Crop progress report 11/08: Weather created challenges, mixed results in Washington

From NASS There were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington last week, down from 6.5 days the previous week. Western Washington experienced a few dry days allowing some late cuttings of grass hay and other crop harvesting to take place. The weather created some challenges during the year that left mixed results in Clallam, Jefferson, King, Skagit and Snohomish counties. San Juan County reported near freezing temperatures and a bit more rain. Late CSA crops came off the fields with squash, pumpkins, kale and other hearty vegetables on the market. Livestock were still on pasture on some farms, while others were fed forage. Corn silage was off the field and in the bunkers in Snohomish County. Some field preparation and cover crop seeding took place. Adams County reported that there were still a couple of fields of fourth cutting hay left unbaled due to weather conditions. Most operators switched into winter mode. There were still a few carrots and potatoes to harvest. In Columbia and Walla Walla counties, fall work was finished, and most winter wheat was seeded. Rain and snow helped soil moisture. A cold snap in Whitman County put producers off for three days. The last few operators finished seeding.

Washington crop conditions:

Winter wheat: 1% very poor 4% poor 32% fair 53% good 10% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat emerged: 85% this week 78% last week 81% last year 82% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 98% this week 92% last week 90% last year NA 5-year average