Crop progress report 04/21: Strong winds in Washington

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service

There were 7 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 6.7 days the previous week. Some areas of western Washington experienced dry conditions.

Central Washington experienced high winds that dried out the topsoil and caused grasses to start heading out. In Yakima County, there was no precipitation over the past week. The upper Yakima Valley had sweet cherries in post bloom, and apples reaching full bloom. In the lower Valley, most apple varieties were in full bloom and early petal fall. Soft fruit orchards were all in post bloom. Orchard mowing and weed control took place over the past couple of weeks. Vegetable growers were tilling fields while more black plastic and irrigation were laid down. Asparagus harvest continued. Irrigation tubing was laid down in hopyards intended for early harvest this season.

Pend Oreille and Spokane counties saw freezing temperatures at night. Fieldwork was underway, but it seemed slow this spring. Pasture was slowly growing.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat:
7% very poor
11% poor
34% fair
45% good
3% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Spring wheat planted:
60% this week
42% last week
42% last year
57% 5-year average

Spring wheat emerged:
18% this week
9% last week
8% last year
22% 5-year average

Barley planted:
52% this week
28% last week
24% last year
48% 5-year average

Barley emerged:
4% this week
1% last week
3% last year
16% 5-year average

Dry edible peas planted:
22% this week
13% last week
12% last year
33% 5-year average