Crop progress report 05/26: Wet week in Washington

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service

There were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 5.3 days the previous week.

Western Washington producers received rain that hindered fieldwork and planting. Early strawberries were affected by the weather conditions.

Central Washington received some precipitation. Spring-seeded crops were up and looked good. In Yakima County, asparagus harvest continued, and more fields entered the fern stage. Fields were converted to black plastic beds, with most of these fields receiving seedling transplants. Fire engine red color on the early maturing cherries started showing up, but most of the fruit was still small. The first cutting of alfalfa and grass hay crops continued. Some apple fruits were reaching the diameter of a quarter in size. Hop bines were trained and ascended the trellis.

Pend Oreille and Spokane counties reported receiving some precipitation. There was no hay being cut, but cattle on pastures were doing well. In east central Washington, the first cutting of alfalfa hay was underway. Wheat, onions, peas, and potato stands looked good, and corn sprouted. Windy conditions limited field activity. Southeast Washington received some rain, which helped crops.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat:
8% very poor
12% poor
32% fair
45% good
3% excellent

Spring wheat:
1% very poor
8% poor
33% fair
45% good
13% excellent

Barley:
1% very poor
5% poor
31% fair
54% good
9% excellent

Dry edible peas:
0% very poor
0% poor
15% fair
75% good
10% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat headed:
46% this week
35% last week
37% last year
28% 5-year average

Barley emerged:
95% this week
89% last week
79% last year
77% 5-year average

Dry edible peas emerged:
84% this week
68% last week
76% last year
76% 5-year average

Alfalfa hay 1st cutting:
27% this week
21% last week
33% last year
33% 5-year average