Crop progress report 7/2: Warm, dry week in Washington

From NASS There were 6.9 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, unchanged from the previous week. Western Washington continued to experience hot and dry conditions. Most first cutting alfalfa hay was complete and second cutting was underway. Corn emerged, and farmers reported that grass crops were growing slower than usual due to the dry conditions. In central Washington, soil dried out, and crops started to look stressed due to the heat and dry conditions. Winter wheat changed color. In Yakima County, there were scattered lightning storms early in the week with several wildfires, including a larger fire in the Roza Creek area. Raspberries, zucchini, apricots, and some blueberries were harvested. Northeast Washington also saw more hot and dry weather. Most pasture fields and crops still looked good. Southeast Washington received warmer weather and some precipitation.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat: 2% very poor 12% poor 35% fair 46% good 5% excellent Spring wheat: 1% very poor 18% poor 33% fair 43% good 5% excellent Barley: 1% very poor 9% poor 36% fair 53% good 1% excellent Dry edible peas: 0% very poor 6% poor 38% fair 53% good 3% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat headed: 90% this week 64% last week 54% last year 80% 5-year average Barley headed: 86% this week 63% last week 64% last year 80% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 1st cutting: 96% this week 85% last week 90% last year NA 5-year average Alfalfa hay 2nd cutting: 24% this week 12% last week 14% last year 30% 5-year average