Crop progress report 11/05: Rainy, wet weather in Washington

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service There were 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 5 days recorded the previous week. Western Washington had a decent amount of rainfall. Producers were not able to do much in the fields because of the conditions. Central Washington also had a wet week. Cattle were still out on pasture for the most part. In Yakima County, snow was observed at higher elevations, while rain was seen in most of the crop producing areas. Irrigation tape and plastic were removed from orchards and vegetable fields. Apple harvest slowed considerably with the focus on late harvest varieties like Fuji. Northeast Washington saw heavy rains that put a lot of moisture back into the ground. Fieldwork was done for the season. East central Washington saw widespread precipitation last week, which benefited topsoil moisture and helped the winter wheat crop emerge. Southeast Washington reported over an inch of rain within the past week.

Washington crop condition:

Winter wheat: 1% very poor 12% poor 31% fair 49% good 7% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat emerged: 90% this week 74% last week 88% last year 83% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 95% this week 93% last week 94% last year NA 5-year average