greening up. Grass was green, but not growing very high, which helped preserve hay stocks. Tractors were still in the fields disking up stubble and planting fall forage crops. More typical fall weather was reported in northeast Washington. Colder morning temperatures were reported. Fall planting wrapped up for most producers. Several livestock producers reported feeding cattle at this point, but the hay crop did well.

Washington crop condition:

Winter wheat: 3% very poor 9% poor 32% fair 52% good 4% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat planted: 87% this week 77% last week 88% last year 86% 5-year average Winter wheat emerged: 61% this week 49% last week 61% last year 56% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 87% this week 81% last week 75% last year 76% 5-year average