WAWG
From NASS
There were 6.7 days suitable for field work last week. Pasture and range conditions were reported at 23 percent very poor, 35 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 19 percent good and 1 percent excellent. A low temperature of 27 degrees F was reported in the northeast region, while a high temperature of 84 degrees F was reported in the southeast region. Statewide temperature differentials ranged from 6 degrees below to 4 degrees above normal.
Pastures were suffering in southwestern Washington. Only irrigated pastures or pastures near streams and wetlands were flourishing. Many small streams dried up. With recent rain, some pastures greened up, but they were in poor overall condition. Southern Thurston County was especially suffering; many dry hay producers only took one cutting. Haylage producers had two cuttings. Vegetable crops, unless they were irrigated, were in fair to poor condition. The recent rain and regular dew in Snohomish County promoted the grass coming back. However, the same rain and dew hampered corn harvest. Tomatoes showed some blight, however harvest was nearly over. Peppers were still being harvested.
Jefferson County experienced their first freeze of the year on Sept. 16. This freeze did not harm the potatoes, carrots or beets. Corn harvest was ongoing in Whatcom County. Pastures began to regrow with cool season grasses and legumes in San Juan County. Livestock were on stockpiled feed on many operations. CSA farms continued to harvest fall vegetables along with beans and winter squash. Apples, pears and other tree fruit were harvested in abundance for markets. Almost all grain harvest finished in Klickitat County, and winter wheat planting started.
Adams County had good fall weather conditions for harvest. Dry bean quality was very good. Overall soil moisture in Douglas County was good. Conditions were dry in the Palouse. Producers fertilized and seeded throughout Garfield and Asotin counties. Some producers held off seeding until more moisture arrives.
Washington crop progress:
Winter wheat planted:
65% this week
47% last week
52% last year
57% 5-year average
Winter wheat emerged:
27% this week
10% last week
18% last year
29% 5-year average
Barley harvested:
98% this week
94% last week
99% last year
100% 5-year average
Oats harvested:
96% this week
93% last week
95% last year
NA 5-year average
Dry peas harvested:
98% this week
93% last week
100% last year
100% 5-year average
Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting:
96% this week
94% last week
99% last year
NA 5-year average
Alfalfa hay 4th cutting:
57% this week
52% last week
69% last year
58% 5-year average