Crop progress report 4/23: Field operations held back due to flooding

There were 4.0 days suitable for field work last week. Pasture and range conditions were reported at 0 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 61 percent good and 5 percent excellent. A low temperature of 27 degrees  was reported in the northeast region, while a high temperature of 78 degrees was reported in the southeast region. Statewide temperature differentials ranged from 2 degrees below normal to 7 degrees above normal. Reports continued to indicate that most fields were still filled with too much water, preventing any field work. Patches of dry and sunny weather did occur in some regions, which allowed for limited field work. Some losses were expected due to the late planting and early sowing failures. Some field operations were concerned about root rot and rust due to their late start. Plenty of grass grew due to the wet weather, with cattle operations taking advantage of the excess grass. Pear and plum trees were blooming along with early apples. Raspberry growers prepared for planting. Overall, regions remain flooded, with field and vegetable crops delayed while pastures and fruit operations performed well despite wet conditions.

Crop conditions:

WA winter wheat: 1% very poor 2% poor 14% fair 67% good 16% excellent

Crop progress:

Spring wheat planted: 38% this week 20% last week 71% last year 71% 5-year average Spring wheat emerged: 1% this week N/A last week 40% last year 34% 5-year average Barley planted: 12% this week 6% last week 49% last year 51% 5-year average Barley emerged: 1% this week N/A last week 24% last year 18% 5-year average Oats planted: 12% this week 4% last week 35% last year N/A 5-year average Dry peas planted: 28% this week 6% last week 52% last year 41% 5-year average