Crop progress report 1015: Frosty nights, sunny days throughout Washington

From NASS There were 6.3 days suitable for field work last week. Pasture and range conditions were reported at 28 percent very poor, 29 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 25 percent good and 2 percent excellent. A low temperature of 18 degrees F was reported in the northeast region, while a high temperature of 74 degrees F was reported in the central region. Statewide temperature differentials ranged from 6 degrees below to 2 degrees above normal. Some pastures were still looking dry in Grays Harbor, Lewis and Pacific counties. Further north, pastures were in good enough condition that producers did not feed additional forage. Pumpkins were ripe. Corn harvest wrapped up in Snohomish County. Some corn fields reported root worm, which decreased yields and caused corn to fall over due to lack of roots. Favorable weather allowed for late combining of seed crops and grains. Fields were in good condition for cover cropping. Jefferson County had a hard freeze last week, but beets were unharmed. Potato harvest finished. Producers in Whatcom County wrapped up corn silage harvest and final grass cutting for the year. Raspberries were tied and pruned. Pacific County had rain last week that was needed for cranberry harvest. Pastures in San Juan County had cool season regrowth due to recent rains. The majority of livestock was on stockpiled feed. Fruit tree harvest continued along with CSA vegetable harvest for fall crops. Irrigation systems rested for the week due to recent rain. Skagit County had amazing conditions. Yakima County had areas that frosted. A large majority of apple harvest was completed. Hop harvest finished. Tomatoes, peppers and squashes were present at roadside stands. Vegetable growers were closing down some fields and collecting black plastic and irrigation lines. Fall planting continued in Spokane and Pend Oreille counties, however rain split up working days. Lincoln County received considerable rain, but more precipitation was needed for wheat emergence. Harvest was mostly done, and fall crop plantings were wrapping up. The first light frost glazed Adams County, which continued to be dry. The Palouse had cooler temperatures.

Washington crop conditions:

Winter wheat: 0% very poor 1% poor 38% fair 57% good 4% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat planted: 87% this week 75% last week 79% last year 84% 5-year average Winter wheat emerged: 47% this week 40% last week 58% last year 62% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 69% this week 66% last week 89% last year 85% 5-year average