Crop progress report 11/19: Western Washington wet, mild while Eastern Washington remained dry, cold

From NASS There were 4.8 days suitable for field work last week. Pasture and range conditions were reported at 20 percent very poor, 31 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 24 percent good and 1 percent excellent. A low temperature of 15 degrees F was reported in the east central region, while a high temperature of 58 degrees F was reported in most of Washington’s regions. Statewide temperature differentials ranged from 8 degrees below average to 4 degrees above average. The fall vegetable crops on the islands in the Puget Sound and Skagit County were harvested. Some fall-planted forage crops responded with good germination and pastures rebounded with cool season grasses. Kiwifruit were harvested and put in storage to avoid frost damage. Favorable weather in Skagit County allowed farmers to sneak in some last-minute tillage. The soils in Snohomish County were too saturated to work. Some farmers were pulling squash and root crops for sale and storage. Brussel sprouts had an outstanding year. Benton County suffered from wildfire smoke, which shortened farming days. Fall canola in Douglas and Chelan counties recovered from the early frost. Apple harvest finished. Livestock were grazing late fall pastures. Winter wheat was average quality, with south slopes bare due to lack of moisture. Dry conditions continued in Klickitat County. Some farmers were still waiting to plant winter crops until there was more moisture. Fall canola in northeastern Washington was looking good, and winter wheat had mostly emerged. Lincoln County had a hard frost this week. Corn harvest conditions in Adams County were good. Harvest for other crops wrapped up. Grain on the Palouse was spotty with inconsistent moisture. All fall seeded wheat was planted.

Washington crop conditions:

Winter wheat: 0% very poor 4% poor 38% fair 48% good 10% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat emerged: 87% this week 85% last week 96% last year 91% 5-year average