Crop progress report 11/07: Washington experienced a strong weather system

From NASS There were 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 5.5 days reported the previous week. A strong weather system arrived in the Northwest late in the week bringing strong winds and some heavy rain. Temperatures fell as cooler air followed the weather system. Topsoil moisture conditions improved throughout the state. Two to three inches of rainfall were received in some parts of Western Washington. Cool temperatures slowed grass regrowth, impacting pasture conditions. Some significant snow fell in the Cascade Mountains. Parts of Central Washington received scattered snow showers. Some producers prepped for winter and quickly finished seeding grain before the snow arrived. Autumn frosts were reported in Yakima County as temperatures dropped below freezing. This temperature drop terminated the vegetable production season. Apple harvest continued with crews bringing in the late-maturing apple varieties including Fuji and Cripps Pink. Roughly 90 to 95 percent of the apple crop was harvested. Juice and wine grapes varieties were also harvested over the past week. Northeastern Washington experienced a wet week with rain, snow and colder temperatures. Waterville received some rain early and 7-8 inches of snow on Sunday in east central Washington. Re-cropped winter wheat emerged with help from the new moisture. Some parts of southeast Washington received close to 2 inches of rain last week. This part of the state also experienced high wind gusts exceeding 50 mph.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 1% very poor 6% poor 29% fair 53% good 11% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat emerged: 90% this week 77% last week 84% last year 82% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 95% this week 90% last week 95% last year NA 5-year average