Crop progress report 07 /07: Washington hot and dry

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service

There were 7 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, up from 6.7 days the previous week.

Whatcom and Skagit counties reported excessive heat, which required irrigation for most crops. Raspberry harvest was in full swing. Wahkiakum County reported that soil began to dry out, but there was still adequate soil moisture for pastures.

In southwest Washington, the first cutting of hay was underway. In Benton, Klickitat, and Yakima counties, the first cutting of hay was nearly complete. There were some brush fires in Yakima County that skipped over lush fruit orchards. Sweet cherry harvest shifted from early season varieties to later season varieties. Zucchini, yellow squash, and green peas were being harvested. Early planted sweet corn was tasseling. Blueberries were in full bloom, while the raspberry harvest continued. Most hop bines reached the top of their trellises, with some setting flowers.

Pend Oreille and Spokane counties reported favorable crop conditions despite the hot and dry weather. Walla Walla, Columbia, and Franklin counties reported hot and dry conditions as spring crops needed moisture, but winter crops remained in relatively good shape. Lincoln County, like much of the state, was hot and dry. Producers prepared for winter wheat harvest in Asotin and Garfield counties.

Washington crop condition

Winter wheat:
7% very poor
12% poor
29% fair
48% good
4% excellent

Spring wheat:
2% very poor
8% poor
34% fair
47% good
9% excellent

Barley:
3% very poor
6% poor
35% fair
52% good
4% excellent

Dry edible peas:
0% very poor
5% poor
7% fair
84% good
4% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat harvested:
2% this week
0% last week
916% last year
1% 5-year average

Spring wheat headed:
84% this week
71% last week
96% last year
87% 5-year average

Barley headed:
7822% this week
72% last week
7929% last year
87% 5-year average

Dry edible peas harvested:
2% this week
1% last week
NA last year
NA 5-year average

Alfalfa hay 2nd cutting:
37% this week
25% last week
34% last year
34% 5-year average