Crop progress report 10/17: Late season planting throughout Washington

From NASS There were 6.9 days suitable for fieldwork, up from 6.5 the previous week. Statewide temperatures for the week ending Oct. 17 were below normal. In San Juan County, there were cooler temperatures with some rainfall throughout the area. Low pressure systems stacked up leading into the fall rainy season. Livestock was on stockpiled feed. Harvest of CSA vegetable production continued but was coming to an end. In Yakima County, there were cooler temperatures throughout the area. Some crop producing areas received frost for the first time this year; however, some late season planting was done while dodging the rain. Apple harvest was near completion with late-maturing varieties coming in. More field corn was harvested throughout the area. In Whitman County, winter wheat seeding was tough as some producers dealt with rain and downy brome infestations. 

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat planted: 93% this week 88% last week 87% last year 86% 5-year average Winter wheat emerged: 58% this week 50% last week 64% last year 60% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 80% this week 70% last week 85% last year 85% 5-year average