Crop progress report 10/22: Rain returned throughout Washington

From NASS There were 4.3 days suitable for field work last week. Pasture and range conditions were reported at 25 percent very poor, 31 percent  poor, 30 percent  average, 13 percent good and 1 percent excellent. A low temperature of 23 degrees F was reported in the northeast region, while a high temperature of 77 degrees was reported in the southeast region. Statewide temperature differentials ranged from 2 degrees below normal to 5 degrees above normal. The western region reported a lot of rain and wind throughout the week. Raspberry growers pruned and tied vines. Heavy rains stopped field work and created some saturation in pastures causing livestock to be moved to higher ground in some areas. Late apples and pears were harvested along with late season vegetables at CSA sites and other farms. Lots of people braved the weather to enjoy U-pick pumpkin farms and corn mazes. Livestock were on supplemental feed in many locations. Most barley fields had been harvested. In the central region, some winter wheat needed replanting due to wet weather. Concerns over landslide and rockslide conditions along the western end of the Columbia River Gorge remained. Soil temperatures dropped below 50 degrees F. Field crews were still harvesting apples, but focused on later maturing varieties like Fujis. Other orchards focused on fall cleanup efforts. Field crews also worked on hop yards for fall cleanup and preparation. Field corn harvest continued. In the eastern region, wet conditions hampered final seeding efforts and fall tillage. Mild temperatures helped livestock and pasture conditions. Apples and wine grape harvests continued. Concord grape harvest was pending some colder temperatures for higher sugar content. With the exception of corn, beans and buckwheat, harvests were nearly completed. Fields not harvested would probably not get harvested. Fall rains helped soil conditions, but more rain was needed to maintain those conditions. Blank spots were reported in winter wheat that will be filled in with spring wheat. Otherwise, the crop looked good. Canola and peas also looked good. Conditions were prime for seeding. Corn and potato harvests were going well.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 1% very poor 2% poor 24% fair 64% good 9% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat planted: 90% this week 79% last week 90% last year 91% 5-year average Winter wheat emerged: 72% this week 59% last week 70% last year 70% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 91% this week 89% last week 100% last year 91% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 5th cutting: 63% this week 57% last week 60% last year NA 5-year average