WAWG
For the week ending April 10
Warm Weather for Planting in Washington
There were 6.5 days suitable for work. Pasture conditions were reported as 3% very poor, 30% fair, 63% good, and 4% excellent. Low temperatures were reported at 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the central and northeastern regions and a high temperature of 90 degrees in the western region with a statewide temperature differential of 7 degrees to 14 degrees above normal.
Sunny and warm weather throughout the state allowed producers to be in the fields planting. Potatoes, fresh peas, onions, and dry corn were all being planted throughout the east. Walla Walla County reported the winter wheat looked good. Western Washington was still wet from previous precipitation but was beginning to dry out. Whatcom County reported fields were being ploughed and readied for planting. However, Snohomish and San Juan Counties still had some standing water and seasonal runoff was still flowing.
The warm weather resulted in early growth for the state’s fruit. Pacific County reported early growth in cranberries. Snohomish reported that blueberries, apples, and pears were in full bloom with other fruits beginning to bloom. Chelan County soft fruit trees were blooming about two weeks earlier than normal. The cold nights caused some fruit growers to use frost control measures.
Range conditions were good and were greening early. Some livestock producers were putting their cattle out for spring or rotational grazing.
