Crop progress report 09/17: Washington harvest in full swing

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service

There were 6.9 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, unchanged from the previous week.

Western Washington corn silage and seed potato harvest was in full swing. Final grass cuttings had taken place, and conditions were still dry.

Central Washington had consistent hot and dry temperatures. In Yakima County, producers started to plant some fall grains despite the lack of moisture. Apple harvest continued with Gala, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and assorted Delicious varieties entering the packinghouse. Hop harvest continued. Pumpkin displays appeared at vegetable stands, and plenty of squash, tomatoes, sweet corn, and peppers were still available at farmer’s markets.

Northeast Washington harvest wrapped up, and field prep was underway. The ground was short on moisture for planting, and grazing was getting sparse with the lack of rain.

In east central Washington, most winter wheat planted into summer fallow was complete, with the remaining acreage to be planted in the next month or when adequate rainfall is received.

Southeast Washington experienced continued dry conditions.

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat planted:
41% this week
29% last week
42% last year
46% 5-year average

Winter wheat emerged:
6% this week
4% last week
4% last year
8% 5-year average

Dry edible peas harvested:
95% this week
85% last week
89% last year
89% 5-year average

Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting:
91% this week
86% NA last week
83% last year
89% 5-year average

Alfalfa hay 4th cutting:
54% this week
36% last week
13% last year
36% 5-year average

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