Crop progress report 10/15: Row crop harvest progressed in nice autumn weather

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service

There were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 6.8 days recorded the previous week.

Warm temperatures helped farmers with fall-planted grains. Farmers also made progress harvesting remaining row crops like potatoes, corn, and onions.

Fall moisture was reported in several parts of western and southern Washington. Klickitat County reported rain last week. No killing frost was reported yet this fall, so pastures were still greening up. Grass was green, but not growing very high, which helped preserve hay stocks. Tractors were still in the fields disking up stubble and planting fall forage crops.

More typical fall weather was reported in northeast Washington. Colder morning temperatures were reported. Fall planting wrapped up for most producers. Several livestock producers reported feeding cattle at this point, but the hay crop did well.

Washington crop condition:

Winter wheat:
3% very poor
9% poor
32% fair
52% good
4% excellent

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat planted:
87% this week
77% last week
88% last year
86% 5-year average

Winter wheat emerged:
61% this week
49% last week
61% last year
56% 5-year average

Alfalfa hay 4th cutting:
87% this week
81% last week
75% last year
76% 5-year average