Crop progress report 1001: Apple harvest, wheat planting progressed in Washington

From NASS There were 6.8 days suitable for field work last week. Pasture and range conditions were reported at 31 percent very poor, 26 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 14 percent good and 1 percent excellent. A low temperature of 29 degrees F was reported in the northeast region, while a high temperature of 86 degrees F was reported in the western region. Statewide temperature differentials ranged from 3 degrees below to 5 degrees above normal. Western Washington was sunny and dry with a few showers last week. Corn was harvested, late grain combined, and cover crops planted in Snohomish County. Some pastures and grass silage fields were rebounding after the rain, but were slow to recover. Tomatoes, peppers and fall brassicas were harvested. Some potato blight was reported due to moisture, but no damage was recorded since the crop was mostly sized up. Dairy producers were finishing their final cutting of grass for silage in Whatcom County, and corn harvest was ongoing. Some cranberry growers in Pacific County were having issues harvesting with the current water shortage. San Juan County had fruit crops in prime harvest. CSA farms continued to harvest and market late season vegetables and winter squash. The 2019 winter wheat crop in Chelan and Douglas counties was in good condition. Adequate moisture allowed a stand to be established. A fire in northern Douglas County burned more than 50,000 acres of pasture. Some livestock producers were feeding their cattle since no alternative grazing land was available. Apple harvest continued. Livestock producers in Klickitat County were looked for hay to purchase since winter pastures did not have enough regrowth. Fall wheat planting started. Kittitas County had light frost two nights last week. A few small blocks of wine grapes were harvested in Franklin County. Carrots, apples and some pears were in full harvest. Fall work slowly continued in Asotin County, but many producers were waiting for rain.

Washington crop conditions:

Winter wheat: 0% very poor 2% poor 20% fair 67% good 11% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat planted: 69% this week 65% last week 62% last year 66% 5-year average Winter wheat emerged: 34% this week 27% last week 39% last year 42% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 64% this week 57% last week 79% last year 69% 5-year average